Elyptical vs. tread mills

[RadiantPebble]

How are they different? I can only use the elyptical right now because of my knee, but I feel like I am getting a better workout anyway. I also feel as though it says I get to mile markers faster than I would running or on a tread mill. Any input?

 

[Essentia]

I have found that an elliptical works me out better as well. It's also far less strain on my legs.

I wish I had one that I have access to (I work at a hotel, but it is for guest use only). I have a "Gazelle" at home that does a pretty good job, but it's far from an elliptical.

 

[James2]

How are they different? I can only use the elyptical right now because of my knee, but I feel like I am getting a better workout anyway. I also feel as though it says I get to mile markers faster than I would running or on a tread mill. Any input?

Your energy expenditure is different on each of these machines. The eliptical is touted as being a lower impact exercise than the treadmill or roadwork is (easier on all of your joints). If you are doing your cardio with only the goal of burning calories in mind, then stick with what you like best, and what works best for you. If you are using the machines with the intent to turn that exercise into applicable strength/stamina more efficiently, then roadwork is your best choice (followed by the treadmill).

 

[IrishRich]

I`m in the same position with the treadmill, it has given me a sore and stiff knee so I stick to the cross trainer, rowing machine and bike as there is less weight being put on my knee. I still get a great workout and the treadmill doesnt have to be the holy grail of cardio workout machines. I add in some road running which doesnt hurt my knee and some swimming which is great cardio but not stressful on joints. Mix your workouts up and get outside the gym once in a while if you can.

 

[RadiantPebble]

The problem with getting out of the gym, even for walks sometimes is that I'm from Montana, and once you put on enough clothing to keep warm enough to function, BAM, you can't walk because you are wearing seven pairs of pants!

I do get what you're saying and I think I will switch between elliptical and bikes in the gym.

 

[jmoe]

I prefer the elliptical - less impact on the joints. However, once I lose 20 pounds or so, I want to begin jogging.

 

[RadiantPebble]

I prefer the elliptical - less impact on the joints. However, once I lose 20 pounds or so, I want to begin jogging.

I wish I could jog, but I can't with my knee. Even after the surgery, it's going to be four to six months before I would be able to. How is your 20 pounds coming along? It's great that you have long term goals like working up to jogging!

 

[iamfire1]

Each has its own benefits

Morning,

I used to do the elliptical as my sole form of cardio at the gym - backwards, forwards, level 20, level 10, etc. I got a great workout!

As my leg problems increased, however, I found using the elliptical became more painful (I have a bone tumor on my right femur that juts out an inch from the bone, and really irritates the muscles). The up/down motion really started causing me problems.

Thus, I returned to the treadmill. Since that's walking on a more-or-less level surface, my workout problems disappeared. And because I could ramp it up to level 15 and keep it at a brisk pace for 53 minutes, I was able to get my heart rate up there and sweat out a storm.

After surgery recovery, I plan (hope plead wish for) to return to using the elliptical...but we'll see how things turn out.

I would recommend for you to try both and see what works best for your own particular condition.

Data points,

Barbara

 

[snookums]

I'm currently a heavy girl and so naturally when i have a high impact workout i ache alot and find myself in pain, however when i compare the workouts i get on both the treadmill and the elliptical i prefer the treadmill.

When i use it i warm up walking for 5 mins, then run for 10, then walk at a very steep incline for 10 followed by 5 mins cool down.
When i use the elliptical i experience so much pain in my feet and knees i have to stop at 20 mins.

I don't know if maybe the shoes im wearing are cheap on un-cushioned, which is why im experiencing foot pain or if i don't have the right momentum.

Overall i feel i get a better workout on the treadmill though, i feel like it targets my whole body alot better.

 

[sammyboy24]

I feel like the treadmill gives me a better workout than the elliptical. Maybe it's just me and the fact that when I am on the treadmill I am running. I still do use the elliptical frequently though. It is a good warm up, then I get on the treadmill and start running...

-Sam