We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Eliptical or treadmill

nina1968
nina1968 Posts: 86 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I had just bought an eliptical because i have a treadmill and only do that. So i was just wondering what people like better? And which machine you feel you get a better workout with.

Replies

  • Grandysl
    Grandysl Posts: 189
    Bowflex treadclimber. Best of both worlds and burns more calories in less time!
  • Colbyandsage
    Colbyandsage Posts: 751 Member
    I have both. I like elliptical better :)
  • frosty73
    frosty73 Posts: 424 Member
    The best one is the one you like to use. I love the elliptical, and I can read while working out. I cannot read while working on the treadmill.
  • heavenlyhazel
    heavenlyhazel Posts: 89 Member
    Just checked out the Bowflex...yikes on the price...but it looks cool!!!
  • mogriff1
    mogriff1 Posts: 325 Member
    I incorporate them both in my workout regimine...I tend to burn more calories on the elliptical and I like the 'low impact' benefit on my joints. Its like running but not so to speak. I also like the fact that I can pedal backwards on it and get a varying workout by working different muscles.
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    I like the elliptical better.
  • nina1968
    nina1968 Posts: 86 Member
    How fast do most people go on the eliptical? Should i be going as fast as i can or just go at an easy pace?
  • Ladyzumba
    Ladyzumba Posts: 217 Member
    I think that the elliptical gives a better workout unless u r running on the treadmill.
  • menutrit
    menutrit Posts: 19
    Treadmill! I hate how my toes go numb on an elliptical :(
  • LilRedRooster
    LilRedRooster Posts: 1,421 Member
    Really depends what your goals are. If you like the low-impact workout, and are going more for calorie burn, the elliptical is a good investment. The treadmill is actual running, so if you're looking to get more of that in, then a treadmill is worthwhile. I wish I had a treadmill for the days when it's crappy outside and I need to get in a run. One day, I will have one. One day.
  • MMarvelous
    MMarvelous Posts: 1,067 Member
    I don't like walking in place and prefer to walk outside. I prefer the elliptical but I now do the arc trainer.
  • swall0810
    swall0810 Posts: 148 Member
    I do both. I start on the treadmill walking and jogging to warm up and then jump on the Elliptical. I like both equally.
  • Le_Joy
    Le_Joy Posts: 549 Member
    I like the elliptical better. Partly because it moves the speed I go. It makes me feel like I am doing more instead of just trying to keep up.
  • docjoe
    docjoe Posts: 65 Member
    Treadmill! I hate how my toes go numb on an elliptical :(

    This. I have both, prefer the treadmill but the elliptical is great when I want to give the joints a break. I can't go much more than 30 minutes due to the numb toe thing. But I much prefer running.
  • ImSoPerfectlyFlawed
    ImSoPerfectlyFlawed Posts: 127 Member
    I use both at the gym, my preference is the treadmill but I burn more calories in a shorter amount of time on the elliptical however it gives me that numb feeling in my feet :ohwell:
  • ariant23
    ariant23 Posts: 161 Member
    Treadmill! I hate how my toes go numb on an elliptical :(

    This. I have both, prefer the treadmill but the elliptical is great when I want to give the joints a break. I can't go much more than 30 minutes due to the numb toe thing. But I much prefer running.

    Adjust your stance and check your shoes. Make sure you're not running on your toes. I used to have this problem. Make sure your heel stays on the pedal and that your shoes aren't too tight. Most people will have some swelling in their feet during a work-out. Tie your shoes accordingly. If you own your own, try going barefoot or in socks.

    PS, I vote elliptical. You should have the resistance up and a decent speed.
  • Awkward30
    Awkward30 Posts: 1,927 Member
    How fast do most people go on the eliptical? Should i be going as fast as i can or just go at an easy pace?

    To get cardiovascular benefits, you need to get your heart rate up a bit. What I like to do is high intensity interval training (HIIT). I typically go easy for 5 minutes to warm up, then do cycles of 1 minute as fast as I can and 2 minutes of easy recovery. I can only go 20ish minutes with this before I'm spent.
  • monicamk1975
    monicamk1975 Posts: 298 Member
    I have both, but had the eliptical first and got really bored of it really quickly. My husband just bought me a treadmill for mothers day and I love it! I really like how intense a good run feels.
  • nina1968
    nina1968 Posts: 86 Member
    Thank you all so much. You have all been such a big help. Have a great weekend.
  • christina_theresa
    christina_theresa Posts: 290 Member
    I prefer to run outside. I feel like a caged hamster when I am on a treadmill. That being said, I do love to use the elliptical on my cross train days for low impact high intensity.
  • Armygirl67
    Armygirl67 Posts: 177 Member
    I love my treadmill..And loved the treadclimber machine at the gym, wish it would be cheaper so i could buy one.
  • christina_theresa
    christina_theresa Posts: 290 Member
    How fast do most people go on the eliptical? Should i be going as fast as i can or just go at an easy pace?

    This really depends on what you're looking to achieve. Are you new to cardio or training for an event? When I use the elliptical I will turn up the resistance and try to keep my heart rate around 160-170. When I do shorter runs I try to run fast and hard; when I do long runs I try to pace myself at a comfortable speed.
  • Grandysl
    Grandysl Posts: 189
    Just checked out the Bowflex...yikes on the price...but it looks cool!!!

    It is pricey, but I think it is worth it because, it is the best of both worlds. It only gets up to about 4 mph, but I can not run so that is fine, and so far the fastest I have been able to do is about 3.3.

    I got it and I saved money abd space over get both. I get a GREAT calorie burn in a shorter period of time than an elliptical, and I thought I could never enjoy anything more than the elliptical!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories