My goal is to lose my bellyfat, in addition to getting tone and putting on some muscle through strength training. Is it better to purchase a treadmill or elliptical machine? What are the benefits of one over the other?
2006-09-08 14:13:59 · 13 answers · asked by iamstidi 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Elliptical. i know the space for the source is below but i'm a a runner and kickboxer, and a sports trainer and although a treadmill may seem more appealing, the elliptical will give you much more benefits with little or no downfalls.
For trimming fat what you are trying to do is do anything that allows you to burn atp/calories/energy/whatever for as long and as much as possible in one go. so if you could wiggle your ears while you're running you'd technically be making it more effective (haha please dont do this though, its not that big an improvement and you're more likely to laugh and fall off the machine than anything). so when you're using the elliptical you are doing a constant similar motion using your legs back abs arms, basically using whatever it takes to go.
when you use a treadmill however you are basically just using your legs (and arms a little) and therefore not burning as much calories for your buck.
And most importantly, you are much MUCH more likely to injure yourself on a treadmill, i wont list it but basically its not nearly as safe due to the constant impact etc.
Now you dont wanna burn out on your elliptical so maybe just go for a jog outside (if possible) instead of using the elliptical sometimes.
All in all though, go with the elliptical its much more effective and i know, when you are working out you wanna do it the most efficient way possible.
2006-09-08 14:23:21 · answer #1 · answered by verbumheros 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've used both. I believe an elliptical is more efficient and easier on your knees and joints. If you get an elliptical with moving arm handles then you get a more intense work out. However, if you decide to get an elliptical try it out thoroughly first, maybe see if you can get a guest pass at a gym or something. I say this because I spent $700 on an elliptical and decided I did not like how my feet were situated on the machine, It just wasn't comfortable for me, so of course the machine sat in my living room for years and I never used it. I now work out at a gym and only use treadmills. However, if you try out the elliptical and you like it, I would probably recommend that. Good Luck!
2006-09-08 14:21:33 · answer #2 · answered by deepadot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think either one is better than the other, but maybe the treadmill is better, since it's been manufactured over many years, and it's been refined; but, that's just the machines.
As far as the exercises go, they're both really similar, but there's more impact with the treadmill. The treadmill will get you a bit more strength, while the elliptical will have less impact on your joints, so you can stay at it a little bit longer than the treadmill (burn more fat).
2006-09-08 14:30:38 · answer #3 · answered by Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treadmill
2016-03-27 03:28:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can your knees handle jogging? Then I would get a treadmil! Elliptical machines are good, but I think they take longer than walking or jogging on a treadmill. Jogging really takes off the belly fat!
2006-09-08 14:16:38 · answer #5 · answered by kimberleibenton 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The question is WHAT DO YOU LIKE? I prefer the treadmill and would be more prone to use it at home than an eliptical. But, some people love the eliptical. My trainer, however, told me that an eliptical user is less prone to injury. BUT, the eliptical is hard on your joints too. If you want to lose weight, get the machine you enjoy more and will use daily.
2006-09-08 14:18:28 · answer #6 · answered by Lioness 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the diffrence between the elliptical and the treadmill is the design... the elliptical has a non-impact design on the knee and the treadmill dosent if you have ok knees why not do both?
2006-09-08 14:37:29 · answer #7 · answered by jjt168 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can walk anytime you want .......elliptical works your whole body tho....not just cardio but toning......i have to tell ya tho i spent $13 and bought a dvd of pilates and it slimmed down my waist line 2 sizes in 4 mos and i look leaner feel stronger.....it sounds dumb but it s called pilates for dummies it s a workout n a half w cardio too. i would choose elliptical tho between the 2!happy workouts!
2006-09-08 14:18:21 · answer #8 · answered by crownvic64 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treaders...
I have a Proform treadmill and love it...beter workout than elliptical:
http://www.proform.com
2006-09-08 14:21:39 · answer #9 · answered by movie_crit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hands down, Gazelle by Tony Little! You can do it! (at least until the thing breaks and snaps you in the nuts!)
2006-09-08 14:16:04 · answer #10 · answered by Doug Paul 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋