Elliptical vs Treadmill

[TXSTDU]

I am looking into either one of these.

Will the time on the elliptical correlate directly to running ability on the road/ trail like running on a treadmill would?

My plan is to be able to run long distance and possible some long distance hiking.

Any brands to stay away from? This is the first time I have shopped for either one of these.

 

[fx77]

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

aEROBIC WORKOUT CAN BE EQUIVALENT, BUT YOUR STRIDE IS ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. tHE TREADMILL MORE CLOSELY MIMICS RUNNING ON THE ROAD WHAT WITH HEEL STRIKE, PRONATION, FOOT FLAT AND TOEOFF. three phases of the gait cycle)
THE ELLIPTICAL WILL KEEP BOTH FEEN IN THE SAME POSITION on the pedals, AND USES MUCH LESSS OF THE CALF MUSCKES, TRICEPS SURAE.
Also the shock of impact is much less on the elliptical.
Ellipt can be used for runners who are injured to help recovery and during that period can maintain aerobic capacity.

SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS...CAP LOCK WAS ON..TOO LAZY TO RETYPE

 

[jps24]

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

nothing can beat running outside, but a treadmill is your best option if you want to mimic actual running as close as possible. plus, it allows you to know your exact distance and pace, which helps if you want to run intervals to become faster at longer distances. treadmill definitely, but also try to get outside as much as possible.

I can honestly say that I have never seen anyone get an 'actual workout' by doing an elliptical. However, people who push themselves on a treadmill can actually get a valuable workout it than directly correlates to better running.

 

[AJB]

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

Running on pavement and concentrating on form will serve you best. I use an Elliptical once a week. I do intervals on it. I set High resistance and do two minutes fast pace walking, and then do one minute sprints. It will work. Two days a week I use a Treadmill, one day intervals, one day an hour long distance run, and twice a week on pavement.

I think you would be better off not purchasing one, and just getting a gym membership. Most Ellipticals I have tried, I hated, same with treadmills.

 

[JCH]

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jps24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can honestly say that I have never seen anyone get an 'actual workout' by doing an elliptical. However, people who push themselves on a treadmill can actually get a valuable workout it than directly correlates to better running.</div></div>

Never seen anyone get an actual workout on an elliptical? Obviously you haven't tried one for long enough on the right setting. I'm all about weight loss at the moment and the WEIGHT LOSS program for 40 minutes burns over 500 calories for me. The weight loss program uses resistance and incline intervals in 4 minute stages to change your level of exertion. By the time I am done, I am dripping with sweat and my leg, hip, hip flexor muscles, and gluts are tingling.

Bottom line is that it isn't anywhere near as demanding as running, but for those people like me who have bad backs and bad ankles (due to multiple injuries) the elliptical is a god send.

 

[TXSTDU]

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

I fully understand that nothing will ever replace running outside but I just HATE it with every fiber of my being. I am looking for a new and/or different way to be able to get the same sort of exercise without having to lap the block.

 

[cavemanmoore]

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXSTDU</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Will the time on the elliptical correlate directly to running ability on the road/ trail like running on a treadmill would? </div></div>

The Navy will allow you to use an elliptical to do your PFT. But, I was never able to obtain concrete times / performance comparison metrics.

For what it's worth, my treadmill is one of the best investments I have ever made. If I would have purchased an elliptical, I am certain I would have sold it long ago.

How much are you going to spend?

 

[TXSTDU]

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

I haven't set a price in stone but I am loving that high end Nordic Track. I don't want to spend the money but I love all the bells and whistles it has.

 

[andy52887]

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

You want to make sure you by quality for sure.The main thing to look for specially if you have bad knees or ankles is a tread mill with a track with a spring to it to help with impact.