My trusty ole treadmill just croaked on me! Thank goodness I recently got a Gazelle at a yard sale so I had a back-up. But I do want to replace my treadmill and I was wondering if an elliptical might be a better idea? I would love some feedback from those who've tried either or both and which you would recommend.

Thanks!
Beverly

Beverly -- my preference is for an elliptical because I have some foot and knee problems, so no impact works best for me.

I don't know if you can trust the calorie counters that come with cardio machines, but according to the ones at my gym, I burn more caloires per minute on the elliptical than the treadmill. Burning more calories is a good thing!

Perhaps you could go to a store that sells both and try both out to see which one you like best?

Hi, Beverly, I agree with Meg because I, too, have foot problems and have arthritis in both knees. I use the machines at the gym so I really don't know how good the home equipment is. I, too, burn more calories in less time on the elliptical than on the treadmill, but I usually go only about 4.3 mph max on the treadmill and go faster on the elliptical. Try them out, of course, and see which one you like because everyone is different. Good luck. I, too, have to get my treadmill repaired...another job for DH (darn husband!) to do!

Hi!

Definitely go with the elliptical! Much less impact on your knees and at least 2x the calories burnt! Ellipticals are super wonderful!!! I use one three times a week (when I'm meeting my goals...) and find it to be a great workout.

Good luck!

I have a Proform elliptical. I love it, you definately get a workout, and can choose from multiple programs. But, its a little creaky and noisy. Never tried another brand or a gym elliptical but would check them out too. I also have the QVC version of the gazelle, but its gotten too easy for me, almost like no workout at all.

Thanks so much for responding guys! I think I'm really leaning more towards the elliptical. I like the low/no impact aspect of it. I'm gonna see if I can try one before I decide for sure. Thanks again!

Beverly

Yeah, treadmills can hurt legs if you use it too much, ellipticals are easier on your joints.

I bought an elliptical from nordick track. I did a lot of research before buying one and it got the best ratings for the price range. The best part about it is that if you buy directly from the website the delivery is free and you can make monthly payments.

Wow, thanks for the info on Nordic Track! I'm gonna go check it out right now.

Beverly

I think it depends on the pace on the treadmill. Even when I walk fast, e.g. at 4.7 mph, it burns a lot of calories. I alternate walking briskly and running (5.5-6 mph). Sometimes I have cramp in my foot from exercising on the elliptical when I try to go at 60+ revolutions per minute, and it took me time to get used to the motions on that machine. The treadmill is closer to outdoors running conditions. I think combination is best not to get bored and to work differently on muscles unless the physician identifies a specific reason to use one machine or the other.
Although stairmaster burns fewer calories, I think it can also give good exercise to thigh muscles and calves. So I do all three.

I love Ellipticals except for some reason when I get off My legs feel numb and sometimes my fingers tingle during use.. I dont like that feeling my head also feels a little light. I've used them in past without problems but now I stick with the treadmill.

Darcye

But the strange thing is it only happens on the elliptical or the cycle. I can do the treadmill without incident

Thanx I will mention it

Darcye

I would love to get an eliptical machine but checked www.consumerreports.org and the ratings showed they are either loud and creaky or shook with high impact....so I am opting for a treadmill unless anyone has a home eliptical that is stable and not too loud?

The only one I've ever tried didn't make any sound at all, which really surprised me. But it was gym quality model, and is actually in the gym in my son's apartment building. This made me want to get one I've not tried another, so I'd love to find out if home machines are different. I checked the Consumer Reports article, and it was written 2 years ago. I'm really hoping their have been improvements since then. If I get one, I'll have to order online and have it delivered, so I won't be able to test it out. I was considering a Proform, they are affordable, but after reading that they ranked so low in the CR ratings, I'm afraid to get one until I hear from a happy owner.

Dear Bev I would like to personally say that I have an elliptical and have had one for over 2 years and I really love it. I have knee problems and cannot run any longer so the elliptical is my best bet. When I first got it I could only do 10 minutes or so now I am up to an hour each day. I love it I have reebox rel 8 I got it at Dicks. I hope the info helps. Jamie