Treadmill, Elliptical or Door #3?
 

Hi all,

My wife and I have thought about buying a treadmill for some time. We live too far out to make a gym membership practical and the best road around here is a two lane highway so jogging there would be dangerous.

I've started hearing lately that we would be better off buying an elliptical because it's a better workout. The only hangup I have with an elliptical is the size difference between my wife and I. I am 6' 4" and she is 5' 4". Can we get a machine that will fit us both comfortably?

Are either of these right for us? What do you guys think?

eliptical will fit both of you fine......if you are looking for running experience...nothing beats actual running....if you are looking for good cardio that saves your joints....go eliptical...

Yeah, actual running can't be beat. Treadmills have a moving belt which assists in your running, allowing you to run for longer distances than you normally would be able to. Personally, I don't find myself having to catch my breath whenever I run on a treadmill (unless i'm sprinting on it), whereas on the street, or on the court, I have to catch my breath after a while.

Between treadmill and the elliptical, take the elliptical. It works out your arms also and it's easy on the joints.

I agree, plus, you can decide if you want to use your arms or not.

As for running, I personally don't like the impact on my body. What you're really trying to do is get your heart rate up, so it doesn't really matter what tool you use. Probably the most important tool is the heart rate monitor.

http://www.duathlon.com/articles/1460

http://www.lifetimefitness.com/modul...ning_chart.pdf

Ok, looks like an Elliptical is the way to go so far.

So, I'd like to spend around $500 or so. Where should I look? What brands are good? Any preferences?

I love the Cybex Arc trainer, which is basically similar to their eliptical without the arm movement. You might check around for used equipment as I doubt there is anything out there for $500 that would work well.

http://www.epinions.com/content_139547479684

http://www.pfc-fitness.com/index.cfm...%20Trainer.htm

http://www.pfc-fitness.com/index.cfm/MenuItemID/155.htm

Running is the best. More natural than most machines, even the treadmills. Treadmills tend to hinder or slow down your running.

Talk to your knees (or your back) in a few years if you think running is best. It may be good for some people and not others.

I have bad knees from a skydiving accident that I continue to abuse in martial arts. The only time they really bother me though is when I am hiking a trail that requires jumping down or running on a treadmill. The eliptical has been a lifesaver, but I still prefer outdoor running. I dont deny that I will pay for the abuse in later years though.

An eliptical, swimming and trunk/ upper body workouts using one of those pilates balls are a great workout combination.