Treadmill vs. Eliptical

[Unoriginal Name]

The wife and I want to get in to shape and maybe lose some weight. We are looking into buying either a treadmill or an eliptical. Any advice on which is better or what I should be looking for, etc?

Thanks.

[mjb2124]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I went through the same thing about a year ago. I bought an elliptical. I did so because I felt an elliptical gave me a better all around workout than a treadmill. I'm still happy with the purchase.

This is the one I bought:

http://www.nordictrack.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_12401_10301_21101_-1_19053

[TheTruth916]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

The wife and I want to get in to shape and maybe lose some weight. We are looking into buying either a treadmill or an eliptical. Any advice on which is better or what I should be looking for, etc?

Thanks.

It really depends on what your going to use it for. Also if you happen to have bad knees and back problems...you might want to stay away from a treadmill. So the Eliptical would be a better choice.

[Unoriginal Name]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

It really depends on what your going to use it for. Also if you happen to have bad knees and back problems...you might want to stay away from a treadmill. So the Eliptical would be a better choice.

Is there an easy way to tell which would be right for us?

[Nivek]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

Eliptical by FAR...easier on the knees, more advanced training programs, burns more fat as handle bars provides more of a core workout, and most elipitcals have better warrenties.

[Shaver]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I disagree with one thing... it's less "impact" on your knees... but if you've got any past knee injuries from sports, ellipticals are not very friendly. My knees got pretty tore up in HS and college and I struggle on the elliptical. But... VERY TRUE... they burn fat and calories up to 1/3 faster than a treadmill.

[23]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

How about an eliptical bike? The kind you sit on?

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

For my personal wellness class we have to come up with a goal for the semester and how to obtain that goal. I decided I wanted to try and lose 20 pounds and I set up an easy diet (basically just limiting my total calorie intake) and exercise regimen. For the exercise part I originally chose an exercise bike, but when the belt broke I had to find another option. My choices were a treadmill and an elliptical machine (The Gazelle as its named). Personally, I chose the elliptical because I think the treadmill is boring and where it is placed I wouldn't be able to listen to music with my headphones. Plus, I think that the elliptical works more of the body compared to a treadmill as you're using both your arms and your legs in a "twisting" fashion. Although I burn more calories on the bike than on the elliptical, I find the elliptical more tiring and an overall better work out.

[bkfount]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I'll also say the eliptical.

I can run for awhile on the treadmill, but an eliptical gets the burn on in like 10 minutes on high speeds. I think the calories are about the same in the grand scheme of things, but an eliptical makes you feel like you've had a better workout.

[p_rushing]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

You need to go try it out. I don't like elipticals because you don't lift you feet up, just doesn't feel right to me. It is less impact, but I can't get used to them though.

[bgeno]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I dont feel like I get the workout on an Elliptical machine that I do on a treadmill. If I dont feel like running the track at the gym, I'll hit up the treadmill for 20 minutes.

I've just never felt comfortable on an Elliptical or any other fixed foot machine... aside from a stair master.

[bgeno]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

Also, if you go with an eliptical, you want to try to avoid anything with a single wheel in the back. The "cricket leg" machines are typically much better. Dont be afraid to spring for a better/more expensive machine if you can afford it... it's awful to have a clunky, awkward elliptical.

[Lintyfresh85]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I love the eliptical, it burns so many more calories for me, and there's hardly any stress on my body. Can't ever see myself going back to a treadmill personally.

[jmw1137]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I too can't stand elipiticals...just feels weird.

We got a Vision treadmill with an orthopedic belt. It feels very smooth and my wife, who uses the treadmills at our gym (brand new LA Fitness with all brand new equipment) says she prefers running at home to the gym since it's a smoother/softer run at home.

If you get a treadmill I highly recommend the orthopedic belt.

[marque1d]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I walk with a limp and it's pretty much impossible for me to run because I end up dragging my right leg and just about trip over myself while trying to keep a stride. (I have signs of multiple sclerosis and I find out this week if I will be officially diagnosed with the condition) With the Elliptical I like the way you can more naturally adjust your speed and the resistance. I haven't run on a treadmill in a few years but considering how bad my limp has gotten I can't imagine actually being able to run on one. I almost feel bad now for walking some of my routes during cross country practice back in high school.