Treadmill vs. Eliptical

[pk500]

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.

Why not save a lot of money and just go for a run or a power walk? Or if you're in a winter climate, you'll get a phenomenal workout from cross-country skiing and can get into a complete set of equipment for about $150 each.

Finally, swimming also is a great workout if you have a public lap pool nearby. I think it's boring as hell, but it's a great workout.

I know workout equipment is popular, but it always seems such a waste of money to me other than weightlifting equipment. You don't need expensive cardiovascular workout equipment to get in shape.

You can get a fine cardiovascular workout with a $100 pair of running shoes and the great outdoors and see more than the TV or a wall in your place. Same with swimming, cross-country skiing, ice skating, rollerblading, etc., etc.

Just my 7 cents. Good luck with your workout routine!

Take care,
PK

[Chrono]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

Every elliptical will feel a little different, so it's important to try one out before you buy it. I used to hate them because they always felt like they were throwing me off of them... but the wife and I finally found one that we both liked over a year ago, and still use it all the time. We are both short, so I think that's why I had trouble with most of them.

While an elliptical can bother certain types of injuries, there is MUCH less pounding and impact on your knee and ankle joints then a treadmill. I have problems with my Achilles tendons, and my orthopedic Dr. highly recommended an elliptical over a treadmill. I have minor knee issues as well from my soccer days, and the elliptical doesn't bother me at all. It's no secret that running in general is not good for your joints and tendons... however the positive effects do usually outweigh the negative ones!

I've run a lot on both over the years, and in my opinion it comes down to what your goals are. I personally get a better cardiovascular workout on a treadmill, but I feel it a lot more in my legs on an elliptical. For fat burning and/or general fitness both are great. We went with the elliptical due to my Dr.'s recommendation, plus I just figured I can always go outside if I want to run, but can't really replicate the motion of an elliptical!

[Aggies7]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I figured I would post my question here instead of creating a new thread.

I was running on the treadmill yesterday evening and I was at 2.125 mi. running 6 mph, and I began to hear a clicking noise and then it just stopped. The motor sounded like it was still running, but the belt would just spin with no resistance. I was wondering if anyone has seen this happen before and if there is a fix. Its almost like the belt is off track, but not sure if that is the problem.

Oh and yea I did run directly into the bar when the belt stopped moving. I was pissed and to make matters worse my girlfriend had just came down to the basement, which of course made me the butt of all her jokes for the next few hours.

[ehh]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

Neither, get outside and run/sprint or walk if your a beginner.

[Jon22]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

Yeah, I'm going with neither, also. But, I prefer to use the sit-down bicycle machine. It's really great on the legs and I break a good sweat... I can't seem to get any type of workout/burn on a treadmill.

[stewaat]

Re: Treadmill vs. Eliptical

I am in the category that believes the elliptical is a "feel good" machine.

I do, however, like the arc trainer. I believe it makes you work harder and I can actually sweat on it.