Information/ Opinions Needed RE: Treadmill & Elliptical Choices

[vitalsignsrn]

Hi Guys & Gals,

I'm thinking of buying a machine for the house. I'm getting pretty tired of the gym. The atmosphere has changed & I'd I think I'd be more comfortable at home. I have a weight bench that I use for free weights & I'm not interested in adding anything for lifting at this point. I'm ok with that part. I'm confused about choosing Treadmill over elliptical. I love & use both types of machines. I've not been too impressed with the quality of the majority of ellipticals & there are so very few to choose from that have an incline feature, which I want. So...If anyone has any of these brands or have any opinions, I'd like you to share them which might help me decide. I must admit, I have some knee joint issued & have had plantar fasciitis in the past (buying proper shoes have helped with this tremendously - Overpronator here :-)). I like the treadmill because it's a more natural movement. But with my knees acting up & a bit of arthritis creeping in, maybe I need to consider the elliptical for future. The treadmills claim to orthopaedic are either truthful or a bunch of advertising BS. I still need to do my Treadmill hands on research. I would rather have a front drive Elliptical. Easier to get in & out of & less bulky.

Elliptical Choices:

Sole E95
Is a smooth machine but I'm just not sure about the quality of it. It has numerous Best Buy awards so there must be something good about it. The reviews have been either really good or really bad. I know to take them with a grain of salt but if anyone here has one, tell me what you like or don't like about it.

** Canadian pricing displayed**
http://www.solefitness.ca/E95-elliptical.html

Matrix Ascent A50 with the XER console. Like the feel of the suspension Drive. It feels like a solid, well built machines.

http://ca.matrixfitness.com/en/home/ellipticals/a50


As for Treadmills:

True
-(had one way back late 90's/early 2000. Was a tank. It got sacrificed in the divorce. LOL LOL LOL). They are pricey machines but they have always stood for quality & I'm hoping they still do. They also have an orthopaedic belt. Is this is a gimmick? I don't know. I actually have to go try out the treadmills next.

http://shop.truefitness.com/treadmills/ps800-treadmill

Landice
Excellently build quality, made in America & has a great warranty. The L8 is the most expensive & beefed up version of the 7 (also the most expensive). As for console, I'll probably just get the Cardio Control Panel. Both units have an orthopaedic deck available.

https://www.landice.com/home-fitness...admill/explore
or
https://www.landice.com/home-fitness...admill/explore

Here's a slick Company video of the Landice machines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGzBc5DLqew

What do you think?
Judy
:-)

[Rogdogg]

Hi Judy,

Not knowing anything about the models/brands you are suggesting I would personally go with a Treadmill over the Elliptical because for me I think it offers a little more flexibility in the workouts I would do. HIIT I find is easier for me on a treadmill as I can Run/Sprint and Jog easily but another thing I like to do is Walk hard on them on the highest incline.

Another thing I would recommend is a Concept 2 Rowing machine. This is the best machine of all for me even if I hate it haha (kidding, kind of)

I think Rowing on this machine is an absolutely super work out and can be easily or difficult as hell depending on how much you want to work yourself and put into it. It also works your entire body at the same time.
I also find there is lots of support to keep you interested. There are clubs where distances and times are recorded etc. so you can keep track of yourself against other similar level users. There are great programmes too where you can hook the machine up to your computer and row against other people from around the world and so on.

Also, please note that this is coming from a quite overweight guy who lost a lot using these machines and gained a lot of fitness, only to injure myself playing other sports and put a lot of weight back on through irresponsible eating doubled with no exercise due to my injury.
I'm about to start back into it again having now recovered. I will be using the above machines with a regular weight bench and dumbbells/barbell weights.

Just my thoughts for what it's worth!

[GB-man]

At my gym I use a machine called the AMT open stride for 20 min to warm up, then 20 min of circuit training then 35 mins of cycling. I highly recommend the amt open stride for burning calories. It feels like a cross between an elliptical and treading water.

[Abdullah71601]

Elipticals are purely for cardio. Any other claimed performance is marketing. Treadmills are better for tone, balance, and a total body workout.

For either, you should be looking at the same maker that you see at the gym. The home units are radically cheaper for a reason. The gym quality builds will run smoother, quieter, last longer, and will be the same workout you have now.

Look for refurbished gym equipment. Life Fitness makes great equipment and you can get into refurbed units for less than half the new price. I have had a refurb Stairmaster PT4000 for 15 years and a refurb Life Fitness 91 for three years. Life Fitness has a CPO program, but there are a lot of people offering this equipment.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Elipticals are purely for cardio. Any other claimed performance is marketing. Treadmills are better for tone, balance, and a total body workout.

For either, you should be looking at the same maker that you see at the gym. The home units are radically cheaper for a reason. The gym quality builds will run smoother, quieter, last longer, and will be the same workout you have now.

Look for refurbished gym equipment. Life Fitness makes great equipment and you can get into refurbed units for less than half the new price. I have had a refurb Stairmaster PT4000 for 15 years and a refurb Life Fitness 91 for three years. Life Fitness has a CPO program, but there are a lot of people offering this equipment.

sorry brother, but this is just not possible. By movement alone, the elliptical actually uses a push and pull for the upper body. The push and pull provides resistance. the more resistance you put on it, the better it will be for building muscle tone.

treadmills do nothing for the upper body. Both machines are mostly for cardio. However, the elliptical will most certainly provide better muscle tone for reasons stated above.

when I had my back surgery, the elliptical was a life saver for me. I have logged endless hours on it and I can attest for 100% that is has created a good amount of tone for me. I cant say it helped build muscle, but for certain, it toned up what was there. It is good for the core as well, as long as you are doing it right.

I still use the machine nearly 5 times a week. Cardio (elliptical) in the morning, and resistance (weights) work at night.

away on vacation, I actually miss it terribly, but the swimming is a nice consolation. For certain, I can attest that when done correctly you are absolutely building up the lactic acid and creating massive burn. I imagine you dont want pics...but I have them if you would like photographic evidence.

OP. I sold my treadmill. I found it to be a waste and tough on my back. I am not sure what model I have, but I have used it religiously for over a year now. It is still in super shape. It has worked wonders for me. I only had to tape up the hand holds as I wore through mine. Otherwise, mechanically, it is awesome. I can get you detailed specs as early as tomorrow.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by superdog

sorry brother, but this is just not possible. By movement alone, the elliptical actually uses a push and pull for the upper body. The push and pull provides resistance. the more resistance you put on it, the better it will be for building muscle tone.

treadmills do nothing for the upper body. Both machines are mostly for cardio. However, the elliptical will most certainly provide better muscle tone for reasons stated above.

when I had my back surgery, the elliptical was a life saver for me. I have logged endless hours on it and I can attest for 100% that is has created a good amount of tone for me. I cant say it helped build muscle, but for certain, it toned up what was there. It is good for the core as well, as long as you are doing it right.

I still use the machine nearly 5 times a week. Cardio (elliptical) in the morning, and resistance (weights) work at night.

away on vacation, I actually miss it terribly, but the swimming is a nice consolation. For certain, I can attest that when done correctly you are absolutely building up the lactic acid and creating massive burn. I imagine you dont want pics...but I have them if you would like photographic evidence.

OP. I sold my treadmill. I found it to be a waste and tough on my back. I am not sure what model I have, but I have used it religiously for over a year now. It is still in super shape. It has worked wonders for me. I only had to tape up the hand holds as I wore through mine. Otherwise, mechanically, it is awesome. I can get you detailed specs as early as tomorrow.

The elliptical is definately better on my back and knees than a treadmill, or my Stairmaster. I love mine.

Some makers market these as being as good as running and strength training. The National Strength and Conditioning Association journal had some good studies that compared elliptical performance to other exercise, and the ellipticals are consistently lower performers beyond the cardio workout. You will definately get your heart rate up and burn calories, but the machine does a lot of work that your muscles would be doing in other exercises.

[airchitect]

Elliptical - pop the money for a Precore and get it done. When we purchased we looked at everything under the sun and they are the best. Hell they invented the things. And so much better than a treadmill that’s hard on your joints. An elliptical isn’t and is simply a better workout unless you’re a diehard runner. Also look at a WaterRower (for rowing obviously) which truly is the best workout only tied by swimming for % of muscle usage. I love mine. It has no dead spots in action and when not being used tilts up to the wall and out of the way. Not to mention the sound of the water helps you maintain your pace and just sounds kind of cool too.

[brannonj1]

I would look at Life Fitness. These are the same machines they have at gyms everywhere and I like it better than Precor. I would obviously test drive before I buy. All ellipticals are different. We have the club series at home and love it. We've had it for 8 years and haven't had any issues. It's smooth and quiet. They have one in the style that you are looking at too. Take a look.

https://shop.lifefitness.com/fs4-ell...-cross-trainer

[Flstfirider]

Originally Posted by brannonj1

I would look at Life Fitness. These are the same machines they have at gyms everywhere and I like it better than Precor. I would obviously test drive before I buy. All ellipticals are different. We have the club series at home and love it. We've had it for 8 years and haven't had any issues. It's smooth and quiet. They have one in the style that you are looking at too. Take a look.

https://shop.lifefitness.com/fs4-ell...-cross-trainer

My LifeFiness x9 elliptical has been flawless for 15 years of regular use. It is the same model that is found in gyms, and the only elliptical that I feel has a natural stride. If you aren’t comfortable with the motions and ergonomics of home fitness equipment, you likely won’t use it. Get the best you can afford and closest to what you use at the gym.

[Blansky]

The major problems with all these machines is you have to use them for them to be effective. Walking by them or hanging clothes on them does no good whatsoever.

Serious design failure.

[wantonebad]

Have owned both, treadmill by far was better for me and my wife, by a WIDE margin.

[droptopman]

Some good feedback. Life Fitness produces excellent machines. Call around to the local gyms and see if anyone has any used machines they will sell. My gym sells off equipment every year, I usually buy a piece or two and save significantly. The commercial machines are so much better than retail machines.
My wife logs a lot of miles on a treadmill. She wears them out. Over the years we bought some machines from Costco that were good but a used commercial Life Fitness treadmill lasts longer than a new retail one. At least in our experience.

[vitalsignsrn]

Thanks guys for your feedback. Rogdogg, I checked out the Concept 2 rower. Looks like a great machine. It’s going to be too much on my knees. If I find one when I’m out on my research trips, I’ll give it a try. I e found a lot on HIIT on You Tube, mainly people using Treadmills. It’s something to think about. GB, I looked at the AMT & it’s a hugely expensive machine unless I can find one preowned. The shop I’m going to this afternoon has both AMT & the Cybex ARC Trainer. I’d like to test them out while I’m there. The You Tube videos really make it look appealing. Abdullah 71601, I’ve found some places on Kijiji selling used gym equipment (Precor) & am awaiting a reply. I think light commercial is definietly fine for home where the max user is 2. Good to read your response that elliptical is better on your joints. Airchitect, thanks for the elliptical vote. I’m trying out the Precors today. The water rower looks nice. I think the swishing of the water might be too soothing. Lol. Again, I think that’ll be too hard on my knees. Superdog, I don’t feel as sore off the elliptical as I am off the treadmill. But if I spend too long on the elliptical my darn toes go numb no matter how I position or move my feet. My back is ok but sometimes my hips are sore. I guess sometimes I over do it on the incline. Lol. My personal trainer used to get after me cause I’d stay on too long. I’m leaning towards the ellipticals but am quite interested in the orthopaedic decks of the treadmills. If they’re hype or not. I always move my arms, I can’t hang on to the stationary handles, it throws off my momentum. Same for treadmill, I have to be pumping my arms like I’m doing a power walk. You definitely get toned uppers that way. ;-) Brannonj1, I checked out the link you provided. It’s definitely a compact, nice looking machine. I don’t see where it has an incline. This is the issue I’m running up against trying to find an elliptical. They all have resistance but I like both resistance & incline. Plus if I read the specs right, the stride is set st 22”. I’m only 5’2” so 20” is pretty much where I should be. Then I as I progress in my workout I lengthen stride but it’s nice to bring it down so I’m not always stretching. Wantonebad, thank you for your input. :-). Droptopman, I never thought to actually call up the gyms themselves to find out if they sell they’re equipment. Makes sense, I just didn’t think about it. Your wife sounds like a serious runner. I’ll report back after I hit the shops. :-D. There are a lot of cute young men working in them. Hahaha. I’m all business when I’m spending $$$, I’ll stay focussed. ;-).

[breitlings]

the best ellipticals afaik are from “octane fitness”. cheers

[mtrunner]

My vote is for commercial quality treadmills as well. I have a LifeFitness Club series treadmill and absolutely love it. It's a tank and well worth the money. I have had mine for 3 years and have not had one issue with mine and my wife and I use it A LOT. I ran 260 miles on it last month due to the cold weather her in Montana. Good luck in your search.

https://shop.lifefitness.com/cardio/treadmills

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

My vote is for commercial quality treadmills as well. I have a LifeFitness Club series treadmill and absolutely love it. It's a tank and well worth the money. I have had mine for 3 years and have not had one issue with mine and my wife and I use it A LOT. I ran 260 miles on it last month due to the cold weather her in Montana. Good luck in your search.

https://shop.lifefitness.com/cardio/treadmills

Octane Fitness mainly caters to commercial quality. A guy I train with in Sedona, played a several years in the NFL, he specced out a few gyms and went with Octane Fitness ellipticals.

Then when Seven Canyons was bought he had to defend the choice as the new owners wanted to use more common equipment, I think he brought the new owners to an NFL training facility or just showed them pictures of the top franchises and it was all the equipment he specced, they kept it.

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by breitlings

Octane Fitness mainly caters to commercial quality. A guy I train with in Sedona, played a several years in the NFL, he specced out a few gyms and went with Octane Fitness ellipticals.

Then when Seven Canyons was bought he had to defend the choice as the new owners wanted to use more common equipment, I think he brought the new owners to an NFL training facility or just showed them pictures of the top franchises and it was all the equipment he specced, they kept it.

We are going buy an elliptical for my wife and going with Octane Fitness. They make awesome ellipticals!

[handsfull]

Judy, please try a Zero Runner. Wife uses it 3x a week/has for 5+ years and her knees are fragile. We have the older model but the new one they released is even better (we tried it).

http://www.octanefitness.com/home/pr...ro-runner/zr8/

[Clay]

If I were you Judy I'd shake myself up a nice cold Martini, grab a big bowl of Cheetos and think the whole thing over...

[Sarajevo]

TechnoGym - the Ferrari of gym equipment.

[77T]

If you are choosing between the two, an elliptical is my suggestion. And then if you find a combo elliptical/recumbent bike, you’ll be one step further along in goal.




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[GB-man]

I hear you Judy! I don’t have a home gym because all the equipment I use at my local gym is to expensive for me to justify buying. Each machine is like 10k usd

Much cheaper for me to pay the 70 per month for my wife and I.

[1st amg]

Landice L8 gets my vote, we have one and it has been a beast. Lifetime warranty is a bonus too Judy!


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[Spartacus]

We have a Life Fitness foldable treadmill. Only use the folding feature when cleaning, would highly recommend buying the most robust machine as possible. I personally never had great results with an elipitical. I love the stairclimber / stepmill, that shreds me like nothing else, unfortunately we don't have space for it.

[JasoninDenver]

My honest opinion is to forego either for the time being.

The best fitness machines work the whole body. Treadmills do not, plain and simple. For light cardio, they are fine but you are better off going and walking around the block.

Ellipticals are marginally better. Marginall. However, if you use them as part of a HIIT workout, they can be good. Unfortunately, most people go into a cruise mode and never push themselves hard enough or use the correct motion. See people bobbing up and down on them? Totally wrong.

That being said, my personal experience showed that I got the best overall results from two machines. The versaclimber stair climber and the Concept II rower. Both work out the whole body and you can adapt the motion to your knee limitations. While you can do an easy workout on either, the functional motion of these machines do not let you cheat.

At present, I own a spun bike for cycle training and a Helix elliptical for lateral training to augment the single motion of cycling.

If I could own only one machine, it would be a Versa climber. Unfortunately, I had to sell mine a few years ago when we moved into a home that did not have tall enough ceilings.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

My honest opinion is to forego either for the time being.

The best fitness machines work the whole body. Treadmills do not, plain and simple. For light cardio, they are fine but you are better off going and walking around the block.

Ellipticals are marginally better. Marginall. However, if you use them as part of a HIIT workout, they can be good. Unfortunately, most people go into a cruise mode and never push themselves hard enough or use the correct motion. See people bobbing up and down on them? Totally wrong.

That being said, my personal experience showed that I got the best overall results from two machines. The versaclimber stair climber and the Concept II rower. Both work out the whole body and you can adapt the motion to your knee limitations. While you can do an easy workout on either, the functional motion of these machines do not let you cheat.

At present, I own a spun bike for cycle training and a Helix elliptical for lateral training to augment the single motion of cycling.

If I could own only one machine, it would be a Versa climber. Unfortunately, I had to sell mine a few years ago when we moved into a home that did not have tall enough ceilings.

i get what you are saying. i like ellipticals plus free weights. i dont think one machine does it all but to get the blood pumping ellipticals are my choice.

[vitalsignsrn]

Hi All,

Thanks for the time you put in to give me your views. I did try out the Octane unit (I think 47xi) yesterday & it felt weird. LOL I did get used to it mind you after a bit. The thing reminds me of a floor cleaning unit. LOL It was not bad but the orange interface & the glare was off-putting. The Landice was nice actually. I was mistaken about the Orthopedic deck. The sales guy said all decks are the same, same shock absorbers & guts inside. The "orthopedic" portion is the belt which is cushioned. That was a bit of a bummer but otherwise, the machine was nice. He was honest at least & said it would be better to buy top notch running shoes instead of spending the extra money on the cushioned belt which in his opinion doesn't actually do much. I'm going to email Landice for confirmation though cause the website specifically states softer shock absorbers. I also tried out the Life Fitness T5 & it seemed springier to me. The sales guy said "no way" right away that it could be. Im heading to another shop which has them & I'll try it again. I didn't get to try the True but I will this afternoon. The PS 800 has a lever you can change firmness to the deck. Eh, it's worth a shot. I did check out the Water Rowers. Cool machines. :-) They look like furniture, classy looking. As much as I agree that a circuit of different machines are really the best to optimize your workout, I simply cannot do the stairs, or rower. The bike is a bitch cause I hate the seat. And I don't like the recumbent bike. I dont like that I'm sitting down. If Im not able to physically stand thats another matter but while I can, I'd rather be standing up. LOL Oh, the Zero Runner looks odd. If I see it, I'll try it (Ive watched the You Tube vids) & I don't think it's for me. But, since I'm out & looking, I'll give it a try. :-D

[emersm]

Lots of good advice on this thread. My wife and I have a Life fitness treadmill, elliptical and home gym. We could not be happier. If you decide to purchase a treadmill, my advice would be to get one with a 20” wide belt. Many that have been recommended are only 18” wide. Good luck with your purchase.