eliptical, bike, or treadmill?
- Thread starter Ashes
- Start date
sirant
New member
Easy!
The best machine, exercise, diet or weight loss technique is the one you like the most and can stick to indefinitely. Personally I detest both, as most of the ones I have seen or used are in a corner of a gym or basement somewhere and have you staring at a wall all day long. I prefer actually walking/running in the great outdoors where I see life moving around me, not paint peeling off the walls. But other people absolutely love both elipticals and/or treadmills and enjoy using them. And power to them! Whatever works is definitely best!
The most important thing is to find the one YOU like best and stick with it.
sirant
The best machine, exercise, diet or weight loss technique is the one you like the most and can stick to indefinitely. Personally I detest both, as most of the ones I have seen or used are in a corner of a gym or basement somewhere and have you staring at a wall all day long. I prefer actually walking/running in the great outdoors where I see life moving around me, not paint peeling off the walls. But other people absolutely love both elipticals and/or treadmills and enjoy using them. And power to them! Whatever works is definitely best!
The most important thing is to find the one YOU like best and stick with it.
sirant
lindseybot3k
New member
I love my recumbent bike! I think what causes people not to break out in a sweat on them is that they don't go fast enough to on them and do it very....lackadaisical-like. It's my go-to exercise when I'm at home, but at school where I have access to a gym, I do 20 minutes on a exercise bike (not a recumbent one if I can help it), 20 on the eliptical and 20 on the treadmill to keep me not bored.
Judyb
New member
So when/why did the cross country ski machine (Nordic track) seem to fall out of favor.
I know there is a small learning curve with them...but they seem to provide a very efficient workout and it's low impact. The machine doesn't require electricity to work. It has no motor to break down either.
I know there is a small learning curve with them...but they seem to provide a very efficient workout and it's low impact. The machine doesn't require electricity to work. It has no motor to break down either.
yarmiah
New member
Funny you mention that one, Judy. I dusted off and cleaned my Nordik Trak back in August and have been doing it ever since as my main source of exercise. I agree, there is some "getting used to" how it works, but its like riding a bike. It's a great way to get your cardio in, and I enjoy mine quite a bit.
Beatlesboy
New member
I've always done the treadmill. It works almost like a coach pushing me to work harder than I normally might when I set the speed higher and increase the incline. If I don't keep up, I'll fall off!
I tried the eliptical once for about 5 seconds. It was very uncomfortable for me. It felt weird.
When I first started the treadmill the speed was always below 3.0 on an incline no higher than 8. Today I was doing 3.7 mph on a 6.5 incline. I love the incline as it means I don't have to run (still a big boy) to get a amazing work out. I can lift a lot more with my leg muscles now when I do lower body weights and I think it has a lot to do with the incline on the treadmill.
I tried the eliptical once for about 5 seconds. It was very uncomfortable for me. It felt weird.
When I first started the treadmill the speed was always below 3.0 on an incline no higher than 8. Today I was doing 3.7 mph on a 6.5 incline. I love the incline as it means I don't have to run (still a big boy) to get a amazing work out. I can lift a lot more with my leg muscles now when I do lower body weights and I think it has a lot to do with the incline on the treadmill.
Judyb
New member
I used to use a cheapo/generic cross country machine back in the early 90s. When I decided I wanted to lose weight and work out, I was really leaning towards an elliptical or treadmill but my BF found the Nordic Track at a yard sale for only $5 so he bought it for me. The best $5 ever spent!
Beatlesboy
New member
After developing a blister on the bottom of my foot from too much treadmill 
I decided to try the eliptical today.
It was hard at first; had burning sensation in my quads. After 12 minutes it got easier, then later became hard. After 30 minutes I decided that I like it...for now. It seems like a fun machine and time went faster than being on a treadmill for me.
I decided to try the eliptical today.It was hard at first; had burning sensation in my quads. After 12 minutes it got easier, then later became hard. After 30 minutes I decided that I like it...for now. It seems like a fun machine and time went faster than being on a treadmill for me.
pentaris2003
New member
The best one for you is the one you will use. Try them out and see what feels good to *you*.
I tried, and hated, ellipticals and use an older Nordic track skier they were based upon (I feel more in control), it also gives a full body workout but has a learning curve. my sister-in-law got rid of her elliptical for a gym membership.
My husband likes to ride a bike outside (he has a breathable/waterproof rain suit to stay dry - it works). I have a friend who likes a treadmill. those two only work the lower body.
pentaris2003
New member
Nordic Track went out of business in 1998.
Basically, they overextended their company. The NAME was purchased by ICON fitness. They now make a ski machine (didn't originally - some clause in the purchase contract), "classic pro", but there are differences to the original machine. (besides being made in china). The genuine, made in the USA, ski machines are no longer in production. However, they were so well made, with proper maintenance, they will last forever. There are a number of places on ebay/online that sell refurbished ones (beware as some are just plain used as opposed to overhauled), as well as replacement parts, including free instructions, to do it yourself and keep yours in top form. One seller is a trained Nordic Track technician from over 20 years ago. You can also buy the parts to upgrade the features of one you already own. When I read somewhere that setting the incline will increase muscle tone workout in the lower abdominals (something *really* affected by pregnancy), I immediately put mine up a couple notches. I've noticed the difference already.
going21
New member
All of them!
It doenst matter really as far as weight loss goes... Just pick the one that's going to make you workout at a moderate-to-high intensity for at least 30 minutes and then after 2-3 weeks on 1 machine - Switch and do another one before your body gets used to one machine
It doenst matter really as far as weight loss goes... Just pick the one that's going to make you workout at a moderate-to-high intensity for at least 30 minutes and then after 2-3 weeks on 1 machine - Switch and do another one before your body gets used to one machine
I've been using a crosstrainer at the local gym, and must say it is quite a workout. I like it, but it usually goes a little faster than I would like to go at the moment. Maybe when I lose some more weight though, I will like it more than the treadmill.
As for bikes, I must say I like them. It is a lot easier for me to do long periods of time on a bike. I also have an easier time reading on a bike than on a treadmill. Most of that seems to be because of the lack of upper body movement, and my head doesn't bob. When listening to music and reading, time flies.
As for bikes, I must say I like them. It is a lot easier for me to do long periods of time on a bike. I also have an easier time reading on a bike than on a treadmill. Most of that seems to be because of the lack of upper body movement, and my head doesn't bob. When listening to music and reading, time flies.
I like all three for different reasons:
Bike - so I can read a magazine at the same time
I usually use this on a low stress, low level workout day. Basically if I am exhausted from work, or am just completely not in the mood
Stairclimber - because it works your bum and thighs. The most amazing feeling in the world, and I get the most satisfaction out of this. Maybe because I'm a woman
Treadmill - Now really......I don't like the treadmill cause I fell off one one time, and I'd much rather run outside with better surroundings. However, in the winter that can be a problem. The treadmill is great for the calves though.
Ellyptical - All around workout. If you are getting a machine for home, I'd probably buy one of these. Either that or a bike.
Rowing machine - I am addicted to these, and they work your thighs and triceps. Some of the most beautiful muscles
Anyways - if it's for home I'd get an ellyptical or bike to answer your question
Bike - so I can read a magazine at the same time
I usually use this on a low stress, low level workout day. Basically if I am exhausted from work, or am just completely not in the moodStairclimber - because it works your bum and thighs. The most amazing feeling in the world, and I get the most satisfaction out of this. Maybe because I'm a woman
Treadmill - Now really......I don't like the treadmill cause I fell off one one time, and I'd much rather run outside with better surroundings. However, in the winter that can be a problem. The treadmill is great for the calves though.
Ellyptical - All around workout. If you are getting a machine for home, I'd probably buy one of these. Either that or a bike.
Rowing machine - I am addicted to these, and they work your thighs and triceps. Some of the most beautiful muscles
Anyways - if it's for home I'd get an ellyptical or bike to answer your question
I am quite new to exercise, I started in December last year. At the moment, I have got myself up to doing 65mins on the X-Trainer, 40mins on Bike and 20mins on Rower. I love all three because I watch the Simpsons on my mobile phone whilst doing them all (apart from the rower)!!
I also try and make sure my heart rate is above 180bpm for all of the X-Training, which is really tough but is very enjoyable when you pass the pain barrier. Not sure how I will feel once I run out of episodes to watch!!
I think once I am below 180lbs, I will start using the Treadmill, but until then, I will stay on X-Trainer, Bike and Rower because they are all low impact but high intensity (depending on resistance and effort, obviously).
I think to summarise, do a mix.. you will soon find the one you know you can stick at.
I also try and make sure my heart rate is above 180bpm for all of the X-Training, which is really tough but is very enjoyable when you pass the pain barrier. Not sure how I will feel once I run out of episodes to watch!!
I think once I am below 180lbs, I will start using the Treadmill, but until then, I will stay on X-Trainer, Bike and Rower because they are all low impact but high intensity (depending on resistance and effort, obviously).
I think to summarise, do a mix.. you will soon find the one you know you can stick at.
I am quite new to exercise, I started in December last year. At the moment, I have got myself up to doing 65mins on the X-Trainer, 40mins on Bike and 20mins on Rower. I love all three because I watch the Simpsons on my mobile phone whilst doing them all (apart from the rower)!!
I also try and make sure my heart rate is above 180bpm for all of the X-Training, which is really tough but is very enjoyable when you pass the pain barrier. Not sure how I will feel once I run out of episodes to watch!!
I think once I am below 180lbs, I will start using the Treadmill, but until then, I will stay on X-Trainer, Bike and Rower because they are all low impact but high intensity (depending on resistance and effort, obviously).
I think to summarise, do a mix.. you will soon find the one you know you can stick at.
Wow. That's a lot of time on the crosstrainer. I break a sweat on the one I workout to in under 8minutes LOL. I'm not in very good shape though. I tend to do 15% resistance, and it claims I'm at a pace for 550calories an hour. I just have a problem with keeping up at a steady speed. Maybe I should just try and pull through a 30minute workout though...
Trust me, I break a sweat just as quick! I am probably doing it all wrong. I have been told by lots of people that I should only do 20mins max of intense exercise. But between you and me, sometimes I have a sneaky McDonalds for breakfast, so I feel really really guilty and ramp up the exercise to burn the equivalent of (what I ate + all my normal exercise = lots of pain) so I can go to bed with a clear consience!
Trust me, I break a sweat just as quick! I am probably doing it all wrong. I have been told by lots of people that I should only do 20mins max of intense exercise. But between you and me, sometimes I have a sneaky McDonalds for breakfast, so I feel really really guilty and ramp up the exercise to burn the equivalent of (what I ate + all my normal exercise = lots of pain) so I can go to bed with a clear consience!
I actually read in a book that an egg mcmuffin has only 310calories. That's less than or equivalent to a bagel with light cream cheese. Heck, I always eat Frosted Mini Wheats for breakfast with 1% milk, and I can almost guarantee that it has more than 310calories.