Would you buy a treadmill or elliptical machine?

[Birdy]

Hi all,
I'm trying to decide which of these two machines to buy for myself and my two teenage daughters to use at home. I've tried both and like the treadmill, but both daughters like the elliptical. I'd like to hear from those of you who have either of these machines and how you like them, which one you'd buy if you were me! Thanks in advance for your help.

[Jackie J]

i've used both at the gym and really prefer the elliptical - at first my knee would bother me but once i got used to it, the pain went away and i find i get a much better workout on the elliptical - and i like working my arms and stomach as well -- it uses many more calories so if your goal is weight loss and maintenance as well as firming up, the elliptical might be better. if you haven't used on a regular basis, perhaps you could get a week or 2 week pass at the gym and see how you feel after about 3 or 4 light 1/2 hour sessions on it.

[chewy]

i have a treadmill that i bought 5 years ago and i love it and use it daily except for the 2 weeks after giving birth to my daughter!it is the best thing i ever did-i highly recommend a treadmill...i put on my music and away i go!

[havfaith]

Funny that you posted this question. I've been debating the same thing. I'm leaning more toward the elliptical though since I can walk outside a good portion of the year and the elliptical is supposed to be easier on the knees (no impact) and burn more cals, plus has a smaller footprint and I'm short on space. Given an unlimited budget, I'd probably go for a treadclimber though.

[havfaith]

Okay, I can honestly really say elliptical today. I bought an inexpensive one (Weslo) tonight, brought it home, put it together and hopped on. Wow. Um, yeah, much better than I remember with my treadmill I had. It even has two program modes that will adjust the tension automatically (20 and 30 min workouts). I'll be thrilled when I can make it 20 min on this thing!

[Purdy]

If price for value is any consideration, then make sure you look at Craigs List in Seattle.
For the price of one new, you could get both a elliptical and a treadmill in nearly new condition. You'll be buying other people's best intentions go awry.
Think about getting something barely used for way less than half price.
Perhaps something only 10% used but for only 25% of new price.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/sp ... maxAsk=max

http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/sp ... maxAsk=max

You can pick these up for far less than even the people are asking for.
Make an offer. For many of these folks, they just want to get the machines out of the way.....clear space.
Always offer less than the asking price. Sometimes way way less.

[Birdy]

Thanks for the feedback! Purdy that's a great suggestion about Craig's list and thanks for the links. I'll post again when I make a purchase. I'm leaning toward the elliptical.

[Janet in Dallas]

When I've been asked this question, I've told everyone to spend the money on a gym membership. Maybe I'm lucky here in Dallas....you throw a stick & you hit 5 gyms, but the amount of money you would spend on a GOOD machine, you can get into a relatively good gym membership...and you have MULTIPLE choices of equipment/weights/classes. And come January, there will be all sorts of price reductions, etc.

If you're not near a gym, chances are really great that you're in a less populated area...therefore, you probably could walk/run outside (i.e. treadmill). Maybe elliptical would be a nice change from using Nature's Treadmill...

Food For Thought.