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http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/running-vs-elliptical
Here's a thread I posted a while ago about the same exact thing. I think I get a better workout from running, but if I'm feeling lazy and still want to work out, I'll do the elliptical. It's good for cross-training but not for every day.
IMO, there's no workout like running. It's seriously a full-body workout and much harder than the elliptical.
If you don't have knee or joint problems, I would definitely try running.
I think the trick is that with running you can't be lazy and use the momentum of the machine to keep you moving, like you can with the elliptical. If you talk to a trainer who's familiar with your particular machines, you can get the number of strides/minute needed to be effective cardio. I was told my number was 170.
I have a knee problem so I'm paranoid about everyone's knees and am against regular running workouts. Occasional runs of course aren't a big deal but having ouchy knees suck so so much that if you can prevent them in your 50s by using the eliptical now I vote eliptical!
I think the elliptical is a great way for people who don't like running to stay in shape....but that being said I've never found a substitute for running. For my low impact workouts I choose biking because I can still get a cardio workout in once I have the biking muscles.
I'm a fairly avid runner but do look for alternatives so I can get off my legs once in awhile so I've tried the ellipticals a few times. I don't know if I'm doing it wrong but I've never been able to feel like I got a workout from ellipticals.
I vote elliptical too. I have asthma and allergies and I cannot do intense exercise like running. Plus I do have slightly wonky knees and ankles and would probably hurt myself.
I prefer running. I usually use the treadmill on the varying incline setting, but now that its getting warmer I might start to go outside. The motion of running just feels more natural to me than the elliptical, so I never really got into it...
I like running. I think running is a more natural movement and it is amazing to see your improvement week to week. Running on the treadmill will make you better at running outdoors then there's no limit to what you can do (trail running, races!).
I think although the elliptical can burn killer calories, it's not going to improve your overall fitness and will just make you better at doing the elliptical, which really is not as beneficial in day to day life as running.
My left knee is really bad (torn ACL and now it pops out of joint all the time). I wish I could run, but even walking for more than a few blocks makes me want to cry. Ellipticals are so much better for me, but I like running better. I'd much rather be outside and get a change of scenery than being stuck inside a gym watching whatever news channel they have the tvs tuned to.
Elliptical all the way. If it becomes too easy you need to up the resistance. I can't run because of my knees but I use the elliptical every day. As it's gotten easier I've switched up the resitance or the mode and it's like I'm starting all over again. I've lost 20 lbs so far with a combo of exercise (elliptical and weight machines) and diet change.
elliptical here too! i messed up my ankle pretty bad a few years ago (tore all sorts of stuff) and running really hurts. i have no problems with the elliptical, but i do need to remind myself to keep the resistance high.
I try to do both. When I run I typically do about a mile. The longest I have ever ran is like 2.5 miles. I am not much of a runner. So, I feel with my short distances I am not getting much out of it.
However, when I use the elliptical I have it at a pretty high intensity and do it for 60 minutes. If the calorie counters on the machines are right, then I burn about 800-900 calories in that hour. I could NEVER do that running. Well I could never run for an hour straight.
I am also doing p90x right now, so I haven't really been running lately. But I try to use my mile jog as a warm up and then do an hour of elliptical. And I get super sweaty from both, so for me they are even there!
All I know is that in the last three months I have seen far better results running on a treadmill than I saw in a YEAR of elliptical. Makes me wish I started running on the treadmill sooner!
Running, I loathe the elliptical. If you're wanted to get better at running google "Couch to 5k" and following of the many training plans - you'll be running further in no time!
I like to mix it up - each form of exercises uses muscles in a slightly different way. People who can run marathons may struggle with a 60 minute spin class. And people who can ride a bike forever, may have a hard time running a 5k. It's all about muscle specificity - so if you shake up your routine, you work your body in different ways and don't allow the muscles to become accustomed to a workout.
If you've been doing the elliptical for awhile and really enjoy it, change your resistance or incline to make it more challenging to jolt your body back awake. I personally hate running, but do it periodically just to wake up my body a bit.
I agree with running. It seems to take a lot more "work" to propel yourself forward in actual running. I feel like my back and core get a better workout also. I've actually had my toes fall asleep on the elliptical. Weird.
i get a better work out from the elliptical. it is tough at first but after awhile I can run on that thing forever!
I get on the elliptical for my 15 min break at work and jog regularly. I love running, because I like to be outside anyway.
If you're able, running outside is fantastic exercise. I'm in the country, where the land is all hills and valleys, so it's a high intensity work out no matter which way I go. There were these twin guys from my high school that were on the track team, and they could run 15 miles in a morning on these roads. I have no idea how they pulled it off! In my own experience, I can see results after one run. I doubt I would get the same impact on a machine.
Both. My body gets bored easily so I throw in the eliptical a few times here or there or on the days my body just won't run. Running is a far better workout bc you can slack on an eliptical and the freedom and ability to get outside myself by running outside is the best therapy you can get.
used to run...but now elliptical! I have a reconstructed ACL and my physical therapist suggested only elliptical training from then on - much better for my knee. If I get my strides/min with the right resistance up it can be a great work out.
I have bad-ish knees and giant boobs that no sports bra can control. So I prefer the elliptical.
I do both. Or did, until I realized that 6 out of 7 days are now taken up by either ultimate frisbee or karate. My legs may never recover!
Do whichever you like better, but one big caveat for each.
For running - make sure you're wearing shoes that are good for your feet and aren't causing yourself knee or joint pain. It is a lot worse for you IF you have injury issues, but if you're running in good shoes, with good form, and don't have any lingering injuries, it's great for you. Nothing beats being able to run outside in gorgeous weather or great scenery.
For the elliptical - injuries aren't as big an issue, but as others have mentioned it's really easy to slack off and not exert yourself that much. Watch for it - if it starts getting too easy, up your speed and/or the resistance. Make sure you are sweating and would have at least some difficulty having a conversation.
For both I'd suggest trying some degree of interval training. It would help with your running speed - short bursts of sprinting mixed interspersed with going slow or even walking to recover. It's a great way to get into shape so you can run faster/further without stopping. You can do the same thing with speed/resistance on the elliptical which in that case is good for avoiding elliptical zombie-ness (when you're going and going but not really working out).
BOTH! If you can, of course.
The elliptical is great because like everyone has been saying, its low impact on your legs and back. I am a runner by nature but from injuries from running in high school, I have kinda bad ankles and knees and for most of the time, the elliptical is better for me. I actually loathe the treadmill for running because its actually worse to run on than running outside. Its so much harder on my joints than running outside is. The treadmill is just so much conveinent because its indoor and you can hop on it anytime of the day without worrying about the weather and how much time you have.
I would try and mix it up, if you can, because youre only getting better at the elliptical and because it has low impact, its so much different than pounding the pavement. You may be able to pump out an hour of high intensity but try running and its not happening! I cycle 4-5 times a week for an hour and I figured because cycling is mainly about your legs and I have the endurance, I was sure I would hop on the treadmill and pound out a few miles no problem. I did 20 mins and was sore for days!
You dont want to limit your body to just one mode of exercise. Try every other time if you can handle it (joints wise if you have problems) and see how it goes. Youll have to work at the running but your body will get used to it. Strech stretch stretch!
Hope this helps!!
I know this has nothing to do with your question, but another advantage of running is that it helps make you bones STRONGER. The pounding against the earth/treadmill is what helps. Which as we all know, is something that will be important later in life.
Wow! These are all such great opinions, thanks everyone! I just got back from running 1.5 miles on the treadmill...I tried doing it outside but I chickened out since it's been awhile since I've ran haha. I like the idea of mixing it up, because I get bored way too easily, and (for now) I am fortunate to not have any knee or joint problems so I suppose if I just put my mind to it, running will get easier in time. Every time I am on campus and see all the runners I get more motivated haha. Plus, another reason I want to get better at running is because I have no idea if a few years from now if I'll even have access to machines. hmm...
it's probably just a matter of mixing up your work out. i have the opposite problem in that i can run 6 miles with no issue, but 20 min on the elliptical and i want to pass out! i think it's just because i have been running for years and rarely use the elliptical. probably best to switch it up more often.
One tip to get a better workout from the elliptical is to do intervals, such as 1:00 hard, 1:00 easy...The change in heart rate and speed really helps make a bigger impact on your body! You'll def get better results than doing the elliptical at the same speed for 30 mins :)
i always wished i could be a good runner, but i just never was. i've inherited the same problem my dad had in his 20s, which is sort of an early onset arthritis. thankfully it's just in one area - my left knee. a fitness doctor that i saw last month told me no running though. so i stick to ellipticals, crosstrainers, recumbent bikes... anything to get some good cardio, mix it up, and not put pressure on my knee. if i overdo it, i can feel it the next day when going up the stairs to work - ouch.
I don't have a choice- knee issues put me on the elliptical. It gives me a better work out because I can repeat it the next day. If I run outside, I'm hobbling around for a day or two. I prefer to be outside during the nice times of year, so I hike instead.
On either you will get a better workout in less time if you do intervals. I think a lot of eliptical machines have preset interval workouts. The one I do on my eliptical is only 30 minutes + cool down and it's great.
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Hey Bees, I am at a normal weight but like everyone else, want to stay healthy and lose a bit of pudge here and there around the middle. I've been fairly consistent using the elliptical trainer when I workout combined with weight lifting afterwards...but I have realized that if (and when) I ever try running, whether it's outside or on the treadmill, I can barely get past a mile before I'm ready to call it quits. I know the elliptical has some advantages because it has less impact on the joints, but I always thought I'd be better at running than I am. Whenever I try running I definitely feel way out of shape!
Anyone here really favor one over the other? Which one do you think you get a better workout from?