I'm on the verge of buying a treadmill, but after reading an article in the paper (just today) about the elipticals and reading through this thread, I wonder if one of these would be better. Has anyone tried both and developed a preference?

The story I read talked about the advantage of getting the upper body workout along with the legs, and pointed out that it's easier on the joints. Have you all found this to be so???

I definitely have a preference for the elliptical machine. I walked on the treadmill at the gym for months before I got up enough courage to try the elliptical machine. I've been hooked on the thing ever since. Here's why...

1. You burn A LOT more calories in the same amount of time
2. It is easier on the joints, it's sort of like walking/jogging on air
3. I can read on the elliptical machine so my workout is not nearly as boring as it used to be
4. I don't use the ones where you can work out your arms, but some of the ladies at the gym do and they love it.

Having used both and if I were to buy one of these machines I would definitely get an elliptical machine. Hope this helps some.

I've been using my elliptical trainer for almost 2 years now and LOVE IT! I agree w/ the earlier posters in that having a book or turning on the radio makes the time go by so much faster.

Is it similar to the Precor?

It sounds like it.

If it is, lemme tell ya, that is one fine machine.

It is my absolute favorite to use at the gym (when I actually go). I used to HATE it but when I realized the reason I hated it so much was because it worked me out good, I learned to respect it.

I affectionately call it my Dark Ages Torture Device.

Marvin, it's check in time....... how's it going and how many minutes have you build up to? Didn't realize that you were expecting....congrats... guess the name Marvin threw me or are you the dad to be?

I'd definitely go for the elliptical exerciser over the treadmill. Much more aerobic for a faster burn, plus after you get better on the walking, you might prefer to walk outside whenever you can, and the poor lil treadmill will just be sitting there feeling useless and collecting dust.

I download books onto my MP3 player and listen to them while I'm on the machine, or I'll watch television ... or maybe even pop a spicy movie into the VCR (a two-fer deal on things to make one sweat). Listening to music's wonderful, too, because you can adjust your pace to the rhythm of the music and get a nicely varied workout.

Ok this is not about the eliptical...Venus where do you download books from?

Thanks!

I get them from www.audible.com. I joined their subscription service and get two books a month for something like $15. Perfect for portable reading!

Do you have any recommendations? There are so many brands, I don't know where to start!

What do I look for? How can I find a good one that isn't too expensive??

Thanks!

Jenn

I bought my machine at a second-hand sporting goods store. Waited until they had one that was professional quality -- a Precor machine that had been used in a gym. Because I'm heavy, I needed one that's stable and durable. And I figured that if it didn't work out as well as I'd hoped, I could exchange it or sell it back to them and not be out so much money.

Here's a site that rates products:
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/he...ical_trainers/

Well hello,
I just found ths and hope you dont mind me jumping in. I have had my precore for about 2 years. I too have a love hate thing with it. It does not log miles, only steps and have wanted to figure out the milage but have had no clue how to do it. Mine has pre set programs and i usualy do the crosstraining but I like the interval program too. it climbs and changes the incline... I do the resitance. i try to keep the resistance at the level of the inclune. I try for 6 days a week and I do no less than 30 min... sometimes a little over an hour. other days i do some in the am and another at night.

I watch tv and try to WO when something I like to watch is on, it makes the time go faster. my motivation is the calorie count. Love to see that reach big numbers!

Do any of you know how to convert the number of steps to miles?

i would love to know.

Good luck to all of you and congrats on the baby....My second child was born on Christmas, 1996.

be well,
-L

i use the precor at the gym and i love it!! its so much fun... plus i am really into football and hockey and there is a tv right in front of it that is always on espn. i usually do it for about 35 min. to change it from steps to miles you press a button...i cant remember which one, but i am going to the gym here in a bit and i can get back to you, i change it all the time. on some of the older models it wont let you change it.

Nik,
I have a home model and I don't think I have that feture. What I would love to know is how many strides = 1 mile. if it is not too much to ask, when you do your WO will you take note of that sand post it?

Thanks,
-L

Hi- I have one more suggestion- use a heart rate monitor. The monitor helps you work in the correct "fat burning' range. But- it also keeps you from working too hard- in an anarobic state which does nothing for you. You might be working too hard which is exhausting you- I was suprised how much I had to slow down and it made the whole excercise session easier.

I use a polar monitor- you can get them at walmart.

Kick *** music also helps --

Got a ProForm 700s on sale at Sears. Used it for the first time this morning. Only lasted 15 minutes, at .25 miles.

Please tell me this gets easier?

Also, it has a BPM (beats per minute) thingy, but I'm not sure how accurate it is... should I invest in a heart monitor, and what would you recommend?

Overall, I like it. I can feel it in my upper thighs (especially in front) this afternoon.

Can anyone tell me, besides the aerobic benefits, what muscle groups this works? I have the arm things, but mostly just hold onto the grips.

Thanks!

Jenn