Elliptical or Treadmill or what

[wdwiala]

Ok, so I'm chunky and need to do something about it. I think in the next month I will buy some sort of exercise equipment. I'm good with monotonous things like treadmill walking. Yet, I was wondering if I should get an elliptical machine instead. Do they work your backside? I could use some help there... Anyone got some opinions on exercise equipment?

 

[ml05ries]

Its not monotonous, but I just started Zumba and I really like it. Time goes by fast doing it, and you sweat like crazy. I've been doing it about a week and I feel great. I'm not the type of person to go to exercise classes so I bought the DVD kit for about $60. It looks kinda complicated when you watch videos on youtube, but the kit includes a basics section for learning all the moves. Its a lot of fun

 

[krcit]

I like the eliptical...well, like isn't exactly the word but for some reason I'm not as bored on that as the treadmill. I do think it helps my butt a little

 

[daisy2]

I have been working out since October of 2009. I started out on the eliptical doing about 3 minutes I am now up to 40 to 50 minutes each day and I use the treadmill for a half hour. I have lost 35 pounds an have dropped 7 sizes in clothing so yeah The eliptical does the job.

 

[cepmom]

I prefer the treadmill...had a problem with plantar fascitis and stopped using the treadmill. I got an elliptical instead that I had to stop using due to a knee problem. so I went back to the treadmill and I see a much more noticeable difference in my legs and butt. The elliptical is still sitting in my family room after 5 months of not using it so I think I'm going to get rid of it now.

 

[wdwiala]

I have been working out since October of 2009. I started out on the eliptical doing about 3 minutes I am now up to 40 to 50 minutes each day and I use the treadmill for a half hour. I have lost 35 pounds an have dropped 7 sizes in clothing so yeah The eliptical does the job.

That's awesome!

 

[Kara]

I have a bad back and started working out in January...The treadmill is rough on me so I try to do the elliptical more and it does help the backside!! LOL!! I would get the elliptical!

 

[Octoberbride03]

My advice would be to NOT buy anything expensive like an elliptical unless you are sure you will stick with it. Also be sure you have the room for a big clunky piece of equipment like that.

Here's what I've used to lose so far 70+lbs in the past 6.5yrs. Workout Videos Dirt cheap and easy to do. Switch off when you get bored or exceed the goals for the current workout. I started off with Leslie Sansone then moved on to a Stability ball video, and now I do Power Fit with a resistance band and partnering it with my stability ball. The ball video has an upper body section with weights so I'm currently at 5lbs for those. And that's all i use. That's also all I have room for, but that combination has worked wonders for me without breaking my bank.

 

[Octoberbride03]

I have a bad back and started working out in January...The treadmill is rough on me so I try to do the elliptical more and it does help the backside!! LOL!! I would get the elliptical!

Have you done any core work at all? If you work your core section it may very well help you with your back because you will be strengthening the muscles that support it. Your core is basically the tummy/abdomen area but there are 29 muscles in it. So ab routines or yoga might work for you. I know the core sections of my dvds have really worked for my back.

 

[themilesfamily]

If you don't want to invest a lot of money, try the Walk Away the Pounds videos & exercise balls.

As for equipment, I prefer the elliptical because it's easier on my knees. The treadmill gives me ankle problems and foot problems if I push myself too hard or if I overuse it.

But I like to alternate between the two from time to time, so I joined a gym that has both.

 

[momrek06]

I w/o everyday. I alternate between the treadmill, elliptical and free weights!

I absolutely love the elliptical the best.

 

[LoriABil]

Basically, it depends on
1. You. If you have joint problems, an elliptical us probably the way to go. If elliptical hurts, recumbent bike is an option.
2. The Equipment. An elliptical with too long or too short a stride will be no good. A narrow treadmill is 6x more likely to cause knee pain than running on concrete.
3. How it will be used. Elliptical with upper body movement will give more cardio benefit than a treadmill at the same mph. But you will burn more calories at higher speeds on a t/m than an elliptical at the same speed.

Are there any gyms nearby offering free trial memberships? Then, you could try the equipment. Who knows. You might even find a gym that's s good fit, price wise and workout wise

 

[bumbershoot]

I like the Elliptical. It doesn't hurt my joints, but then I'm not one to have to hold on to the sides (I put my palms over the heart rate monitors, but I'm not supporting myself) like I see others do...I imagine they are hurting their joints by doing something to an extent where they *have to* hold on...

And YES it has changed the strength of my muscles. We live in a downtown area, and although walking to the bank etc is at a nice downhill slope, getting back home is all uphill. And recently I noticed that I can even accelerate while walking home, while before it was just a long slog home. So it's really changed things for the better!

I have been working out since October of 2009. I started out on the eliptical doing about 3 minutes I am now up to 40 to 50 minutes each day and I use the treadmill for a half hour. I have lost 35 pounds an have dropped 7 sizes in clothing so yeah The eliptical does the job.

What am I doing wrong??? I do an hour on the "interval" setting ("they" say that doing interval work is really good for you), my heart rate is up there, etc etc...and I've been working out, working my way up to my current hour...and I've toned up a bit and can walk up hills better. But pounds? Nope. Sizes? Nope. AUGH!

then again, 35 pounds on me has never been even close to 7 sizes, we we definitely carry our weight differently...

 

[Christine]

I like the treadmill. That's just me. I don't like the movement of an elliptical. I just like to flat-out jog. I suggest you go somewhere where you can try out both for a time and see which movement suits you. I was all set for getting an elliptical because I know it is safer on your knees but I just didn't like it.

My other tip--don't buy a piece of equipment like that unless you can get a decent quality piece of equipment. I can assure you, you will not enjoy working on a rickety elliptical with the wrong stride length or a treadmill whose surface is too short or narrow or doesn't provide enough shock absorption. I have longish legs and a long stride and had had no fun on the $600 treadmills from Sears. I did go to a fitness equipment store and was impressed with the increase in quality. They are *almost* gym quality. So, if you cannot afford that, I suggest you do as others have suggested and get some workout DVDs. There are excellent ones out there. Then when you want to run/jog, go outside.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

If a treadmill is what you are thinking about, you could walk/run outside and save the money, instead.

 

[MoniqueU]

I have an eliptical, bike and treadmil. The eliptical and the bike have upper body parts to get a fuller workout. I have also done Taebo. The best workout i got was with Taebo with Billy Banks I think it is. of the machines I have I like the eliptical the best, followed by the bike and i HATE the treadmill, I want to sell it. I have balance and vision problems and have nearly gone off the back of the treadmill more then once. The eliptical I hang on to the hand movement thing and I can set my ipod on it. The bike with the upper body workout is also good for me. Due to my balance issues I havent done any in a long time. Also I have lost my motivation which I think happens to alot of people. Be sure you are commited to whatever you pick or it is just a big waste of money JMHO.

 

[Darsa]

I go to Planet Fitness (because that's what I could afford, heh) and while I prefer the elliptical, I actually do both, now. Started out with just the elliptical; well actually, started on the treadmill then ended up with plantar fasciitis THEN I started on elliptical only. It was quite effective; I get bored after half an hour though so I switch to the treadmill.

The main reason I go to the gym is because if I have the stuff at home to do, I just won't do it. There are so many other things at home that I'll decide need to be done, that I'll put it off, and put it off... and then it's time for bed

And I absolutely agree with building your core muscles; that will make a big difference!

 

[Jennasis]

I joined a gym back in March but had to put my membership on hold when I had spine surgery in April. Just began back at gym a week ago (with Doc's permission). I am ONLY allowed to use the treadmill, and only at a brisk walk. This bites since I was running 2.5 miles daily before the surgery. Grr...

AFAIC, the elliptical machine is what powers the fires of hell. Forged by Lucifer himself. That infernal machine hurts my knees and hips so much that I can't tolerate more than a minure or two on it on the lowest setting.

 

[mjkacmom]

I love my treadmill ($3000+), and love the ellipticals at the gym, but don't have the $ to buy a good one at home. I also have an old lifecycle, which I used to love, but now prefer the treadmill. Join a gym for a year, and find out what you enjoy most, and if you are going to buy equipment for your home, spend the $ and invest in quality, because it's just easier to use.

 

[ZachnElli]

Have you done any core work at all? If you work your core section it may very well help you with your back because you will be strengthening the muscles that support it. Your core is basically the tummy/abdomen area but there are 29 muscles in it. So ab routines or yoga might work for you. I know the core sections of my dvds have really worked for my back.

I have back issues also and tried pilates for the core work to help my back. After 2 weeks I could barely move my back hurt so much, not my stomach, my back. I just stick to the basic sit ups my doctor recommends.