Grondar

Heya everyone.

Generally, I like to run outdoors at a trail that runs through the woods and has some elevation changes..

However, sometimes the weather is mediocre or I just want to run indoors, and when that is the case, I have the option of using either a treadmill or a cross-trainer.

The cross-trainer machine I am referring to has two "boots" that you step on, and travel in a forward, circular or backwards motion. It also has two "poles" that you can grab onto, and use, if you want to use your arms to "help."

My question is.. In terms of a more complete and beneficial workout.. Which of the two machines is better?

The treadmill actually has you running and "stomping" your feet (like running on the street/outside), while the cross trainer is more fluid and doesn't have you physically "stomping" your feet, as the legs move more in a circular motion.

I know that when I run on the street/trails my thighs flex every time I take a step, as they are meeting the solid gound and reacting.. I am not sure if this is good or not, but it's an observation, and something that does not occur on the cross-trainer machines.

That being said, does anyone prefer one over the other, or know that one is better to use than the other for a cardio/running workout?

Thanks!

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"Yes, I rather like this God fellow. He's very theatrical, you know, a pestilence here, a plague there. Omnipotence. Gotta get me some of that." -Stewie