Treadmill vs Elliptical?

I would pick treadmill. They are cheaper..and you really don't need a fancy high tech one to get a work out. It's walking. All you need is one that gets you moving. I have a 350 dollar one that works just fine. Yeah..I would like a better one..but all I need is one that works. It is pretty basic. It tells me how many calories burned, time on the treadmill, fat calories burned, my speed..etc. Ellipticals are more expensive. To me..treadmills are more reliable, and you're most likely going to want to get off your butt to walk rather then getting on an elliptical. Just my opinion. If I could afford an elliptical, i would definitely get one, since its a good workout. But I would pick my treadmill over an elliptical any day.

I like ellipticals as a personal preference. I used to be a distance runner and have a lot of shin problems as a result, so I like sticking with the low-impact cardio workouts.

The problem is any of the cheaper ellipticals were just that - CHEAP! I tried out a bunch of them and the motion was quite unnatural - it felt like my hips were going to pop out of joint. They also seemed poorly constructed - not very stable and they felt like they would break within 20 hours of use.

If you can find a treadmill in that price range, that may be a better way to go. Yes, you get what you pay for, but since your basic motion is the same no matter how much you spend on a treadmill, that may be your best option.

Shop around and try out the different ellipticals. You may have better luck than I did. We just had so much frustration trying to find a cheaper elliptical with natural motion and good construction, we ended up spending the big bucks on a Precor. If you can't find an elliptical that you would use (TRULY use - not a "this might be ok once I get used to it" elliptical), stick with a treadmill.

I checked out craigslist in my area and found some ellipticals for around 500 bucks (some were less but in bad shape) so maybe look into buying used.

If your knees are in bad shape, I would recommend an elliptical. Also, the perceived exertion on an elliptical is much less than a treadmill, so you might be more inclined to use it and for longer than a treadmill. I know that's how I am.

But it all depends on your personal preference. Do you run? Do you enjoy running? Which will you use more?

Neither. For $500 you can get a nice bike and a bike trainer. Easy on the knees, the trainer takes up very little space, plus you can use the bike outside when the weather gets nicer.

IMHO, treadmills aren't a good investment because there are only a very few days out of the year you can't run outside. Ellipticals are OK, but not OK enough for me to spend a lot of money on one. I prefer running and cycling outside if I've got a choice.

Elliptical. It's super easy on the knees and you sweat but don't 'hurt' after your work out. I run also and I hurt afterwards, it's hard to explain - like it's hard on your body.

The elliptical has or can have different tension levels and different height levels. Treadmills get boring IMO.. You can do the ellipitical when you 'don't feel like it' at a low setting, or really crank it up for a good sweat.

We got ours from under $300. We bought it used. I do not have a clue what model it is though....

Oh and my husband has bad knees from a motorcycle accident years ago - has a rod in his leg too. He uses it with no problems!! :)

I would say go for the elliptical as well.. alot easier on your knees and burns alot more calories! Make sure your heart rate stays up, and don't just jump on the elliptical thinking you can go all the way.. You will reward yourself by taking it slow at first, then building it up, and you might also get stronger knees. Make sure you use your heels and keep your body as straight and lean as possible! As for prices, I cannot help you with that.. but good luck!

Its faster to burn calories on an elliptical. Also, if you have bad knees, then go for the elliptical. But, for a good elliptical, about $800 - $1000 would be best.

Good luck!

Elliptical, way better. They are easier on the knees, and are a more full body workout. And you burn more than twice the calories you burn on a treadmill.

Treadmills can be rough on the knees. Elliptical is better for that problem.

Your best bet is to find a used treadmill. Try to stick with something from Horizon or Schwinn. Their treadmils tend to last a lot longer than most other treadmills.