Question
Elliptical vs Running - Which Is Better?
Your site is really a great resource. I am interested in your opinion on an elliptical vs running on a treadmill. I know ellipticals are more “joint friendly” than a treadmill, but where are they in the line up of a Top Ten List of Most Effective Exercises.
I would also like to know if working out on an elliptical machine between 45-60 minutes at about 6.0-7.5 miles per hour would be considered a high intensity workout comparable to jogging outside, running on a treadmill or biking?
My joints are fine (at least as I type this 
But I want the most “bang for my buck” if I were to invest in some equipment… can you help me out?
Answer
You’re correct in your statement that elliptical workouts are more joint friendly than running outside or on a treadmill, and in my opinion just as productive at getting your heart rate up to your target zone.
I get a lot of emails from people in your position that are torn between getting an elliptical machine or a treadmill. It’s a tough question to answer as a blanket statement, as both types of equipment have their place in a home gym.
There is no perfect piece of equipment that will work miracles and burn 1500 calories an hour. The most effective machine is the one that you will use on a regular basis and not get injured on.
Elliptical vs Running Misinformation
There’s also a lot of misinformation about comparing elliptical workouts to running about exercise intensity. So in order to answer this question, and have it mean anything, first the word intensity needs to be defined.
Intensity = The level of demand that a given activity places on the body.
Trying to determine if using an elliptical trainer at 6-7 miles per hour is as intense as using an exercise bike or treadmill is irrelevant. The question you need to answer is this, “What is your goal while exercising?” If you know your goal, figuring out what intensity you need to be working at is easy.
Are you trying to increase your aerobic capacity? Are you training to lose body fat? Do you need to increase your time in short length sprints?
Train with your goal in mind and with some direction from someone who knows what they’re talking about. An aerobic conditioning plan should be structured around the following factors:
- your aerobic base
- your VO2 max
- your anaerobic threshold
I don’t have time to get into all the finer points of cardio training here, but suffice it to say you need to be training with a heart rate monitor so you don’t have to speculate about your intensity level, you’ll know it instantly by looking at your wrist.
Don’t ever rely on a subjective measurement like speed or incline or you’re doomed to failure.
If you have a budget under $1500 I would recommend a solid elliptical trainer because you get more bang for your buck and won’t have to sacrifice quality for money or suffer the frustration of breakdowns.
If your budget is $1500 plus I would take a look at a treadmill like one of these. I hope that helps you out…
