Treadmill or Elliptical Trainer?

[Denise in NE]

I have a slight balance problem (from Meniere's Syndrome) and a bad knee from too many years of Jazzercise on a concrete floor! That said, I primarily walk about 3 miles/4 days a week for exercise. However...

We had a REAL Nebraska winter this year - and I spent most of it indoors stressing out my joints with THE FIRM box.

My question: Which exercise machine should we purchase? Has anyone bought one machine and wished they'd bought the other? I've read all the online reviews that I could find, but I would like to hear from some of you who actually use your machine regularly.

I will probably still walk out-of-doors whenever possible (I love the fresh air and "private time"), so this will be my dead-of-winter/dog-days-of-summer workout.

Thanks in advance!
Denise in NE

[jail warden]

I have one, although my dh needs to fix it right now! But I really like it. It's supposed to be more gentle on knees than walking and treadmills.

[Stacey in MA]

I am also a walker, and love that. But when it comes to getting a little more aerobic, my knees and lower back can't take jogging or running. So I use the eliptical to work up a sweat. Otherwise, it's walking (outside or on treadmill at the gym) for me.

FWIW, we own an eliptical and they are NOT all created equal. You need to shop and get a feel for the stance and motion of each before buying. If you like it, you'll use it. If you don't like it, it will be an unused space-eater. ;-)

GL - Stacey in MA

[Jenny in Atl]

Eliptical! Love mine!!!!

[Elisabeth in IL]

Eliptical!! I loved mine when we had it. Finances got tight so we had to sell it. I wish we still had it...at least the Y has a couple that I can borrow! :)

[Stacia]

I recently joined a gym (I'm not an athletic person at all) & have to say that I love walking on a treadmill (& the rowing machines, along w/ various weight machines). Tried the elliptical & about keeled over in 2 or so minutes.

I do get motion sickness, and the elliptical made me feel motion sick rather quickly. Maybe I'm just highly uncoordinated. :o I've heard that ellipticals are more kind to the knees, though I'm planning on sticking w/ a treadmill.

Is there a sports equipment place near you where you could go try out some ellipticals vs. treadmills before buying?

[nestof3]

I much prefer a treadmill over an elliptical. We were very tight on space when my treadmill died, so I bought a recumbent bike. I love it!

[abbeyej]

When I was looking at this recently, I came to the conclusion that an elliptical would not give me the results I was looking for as well as a treadmill would. Now, if my knees were of a major concern, I might have decided it was worth the trade-off. ... Unfortunately, lol, it doesn't matter unless we find a new house! There's simply no place for either one in our current home. ;)

[HollyDay]

6 months ago I would have said treadmill - hands down. I own one and love it. I used it daily and really,really enjoyed it. Until I kept hurting my back. After 1 trip to the ER and 1 trip to the doc and constant pain in between, I have to give up my treadmill. The PT said a treadmill pulls on the muscles of the lower back. He said an eliptical is much safer.

[nestof3]

I tried out SEVERAL ellipticals, and my knees and lower back were sore from them, whereas I was able to walk two hours in the summer on my treadmill with no problem.

I guess it's different for everyone.

[Mom2legomaniacs]

The cheaper ellipticals are typically not worth it. You do have to spend some money to get a good one.

I researched this and was thinking of getting one of the really nice brands like Precor or something. Then I found the brand Sole. It is really nice and not nearly as expensive as Precor but just as good in quality.

When you are looking, make sure you include Sole in the search. You can try them out in some stores -- Dick's Sporting Goods carries them, I know. But we ordered ours straight from the company.
A friend ordered one too and loves it!

[Denise in NE]

Thanks for all your replies. You've given me food for thought!
Now I'm back to the High School board...

Denise in NE