Elliptical vs. treadmill

E

ejostling

Cathlete
hi everyone!

I need a new treadmill. Mine is about 8 years old and wasn't a great one to begin with. Before I sink $1,000 bucks on a new treadmill, does anyone prefer an elliptical machine instead? I have bad hips and I like to jog. I can't go outside because I have three young kids and I work out in the basement where I can keep an eye on them.
I feel a jog in my hips for about three days after, ouch! Maybe an elliptcal wouldn't be as harsh? Also, has anyone tried glucosamine and condrointine?

Thanks!

Sally
 
I chose an elliptical over a treadmill for a few reasons.
Number one reason is that I found the treadmill too boring. I couldn't run on it because I'm VERY clumsy- walking was too boring for me. I can simulate running with my elliptical, and reverse my stride to hit different areas of my thigh muscles.
There is zero impact on the joints with an elliptical.

Also, if you talk with a fitness equipment repair tech, they will tell you that they spend most of their time repairing treadmills.
 
I bought an elliptical this past summer and I've never regretted it. I love it and I get an excellent cardio workout on it, not to mention the slimming effect on my hips and thighs. Paired with Cardio Coach or iTrain audio workouts and you just can't go wrong. It's the best investment I ever made--really.

ETA OMG--Dani!! I just saw Carol's post so I had to come back and congratulate you!! It's nice to see you here, by the way.
 
I can't give you a comparison as I have only run on a TM twice!! I am an outdoor runner. I would say Elliptical myself as I bought on a few months ago. There is NO impact and like Michele said the audio programs thru Cardio Coach and iTrain are great!! I have taken glucosamine/chondroitin for about 8 years....:)
 
>
>ETA OMG--Dani!! I just saw Carol's post so I had to come back
>and congratulate you!! It's nice to see you here, by the way.

Awww! Thank you Michele!!! :D
 
I would go for the elliptical. I've had both. The elliptical is better on the joints, more interesting, and you can work your upper body if you'd like.
 
I would have to say elliptical also. But I do have to tell you, I have an elliptical that I love, but can only do once a week and with about a 1/2 hour of stretching afterwards. I have problems with my hips and bouts of sciatica peraformis (muscle in the glute and hip region) and the elliptical aggravates it more than any other machine or work out other than kickboxing. I don't know if you suffer from anything like this, but it is something to keep in mind.

HTH,

Becky
 
Becky makes a very good point. Elliptical trainers can be very bad for your joints if the pedals don't form a true ellipse. Not all elliptical machines are created equal and this is something to be careful about when purchasing one. Some machines will force your knee past your toes as you're pedaling which can be very harmful to your joints. Look very carefully and do a lot of research before you buy.
 
I agree. Don't be embarrassed to try them out in the store. It took me a very long time to decide on the right stationary bike. They all feel so different. I had several workouts in store before I bought my bike:)
I get bored very easy, so I have my bike next to my elliptical. I switch back and forth.
 
Sally,

I also have hip issues and had to quit running because of it after 20 years. :( I just bought an elliptical not too terribly long ago and I love it. I can only do step about once a week (if it's an entire step workout) b/c that also bothers my hips - I've done step 3 times this week and I'm definitely paying for it! The only things that don't are cycling and the elliptical. BUT...some ellipticals DO bother my hip. I had to try out different ones. I'd get on them for a half hour (our friend manages our local bike shop, so I didn't feel funny, but you should do that anyway because they're all different).

I LOVE Osteo Bi-flex. It has helped me a lot with my hip pain.

Good luck!

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds
 
thank you so much, I think I am ready for some glucosamine. Ibuprophen and naproxen barely help. I wans,nt sure if supplements would help.

Sally
 
I have a Nordic Track treadmill, and a elliptical. I love both of them! My elliptical is an older model, about 6 yrs old. I saw another thread here where someone got the new fold up Nordic Track elliptical, and loved it! If I did not already have one that is the one I would get. I also prefer jogging on my treadmill as compared to jogging outdoors. I also get sore knees!

Sherry:)
 
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