We're looking to invest in something but aren't sure which to get. Dom isn't sure he'd like the elliptical. He has a bad back, and I'm wondering if that wouldn't be good especially if he ends up leaning forward a little. Definitely, it would be good in the sense that it's low to no impact on his back.
I think I would prefer the elliptical over a treadmill, since I can go walk/run outside (but do I actually do it? no). The nice thing about a treadmill, though, is that we can get one that folds up and so it'll take up less space. Plus, if I want to get in to running more it'll be nice to have so I can get runs in while baby is napping or when the weather is bad.
treadmill burns more calories. elliptical is less strain on knees and back.
also, fwiw, i have degenerative disc disease in my lower back and the elliptical does not bother my back at all. i don't feel the need to lean at all.
really?
I didn't know that, I thought the elliptical burned more?
I know I've burned over 500 calories in 40 minutes, depending on the setting I have the elliptical on.
That treadmill must burn a ton if it burns more!
-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 5th of May 2011 12:23:55 PM
i always thought elliptical burned more too??? or, at least the kind where you are moving your arms and legs (not sure about the kind that your arms are still, but that is probably less).
i prefer elliptical mostly because i have bad knees.
running on a treadmill burns more calories than running on an elliptical.
i guess walking might vary.
i know when i was power walking on the treadmill and set it on a high incline (12 or so), i def burned more calories than when i was on the elliptical for the same amount of time (30-45 mins).
I think it completely depends on how you use it, in terms of burning calories. If you are running, you will burn more calories than a typical setting on the elliptical. But if you are walking, no incline, etc, the elliptical burns more with similar exertion. I think it is really hard to compare the two in terms of which gives the better workout because there are factors as to how you use each. Perhaps the overall potential for calories burned is higher with a treadmill-but will that really come to pass day to day? IDK.
Anyway, we have a treadmill and Bill uses it. I rarely do. I would rather go to the gym and use the elliptical (not that I have been lately!!) I find treadmills intensely boring, and I like the low impact of the elliptical. But we can't sacrifice the space for two pieces in this house, and I agree about the folding up.
Bottom line is the best one for you is the one you will actually use!!! (but I myself prefer the elliptical. Bill prefers the treadmill because he runs. I run if I am trying to get away from something or if my kids need to be saved. That is pretty much it, lol.)
running on a treadmill burns more calories than running on an elliptical.
i guess walking might vary.
i know when i was power walking on the treadmill and set it on a high incline (12 or so), i def burned more calories than when i was on the elliptical for the same amount of time (30-45 mins).
gotcha
there is NO way I could ever run on an elliptical
how in the world do you hold on to the arm things while they're moving, and run, and not fall?
Ditto. Get the one you would use. Which for me would be treadmill. I have never been able to get the hang of an eliptical. Makes my feet cramp, and I am super uncoordinated.
I have always prefered the elliptical. But that's because as much as I love running when I'm in the groove, I have a hard time starting back up. Elliptical is less stress and I feel like I can come in even after a long lapse at a higher starting point.
I'm excited you are getting something for the house. I know how much you want to start working out again and how hard it is to squeeze in with the kids.
I cannot do high impact stuff, so running on treadmill is out for me. If I had a choice it would be elliptical. I have a bad back from running in my prior life. The doctor said no treadmill.
Now I just have a treadmill. I think it's really a personal preference - I, myself, hate the elliptical with the fiery passion of a thousand suns. Now, I don't particularly enjoy exercising, tbh, but I dislike the treadmill much less than the huge amount of hatred I have for ellipticals.
I voted treadmill. Back in february I bought an elliptical cause I know that for me an elliptical is more effective (that is, there is no cheating on it, a treadmill is easy to put on a slow walk and waffle away your workout time). I keep wishing I had got a treadmill instead, I know I would use it more and I could fold it up when I'm not using it - though our elliptical fold up too, just not as small.
I have an elliptical but if I had a choice (I've always bought used cheap ellipticals), I think I would do a treadmill. That way, on days when I wanted a real work out, I could jog. On my lazy days, I could walk.
Good luck making a decision! I agree that you should get the one you will actually use!
Treadmill it is. Dom tried an elliptical at his hotel this week, he didn't like it. He's never really liked them or felt comfortable on them. Time to go shopping!
Jo, I forget the name of the place (I'll ask Bill), and idk if there are places like this around you, but we got ours used from a place that refurbished club quality ones. We have never had a problem with it, and it is much nicer than ones you buy most places. Plus it was cheaper. Just a thought!
