This is just a compilation of information I've gathered from the www, as I have just started working out I find myself working out on the elliptical machine far more often than any other type of cardio machine.

Treadmills vs Ellipticals vs Bikes

Maximum opportunity to increase cardiovascular, weight loss and bone density.

• Burn more calories than bike or elliptical
• Build maximum lower extremity bone density
• Customize workout with Decline / Incline features
• Minimal impact with SOFT deck technology

Ellipticals vs Treadmills vs Bikes

The benefits of weight-bearing exercise without the impact.

• Low impact workout that's easy on body and joints
• Arm handles allow for a full body workout
• Lower perceived rate of exertion
• Burn less calories per hour than a treadmill

Bikes vs Ellipticals vs Treadmills

Low impact. High performance.

• Low-No impact workout easiest on body and joints
• Available in upright and recumbent, for virtually every performance level
• Most economically priced piece of equipment
• Lowest calorie burn / hour compared with a treadmill and elliptical

More Info Contained in various articles.

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercis...elliptical.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?Elliptical...ies?&id=311934
http://www.ellipticaltrainers.com/ar..._treadmill.htm


Personal Standpoint:

At this point in time, I have just started working out so I feel as though the elliptical is the best route for me until I'm within the 200-210 range, b/c my body's excess weight does put a tremendous amount of stress on my lower joints. Once that goal is achieved, I will most definatly mix up my cardio routine among different machines, and outdoor training as well.

i go elliptical too... i challenge myself by not really setting the level real high but trying to get on it longer - of course, i give myself rest periods after 20min intervals but that's that. i'm 250 right now. when i get to 220-230, i'll probably start on the bike or treadmill... but i'd rather go for the elliptical any day ^_^

Stevi,
Dang man! good to see you. You left a few of us hangin on that other thread..

The elyp is a best bet in my opinion, due to the low impact nature of the movement.
boring maybe! But effective.

try moving your feet around in the foot trays too. Having one forward and one back, both back, and differing combos for set amounts of times helps keep it interest. You will feel the difference.

Nothing is going to be like the day you take the "new stevi" out for his first, wind sucking, grass smashing, wind in the face, look the hell at me, run!!

You can do this man!
I have no problem looking like some bimbo cheerleader, if just stay in the game.

FF

that's funny... ^_^

i have started using the cross trainer in the last 2 weeks since being told l cant run anymore. i find its the closest thing to running and l can actaully work harder on the cross trainer by increasing resistance
i can already see differences in abs and arms and this is only after 2 weeks!! therefore this is much better than running!!

For doing cardio in a gym, wouldn't swimming or rowing be opportunities to do a full body cardio workout while doing something that may be harder to do outside the gym (as opposed to running or bicycling, which can be done almost anywhere)?

I have been told that since my leg break/knee injury that it is in my best interests to avoid running of any sort at all costs.

I have been told that Elliptical trainer, rowing machine and bike are the way to go for me.

To put it in perspective I was told that if I keep running I will be lucky to get five more years without requiring major surgery but will probably get easily twenty plus if I avoid it.

Apparently the weight put on your knee joints with every step while running is equivalent to three times your own body weight.

I love the elliptical myself...because like many others, I have joint problems...
I think that I get a sufficient workout on the elliptical because I can move my arms and legs, giving me a "full body workout" feel... I definitely break a serious sweat, esp when I crank up the resistance. I do love to run outside because to me, it is less boring...but it just hurts my knees and ankles. :-(

Good post, thanks for sharing!

I dabble with all three modalities. Treadmill by far can generally burn the most, but as far as Elliptical vs. biking...I think they're pretty close.

There are only 2 kinds of runners....those who have had problems with their knees...and those who will eventually have trouble with their knees. Nobody wants to hear that, but it's the truth. The older guys I see on bikes, most of them used to run. We age, deal with it.

Frankly, I'd rather bike or elliptical 10 minutes longer to compensate for the difference in calorie-burning the treadmill offers.

Also, I have a Precor elliptical machine and I can run that thing at the max. incline AND max. resistance and it won't compare to some of the loads I find myself cranking while out on my bike. Bike when you have the time, Elliptical when you don't have the time or it's raining.

But by far....more imporant than anything: it's splitting hairs.....borrowing from another saying....the worst day working-out is better then the best day sitting on the couch. My point: just get out there and do it, even if you have to look like a bimbo cheerleader. FF, you psycho-comic!