Treadmill, Elliptical or Door #3? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

pixelbend · 11-04-2005, 07:10 AM

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?

hossified · 11-04-2005, 08:42 AM

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...

Siege · 11-04-2005, 08:49 AM

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.

thingstodo · 11-04-2005, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hossified

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...

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

pixelbend · 11-04-2005, 11:05 AM

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?

thingstodo · 11-05-2005, 02:32 PM

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

dman2 · 11-26-2005, 09:14 AM

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

thingstodo · 11-27-2005, 05:12 AM

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.

Sho Nuff · 11-27-2005, 05:51 AM

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.

11-04-2005, 07:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
pixelbend Too hot in the hot tub!	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? __________________ But I don't want ANY Spam!

11-04-2005, 08:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
Siege is a tiger Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada	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. __________________ "Your name's Geek? Do you know the origin of the term? A geek is someone who bites the heads off chickens at a circus. I would never let you suck my dick with a name like Geek" --Kevin Smith This part just makes my posts easier to find

11-04-2005, 11:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
pixelbend Too hot in the hot tub!	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? __________________ But I don't want ANY Spam!

11-05-2005, 02:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	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 __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

11-26-2005, 09:14 AM	#7 (permalink)
dman2 Insane Location: Georgia	Running is the best. More natural than most machines, even the treadmills. Treadmills tend to hinder or slow down your running. __________________ I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing. ~Marsha Doble

11-04-2005, 08:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
hossified face f$cker Location: canada	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...

11-27-2005, 05:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	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. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

11-27-2005, 05:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
Sho Nuff Addict Location: Harlem	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. __________________ I know Nietzsche doesnt rhyme with peachy, but you sound like a pretentious prick when you correct me.