Treadmill or elliptical bike. Which is more beneficial?

[Anonymous]

I bought one elliptical bike recently and I'm kinda regretting thinking treadmill is better. Is it or is it not?

[GalaxyFlame90]

None of them, i would say go outside and run unless if its winter. Here's why, see when you run on a treadmill, essentially, when you breathe in the room, there is no circulation and thus causes your lungs to not act actively as they would if you run outside in nature whereas the air and oxygen levels are fresh. Also the sounds in nature that you hear are much more soothing and calming to the mind rather that in a boring room. Your mind easily gets distracted and you are thus able to run longer periods of time outside. Biking same thing : not really air circulation for your lungs so same deal. Honestly, i go with that cause im a soccer player.

[Asker]

yeah even I like it outside but no place dude I live in a city and neither do I have time to do that :(

[Squidyman]

If you are training for track, out a race in general, with a treadmill. Make sure to use an incline of 1 to 2 degrees or it will be easier than in real life, the treadmill is doing some of the work.
With the olyptical, speed is important. If you have the intensity level all the way up but are moving very slowly, your weight is doing most of the work. Keep moderate intensity and keep your legs moving. Suit go the other way where you are just spinning your legs. With an olyptical, you can also work out your arms and more muscles.

[ThunderHeart]

You can get a good workout with either. It is personal preference really. With the treadmill you can increase the speed and incline to intensify the workout. The elliptical creates a lot less stress on your joints but the movement is nearly the same. It depends on the type of elliptical you use too. There are those that have a constant incline and those that don't. I use both and alternate them when cross-training. The point of either is cardio training. You can get a good workout with either depending on how you use them.

[cjg909]

Personally I like the elliptical better, I just feel like I get a better workout with it, a treadmill is okay but you can always just save your money and run outside! That's what I do! :)

[Asker]

In what all way does elliptical benefit you?

[cjg909]

It's a great butt workout, it strengthens your arms, hips, and any other weak muscles you may have. It's also has less joint stress than a treadmill, which is pretty great! It will also help strengthen your core muscles and improve your posture as well.

[Asker]

Wow great then elliptical it is :D

[cjg909]

Thanks for most helpful! Just keep using your elliptical, even if iit's just for 10-15 minutes and you'll definitely start to see results. Good luck!

[Asker]

Do you think I'll get visible results in like a few weeks or in a month?

[cjg909]

I think that it's definitely possible but you'd have to do a little more than 15 minutes and keep a good diet otherwise results would probably take a little longer.

[Asker]

Oh thanks for your help :)

[BertMacklinFBI]

if you want to run then just run outside for free. elliptical bike is better.

[Asker]

In what way is it better?

[Kythe]

I prefer to run outside. But the weather doesn't always cooperate.

[BertMacklinFBI]

@Kythe I like to run even when its raining xD I just go shirtless. its so awesome hahaa. listening too music too! best feeling ever.

@Asker its better because it doesn't impact your knees like a treadmill does.

[Asker]

And it's more beneficial? Or not?

[BertMacklinFBI]

@Asker more beneficial will depend on the extent and hardship of your workout. the effort you put in, not the machine itself.

[Asker]

So how often should I workout?

[BertMacklinFBI]

do 20 minutes of cardio at your own pace to begin with 4-5 days a week.

[Asker]

Thanks!!

[Kythe]

Raining's not so bad. Cold and snowing/icing, not so much!

[WesTheGuru]

They do different things.

You'll build more muscle using a treadmill, and will just lose weight in general more on an elliptical. It takes more time on an elliptical to get the results you would on a treadmill tho.

I think the elliptical is the better buy, simple because you can run outside instead of using a treadmill.

[Asker]

Oh so it takes time to get the results on elliptical. Lol I want fast results

[WesTheGuru]

Haha there isn't much taht can give you fast results, but actually running does give faster results than elliptical training. The most physically tiring form of exercise will always be the most weight loss efficient game

[Asker]

Oh well thanks

[WesTheGuru]

But if you have bad knees, bad back, or any type of joint pain in muscles which are involved in running then ellipticals are better. They're less stressful on your joints

[sirspauldo]

Treadmills are better because it is a 'ground-hitting" exercise, meaning your feet hit a hard surface every time they come down. This does not happen in elliptical activities.

Why is this important? It helps strengthen your bones, the reason peoples bones eventually go brittle is because they stop doing these exercises. Ellipticals also do part of the work for you, as do most machines in a gym, treadmills do not and make you work harder, which gives you a better workout.

[Ersacol28]

I rather the treadmill I find to be burn more calories just by walking i incline my treadmill all the way up and walk for and hours really slow and I burn way more calories than running for 1 hours

[Asker]

Inclined treadmill yeah i know it's really good but isn't it like really expensive?

[hypnicjerk]

I've never heard it called "elliptical bike." Is it a standard elliptical machine where you are standing and pedaling? Or are you in a seated position like on a bike? In the end, whatever activity you sustain for longer is likely to be more beneficial.

[Asker]

yeah elliptical bikes are there

[TaureanBull81]

G'day @hypnicjerk,
Here's a link that I've attached of an "Elliptical Bike". They look really cool but are very expensive. They're around $2,500.

www.eriksbikeshop.com/.../PR3C10722_mlg.jpg'day @hypnicjerk,

[TaureanBull81]

ElliptiGO Elliptical Bike for Fitness Enthusiasts: https://youtu.be/cudeag10U7Q

[hypnicjerk]

Wow, how have I not seen these? Well, elliptical workouts are definitely good cardio. Again I stand by my statement that the activity you will do more and for longer is what really leads to optimal weight loss. Treadmill would have the benefit of being a rain or shine activity, whereas the bike you might be deterred by time of day, weather, etc. It's kind of moot point, since you've already made your purchase, so why not make the most of it?

[Michellediva]

Funny you should ask I was at the gym yesterday working out my legs and butt, and after I did 15 minutes on the elliptical followed by 15 minutes on the tredmill. They are both great, elliptical is low impact high intensity. If you have a bad back I would say elliptical, however the treadmill would be better if you were tryinhg to push yourself I believe:)

[Asker]

I am sort of pushing myself lol but I wanna know which gives more result

[Michellediva]

in your case the treadmill, if you plan on pushing yourself.

[Asker]

Which is more benefiting

[Michellediva]

I think the treadmill is more beneficial

[Stacyzee]

You are less likely to sustain an injury from the Elliptical machine because it is a low impact exercise, which is easier on the joints.
You can even increase the intensity of your workouts with it.
I would say, it's just as good because you can get in very good shape with it.

[Asker]

Oh good so can u suggest me a routine? I mean like how often should I do it?

[Stacyzee]

It depends on your ability.
When I first started I did it for ten minutes five days a week.
Every week I added on two minutes to my time until I reached my goal of 40 minutes.
When I felt like my body became strong, instead of adding on two minutes I would add on five.

It depends on you !
Always keep pushing your body to see results.
If you do not your physique will stay the same.
When you get very good on the Elliptical machine incorporate new exercises in your routine.
Maybe jogging, squats, dumbbell lifting (for toning) etc

[Asker]

And you got very good results? Did you lose weight?

[Stacyzee]

I'm 5'6 and 115 lbs. I only did it for toning reasons.
Yes, I look more fit.

[Stacyzee]

If you're doing it for weight loss definitely increase the intensity weekly /bi weekly so u can burn more calories.

[Asker]

And does your butt and leg get more fit? That's the thing I want lol my butt is bulky nowadays :P

[Stacyzee]

Yes , it does. More tight and round.

[Asker]

And do u think it increases height?

[Stacyzee]

How tall you are? No.

People that are slimmer tend to look taller than a person that isn't because of their limbs.
So, it can give that illusion.

[Kythe]

No exercise will increase your height.

[Asker]

I'm short and one more question. Trust me it's last! :P I read somewhere that elliptical bike doesn't help you lose your upper body fat I mean including belly. Is it true?

[Stacyzee]

It burns fat overall but u have to incorporate other exercises with it such as crunches.
Also make sure u eat well and limit ur fat in take.
Diet and exercise go hand in hand

[Asker]

Oh ok thank you so much :)

[kheserthorpe]

There's not that big a difference between them, how you use them matters more. Elliptical are lower impact obviously. I'd say which you -like- matters more, unless you have joint issues.

[dazedandconfused22]

Mix it up but I find the elliptical makes your butt smaller over time so I would suggest doing squats and like uphill running and all that.

[Asker]

Oh then ellptical is better cuz i want my butt to be smaller

[Theguyoverthere]

I personally prefer an elliptical because I get shin splints using a treadmill or doing real jogging granted I would jog on concrete and all. Plus if you wanted to row with your arms (if your bike has one) you'd have that option. If your bike has a resistance option you can always turn that up also to make it a little more intense.

I think it's a personal preference if anything and that actual running is probably the best bet for anyone.

[GoldCobra]

Well i feel like treadmill you can exert more energy but it is harsher on your knees (though i wouldn't worry about that, that's just running in general and people make a big deal about it). Elliptical i feel like you're more restricted but it is easier on your knees

[Phoenix98]

We have treadmills, bikes and ellipticals at our gym but I honestly prefer a mixed cardio with the jump rope, burpees and both machines.

[Asker]

why? because it gives fast results?

[Phoenix98]

Jump rope is one of the most effective forms of cardio, I like the mountain climber machine because I can hit it hard without putting unnecessary pressure on my joints also. I also like the normal body version of mountain climbers. For some reason I hate running on a flat surface so whenever I do the treadmill I always put it at the max angle setting making it go up as far as possible. Also if you want to lose fat then you need to have a healthy diet of food with cardio about 2-3 times a week for 10-15 minutes is really all you need. I just do cardio because I'm trying to get my lung capacity up.

[Asker]

Wow that's awesome! But you have to be determined and I'm lazy as fuck lol

[Phoenix98]

Ya bodybuilding is something you have to stick with otherwise you lose all your gains.

[ClassicRocker]

Neither... skip the cardio and lift weights its just as important for women as it is men and burns a helluva lot more calories... just keep the weight low and the reps high

[Marstalk]

^ go with this. If you complain about time. You may want to reprioritize yourself.

[TaureanBull81]

You can't necessarily say one is better than the other because both exercise machines target particular levels of cardiovascular fitness :-)

[Asker]

I need to tone up my leg and butt and my arms as well so which is beneficial?

[TaureanBull81]

@Asker
Toning up your legs and butt both involves doing lower body exercises and is beneficial for lower body strength :-)

[Asker]

thanks for the help :)

[TaureanBull81]

@Asker
No worries :-)

[SirRichardFitswell]

Get a rower and learn how to use it correctly. Concept2 is one of the best ones out there. Much better workout and zero impact.

[Asker]

Never heard of them. Would you mind sending me a picture?

[SirRichardFitswell]

Not sure how to upload pics on here

[SirRichardFitswell]

Google Concept2 or crossfit rower

[Anonymous]

Overall, its all the same in a sense

Either one gets you cardio and thats whats important. Id say if your really overweight then maybe an elliptical is better since it puts less pressure on your joints

However, thats no substitute for running, its what gets your moving the most and its amazing. I prefer running on a treadmill easily

[Asker]

I'm not overweight. I'm 110 lbs and 4'10. I think I'm pretty overweight for my height.

[Opinion Owner]

I see

Personally I think overall a treadmill is better

Skip rope and treadmill id says are my top two :)

boxers and athletes that train for insane cardio generally skip rope or run

[itsgucci]

I prefer treadmil over the elliptical bike. The bike seats are uncomfortable and I hate hunching over. With a treadmill, you can walk, run for however long you want and its not uncomfortable

[joep96]

I'd say neither and just go out and run, preferably sprint. But out of those two the treadmill, bikes can be really bad for your hip, esoecially if you're going for speed

[6Paul11]

Neither, get off the machines and start running and lifting.

If you must use a machine, use a rowing machine. It is low impact and outstanding for cardio.

[dragonfly6516]

Elliptical trainers work more muscles at the same time than just walking/running, which is what a treadmill is for.