Treadmill or elliptical bike. Which is more beneficial?

Question

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

GalaxyFlame90 · Accepted Answer

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.

Squidyman · Accepted Answer

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 · Accepted Answer

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 · Accepted Answer

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! :)

BertMacklinFBI · Answer

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

WesTheGuru · Answer

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.

sirspauldo · Answer

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 · Answer

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

hypnicjerk · Answer

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.

Michellediva · Answer

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:)

Stacyzee · Answer

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.

kheserthorpe · Answer

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 · Answer

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.

Theguyoverthere · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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

ClassicRocker · Answer

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

TaureanBull81 · Answer

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

SirRichardFitswell · Answer

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.

Anonymous · Answer

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

itsgucci · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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

MartineVoisine · Answer

I personally prefer elliptical bike. It is also a lot less damageable for your knees (since treadmills have harder impacts on your knees).

KillerTaco · Answer

Treadmill for me. Elliptical actually causes back discomfort for me. Plus I think I look stupid on a machine that makes my arms and legs look like a horrible animation of a cartoon character running... In 2D...

Blondiee2014 · Answer

I don't like either I prefer running outside, but if I had to choose I would say bike.

523206720 · Answer

I prefer the elliptical bike. The treadmill makes me uncomfortable and tires me out more easily.

AngeVashes · Answer

My girlfriend likes the elliptical better, I suggest you go with that.

willow74 · Answer

The elliptical is easier on the joints and burns more calories.

MrRandomGuy · Answer

As long as you do intervall training it doesn't matter

coffeprince · Answer

Invest in a treadmill, I've read come on how ineffective a elliptical machines are, plus a peek of the treadmill is a that when weather is poor outside you can Whats tread indoors :) tbh I ready want to get one myself, I only have an exercise bike.. but the cheaper myself that funny have back support :( I really want one with a back bc its less strainful on the back & buttocks lol

badger25 · Answer

Treadmills for sure. Because elipticals give you assistance

NotoriouslyNaive · Answer

No matter what type of machine you have you're gonna feel the workout if you run for a minute walk for a minute and repeat that until you feel fatigued. I do that on my treadmill but at school I do the same on an elliptical

front2back · Answer

Doing 30-40 yard uphill sprints are more benefitcial than both.

Teeny1 · Answer

any kind of exercise is good for you! Just get on the thing and get moving; you paid a lot of money for it, now use it!

Kythe · Answer

Eliptical is lower impact. But if you like to run, a treadmill is obviously better :)

Anonymous · Answer

elliptical machines suck shit for a work out and won't do shit for you unless you set the resistance very high. running or climbing stairs is a much better workout.

Anonymous · Answer

Treadmill is better but the bike is better for people who have lower back pain or joint pain

dE_logics · Answer

Elliptical is used when you got knee problems. Otherwise both of them are same. Elliptical produces less impact on your knees.

meatballs21 · Answer

Elliptical is easier on your body. It has advantages and disadvantages over a treadmill.

Anonymous · Answer

I heard the elliptical is more beneficial and see better results.

Anonymous · Answer

Do bith. Don't just stick to one machine only

frenchvanillacream · Answer

Yeah the treadmill is a better choice see can you trade it in for the treadmill

arashmenalagha · Answer

ellipticle, I need my gym member ship

Anonymous · Answer

Treadmill :) You can just run outside and use your elliptical bike after.

nominQ · Answer

I said treadmill because it requires more work

HadiAbdel_ · Answer

Bike because it brings more movement.

LukasTheLovely · Answer

Treadmill is the beast of all workouts

Anonymous · Answer

Why not bike to school and from?

Zwarinski · Answer

Elliptical bike, no pressure on back n knees

Swigaway · Answer

Depends on the person. Both are good

art84 · Answer

Treadmill for me as it's easier to use.

Error_204 · Answer

The latter.

stevephillips706 · Answer

Treadmill probally

Anonymous · Answer

Treadmill to me.

Treadmill or elliptical bike. Which is more beneficial?

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