Treadmill + Incline vs. Elliptical + Resistance

RenaHope
RenaHope Posts: 80
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone! I have a question. I really need to find a better source of cardio, however I want one that will help tone my legs pretty effectively. I am wondering which is more effective: walking on the treadmill with incline, or using the elliptical with set resistance?

My legs are the heaviest part of my body, or at least it seems that way. I don't want them to smush together when I walk anymore! Too much sweat and rashes and well, you know. It's uncomfortable.

Replies

  • fhsjewfro
    fhsjewfro Posts: 101 Member
    spot reducing is a myth. get on a healthy diet, get to a healthy calorie deficit, dont go overboard with the cardio (i see this the most honestly) and fat will come off from all over your body, and yes eventually, it will come off of your legs as well

    good luck!
  • mamasmaltz3
    mamasmaltz3 Posts: 1,111 Member
    I love my eliptical. I definitely feel the burn in my thighs as compared to my calves when I walk. Obviously your goal is to lose weight so that will definitely help with your problem. But, you can tone that area. I would also recommend weight training. I still have fat to lose on my thighs but I feel toned and much stronger. That helps to keep me motivated because I know when I finally get to my goal weight I am gong to have some nice legs!
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    At just 5'2", I don't feel like the elliptical fits me well. I have tried, and the only one I can do for more than a minute is the seated elliptical. I can walk for AGES on the treadmill. A few months ago I found the setting for hill intervals. I am on level 4, and it goes up to almost a 4% incline at some points. I have lost at LEAST a good inch or more off my thighs in the last few months. My thighs are smaller now than they were when I was 30# lighter!
  • RenaHope
    RenaHope Posts: 80
    Great tips everyone, thanks so much! To mama, I definitely agree with you in that I like feeling the burn in my thighs. Weight training would be great, I'm still looking around for a good gym to go to. And sarah, I am short as well, so sometimes I find that the elliptical just feels awkward. I'm 5"1. Thanks for sharing your results with the incline, I feel like that's the option I'm probably going to go to.
  • simplyme99
    simplyme99 Posts: 68 Member
    I've *heard* the treadmill with an incline is better than elliptical (from my friend's trainer).
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    Great tips everyone, thanks so much! To mama, I definitely agree with you in that I like feeling the burn in my thighs. Weight training would be great, I'm still looking around for a good gym to go to. And sarah, I am short as well, so sometimes I find that the elliptical just feels awkward. I'm 5"1. Thanks for sharing your results with the incline, I feel like that's the option I'm probably going to go to.

    My pleasure. The incline function on the treadmills at my gym alternates every minute--one minute at an incline ( varies according to level) and the next minute at 0% incline, then the next minute at a % again. the pattern changes every day!
  • taylor5877
    taylor5877 Posts: 1,792 Member
    There is no subsitute for good ole resistance training. Anything else is building endurance not gaining strength/muscle.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Only thing that really matters is the level of intensity that you put in. Just pick something that you like to do and bust your *kitten*.

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