Elliptical vs. Running

adamar15 · May 2011

Is working out on an elliptical really a better workout than running? Running always seems way harder to me, but maybe I'm just not pushing myself hard enough on the elliptical.

J&K10910 · May 2011

I've never thought the elliptical was a better workout than running. But IMO, the best workout for YOU is the one you'll stick with. The elliptical is better for people with joint problems or who can't do high impact, but all other things equal, I personally feel that running is a better workout--you have to work harder to make forward progress.

crutonlover · May 2011

I would love to know the answer to this as well!! I feel like running is better because I always sweat more when I run than when I do ellipticals, but I don't know which is really better! Hopefully someone can enlighten us

anna.oskar · May 2011

I was told (but not 100% sure it's correct) that running is better than an elliptical only if you're running at more than a 5mph pace. Otherwise, the elliptical is a better calorie burner.

lclicious · May 2011

I think the main difference between them is that you can control resistance (and incline on some elliptical machines) to work different muscle groups. Elliptical is also better for your knees.

adamar15 · May 2011

I have pretty craptastic knees, which is why I bought the elliptical. I'm pretty good about using it, but I've been wanting a change of pace and scenery. There's only so many times I can go through my DVD collection.

RoxieBee10 · May 2011

i definitely prefer running over anything indoors.

my suggestion is to get a heart rate monitor and really put it to work. it can track how many calories you burn so you know what's really giving you a good workout. depending on the terrain around you, you may in fact be getting a better workout on the elliptical. however, the really cool thing about a heart rate monitor is that you can push yourself even harder if you know how your ticker is doing. if you're feeling tired or you think you're hurting, check out where your heartrate is and adjust accordingly.

anna.oskar · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_elliptical-vs-running?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:6f848107-0d23-4645-94ee-519670b13aacPost:e965735a-d62a-4574-bdbf-199173c23073">Re: Elliptical vs. Running</a>:
[QUOTE]I think the main difference between them is that you can control resistance (and incline on some elliptical machines) to work different muscle groups. Elliptical is also better for your knees.
Posted by lclicious[/QUOTE]

I have up to a 15 degree incline on my treadmill. So awesome to amp up my workout.

Also, weirdest thing ever.. My knees hurt on an elliptical but not on a treadmill.

sarahfowler38 · May 2011

It depends on your definition of better. Running gives you a better workout in that it gets your heart rate up more and (usually) burns more calories. If you have crappy knees though (I'm in the same boat), then the elliptical is MUCH better on your joints. Running can cause serious problems in already painful knees.

I hear you on the getting bored thing though. The elliptical can be very boring after a while. I usually try to elliptical during a show that I would be watching anyways so that I'm making the most of my tv time.

And I also bought some at-home workout dvd's to mix it up a bit.

J&K10910 · May 2011

Yup, elliptical is better for you if you have crappy knees because you should be able to push yourself harder.

Look, any workout is only as good as you push yourself. You can get a kickass workout WALKING if you push yourself. Do you do intervals? Try really cranking up the intensity for 30-60 seconds (you should feel like you cannot possibly keep going at that pace any longer), then slow it down for 90-120 seconds to recover. Repeat for about 20 minutes.

Also, I agree that getting a heart rate monitor is a good way of seeing how hard you're actually pushing yourself.

And switch things up. If you get bored doing the elliptical every day, go for a walk. Do a DVD. Grab some weights.

anna.oskar · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_elliptical-vs-running?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:6f848107-0d23-4645-94ee-519670b13aacPost:003e7f25-8116-481a-9975-cd936e48c18f">Re: Elliptical vs. Running</a>:
[QUOTE]Also, I agree that getting a heart rate monitor is a good way of seeing how hard you're actually pushing yourself.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

Question: Are there any decent HRMs that aren't $100? i'd love one but $100 is a little much for me.

RoxieBee10 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_elliptical-vs-running?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:6f848107-0d23-4645-94ee-519670b13aacPost:4a38e590-863a-4e23-81dc-6081e816ff89">Re: Elliptical vs. Running</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Elliptical vs. Running : Question: Are there any decent HRMs that aren't $100? i'd love one but $100 is a little much for me.
Posted by anna.oskar[/QUOTE]

Shop around. You should definitely be able to find something at a price that can work for you. I don't know if there are any Richard's***** Sporting Goods around you but ours always has good coupons in the Sunday paper. I think yesterday it was $15 off of $100? Something like that may be able to make it more affordable.

*****They wouldn't let me put the real name of the store...which is really kind of funny. Let's just say it rhymes with "pick"...

anna.oskar · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_elliptical-vs-running?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:6f848107-0d23-4645-94ee-519670b13aacPost:c8dce8b0-1a54-4636-962e-cead93d153e6">Re: Elliptical vs. Running</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Elliptical vs. Running : Shop around. You should definitely be able to find something at a price that can work for you. I don't know if there are any Richard's***** Sporting Goods around you but ours always has good coupons in the Sunday paper. I think yesterday it was $15 off of $100? Something like that may be able to make it more affordable. *****They wouldn't let me put the real name of the store...which is really kind of funny. Let's just say it rhymes with "pick"...
Posted by RoxieBee10[/QUOTE]

I gotcha. Diick's. Nope, none around here. i have been searching online and am just not finding anything in an affordable range. It's a bummer. thanks though!

sherrbearr22 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_elliptical-vs-running?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:6f848107-0d23-4645-94ee-519670b13aacPost:4a38e590-863a-4e23-81dc-6081e816ff89">Re: Elliptical vs. Running</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Elliptical vs. Running : Question: Are there any decent HRMs that aren't $100? i'd love one but $100 is a little much for me.
Posted by anna.oskar[/QUOTE]

Anna - I was able to find a great Polar brand HRM for $65 at Big 5. I think it was last years' model but it works great and fits comfortably.

I was able to find some on amazon that got really good reviews:

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Womens-Heart-Monitor-Bronze/dp/B001U0OFD2/ref=pd_sim_sg_1" rel='nofollow'>http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Womens-Heart-Monitor-Bronze/dp/B001U0OFD2/ref=pd_sim_sg_1</a>

I think that one is $85

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-RS100-Heart-Monitor-Stopwatch/dp/B000FW3Z6O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306169694&sr=8-2" rel='nofollow'>http://www.amazon.com/Polar-RS100-Heart-Monitor-Stopwatch/dp/B000FW3Z6O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306169694&sr=8-2</a>

and $75.

I hope you find one you like. They're so helpful in getting a good read on where you're at in your workout.

anna.oskar · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_elliptical-vs-running?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:6f848107-0d23-4645-94ee-519670b13aacPost:cb15f8ff-0538-4c7e-984c-9866b703a0c3">Re: Elliptical vs. Running</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Elliptical vs. Running : Anna - I was able to find a great Polar brand HRM for $65 at Big 5. I think it was last years' model but it works great and fits comfortably. I was able to find some on amazon that got really good reviews: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Womens-Heart-Monitor-Bronze/dp/B001U0OFD2/ref=pd_sim_sg_1" rel='nofollow'>http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Womens-Heart-Monitor-Bronze/dp/B001U0OFD2/ref=pd_sim_sg_1</a> I think that one is $85 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-RS100-Heart-Monitor-Stopwatch/dp/B000FW3Z6O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306169694&sr=8-2" rel='nofollow'>http://www.amazon.com/Polar-RS100-Heart-Monitor-Stopwatch/dp/B000FW3Z6O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306169694&sr=8-2</a> and $75. I hope you find one you like. They're so helpful in getting a good read on where you're at in your workout.
Posted by sherrbearr22[/QUOTE]

Sherr.. you might totally be my hero. All the affordable ones I found had poor reviews. Thank you SO much!

J&K10910 · May 2011

Anna, I have an older Polar F4 and I love it. I think mine was about $65. It's super basic, but it's all I needed.

Just make sure you get one with a chest strap.

anna.oskar · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_elliptical-vs-running?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:6f848107-0d23-4645-94ee-519670b13aacPost:3137055d-e486-49dc-84eb-3aa6634fee8b">Re: Elliptical vs. Running</a>:
[QUOTE]Anna, I have an older Polar F4 and I love it. I think mine was about $65. It's super basic, but it's all I needed. Just make sure you get one with a chest strap.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

Thanks!

em01092 · May 2011

I get bad shin pains when I run, whether it's in the neighborhood, on a cushioned indoor track, or a treadmill. I would stretch, warm up, bought new running shoes, etc. The elliptical is my best friend, but I also use the bike and cardio rowing machines. Running must just not be for me. I'm taking a break, but I will try running again later, maybe after I lose some weight. I also think my form could be the problem, which the elliptical makes a nonissue.

firsttimersluck · May 2011

It depends on who you are. I have horrible knees, but I think this thread already summed up that the E is better than the Tred. in regards to that.

I know a LOT of trainers that don't approve of high high intensity running because our bodies were never meant for long term running, they were built for short bursts of energy like sprinting to chase down an aminal for food or to escape an animal so were not food. If you're going to run it's best to do it on an incline so you're not hurting the knees as much, or running in the dirt/grass, where you have a more natural setting for your joints to absorb the shock better.

if your going to do one or the other, just don't forget about interval training. It's easy to get into a work-out rut with running for a half our or reading a magazine on the Elliptical and forgetting about the resistance aspect. I always feel my best and get the sweatiest (ew :P ) workouts when I do interval.

kaper · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_elliptical-vs-running?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:6f848107-0d23-4645-94ee-519670b13aacPost:f0fe02b3-a448-4e2a-95b1-1609c650c6d7">Re: Elliptical vs. Running</a>:
[QUOTE]I get bad shin pains when I run, whether it's in the neighborhood, on a cushioned indoor track, or a treadmill. I would stretch, warm up, bought new running shoes, etc. The elliptical is my best friend, but I also use the bike and cardio rowing machines.<strong> Running must just not be for me.</strong> I'm taking a break, but I will try running again later, maybe after I lose some weight. I also think my form could be the problem, which the elliptical makes a nonissue.
Posted by em01092[/QUOTE]

I am helping coach a learn to run program. Last week a friend of mine, who is a doctor with an interest in sports medicine and is also an elite athlete that has competed in Ironman competitions, gave a talk to the group. He specifically talked idea that running isn't for everyone, he says there is a runner in all of us. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" /> We are built for it. I kinda liked that because I have always said I am not built for running.
I have also been through shin splints, bad. I had no choice but to keep running through them (I was in required physical training), eventually the pain did go away. Shoes and form are two big problems, but it is mostly just because your body isn't used to running.
He encourages to keep running through minor pain, but does recommend easier or short run,running on softer surfaces, and treating pain with ice when done.
He also argues that running is not as hard on our bodies as we are led to believe, and may, in fact, help the cartiledge, not wear it down as once thought.

That being said, if you don't like running, I am not saying you should.

Elliptical vs. Running

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