Treadmill vs. cycle vs. elliptical - my thoughts

[prosa123]

A theory I've developed over the years is that running on the treadmill is twice as hard as using the stationary cycle and three times as hard as ellipting. For example, 10 minutes of treadmill running is equivalent to 20 minutes cycling and 30 minutes ellipting. I know that the calories counters on the various machines don't bear this out, but based on the way the different exercises affect me. For the sake of comparison, I normally run at between 5.5 and 6.0 mph, while I cycle or ellipt at a moderately fast pace at mid-level resistance.

Anyone else notice something similar?

[prideisdead]

Originally Posted by prosa123

A theory I've developed over the years is that running on the treadmill is twice as hard as using the stationary cycle and three times as hard as ellipting. For example, 10 minutes of treadmill running is equivalent to 20 minutes cycling and 30 minutes ellipting. I know that the calories counters on the various machines don't bear this out, but based on the way the different exercises affect me. For the sake of comparison, I normally run at between 5.5 and 6.0 mph, while I cycle or ellipt at a moderately fast pace at mid-level resistance.

Anyone else notice something similar?

In the long run doesnt it effect your joints. dont they wear out quikly rather then low impact machines?

[spirez]

Treadmill is the only one to give you full hip extension which is pretty crucial unless your sport doesn't require it

Wear and tear isn't really a factor of running unless you do long distances, which are of course pretty pointless unless you're a long distance runner by trade

[JRT6]

I can run a 6 min something mile but the elliptical still gives me a good workout. The stationary bike takes some humpin but I can still get a good aerobic base workout. I should have gotten an airdyne but the stationary bike I got on craigslist was too good of a deal to pass up.

[paolo27th]

Originally Posted by prosa123

A theory I've developed over the years is that running on the treadmill is twice as hard as using the stationary cycle and three times as hard as ellipting. For example, 10 minutes of treadmill running is equivalent to 20 minutes cycling and 30 minutes ellipting. I know that the calories counters on the various machines don't bear this out, but based on the way the different exercises affect me. For the sake of comparison, I normally run at between 5.5 and 6.0 mph, while I cycle or ellipt at a moderately fast pace at mid-level resistance.

Anyone else notice something similar?

LOL! That`s some bad maths. Really if 10 mins on the threadmill feel like 20 mins on the bike you could just to go a lil slower on the threadmill or increase the resistance on the bike and that would make it even. Itall depends how you use the equipment.
A couple of differences tho are that bike and elyptical reduce your range of motion - which is not very good. However they are also not motorised, meaning you have to move them yourself, which gives your muscles a better workout than the threadmill does.
Personally I like to alternate between the threadmill and the elyptical.

[Brian C]

I'd agree that they definitely affect me differently, but like spriez said, they offer different movements. I've been using an elliptical lately because I've had some ankle issues, but I wouldn't put it anywhere near actual running, but still a good cardio.

[205forever!]

Originally Posted by paolo27th

LOL! That`s some bad maths. Really if 10 mins on the threadmill feel like 20 mins on the bike you could just to go a lil slower on the threadmill or increase the resistance on the bike and that would make it even. Itall depends how you use the equipment.
A couple of differences tho are that bike and elyptical reduce your range of motion - which is not very good. However they are also not motorised, meaning you have to move them yourself, which gives your muscles a better workout than the threadmill does.
Personally I like to alternate between the threadmill and the elyptical.

I actually do some sprint work on the treadmill and do the stairmaster on speed intervals on level 13 for 20 min it is damn brutal but the key is at least 60% of te time you cant lean on the machine will you are on there.

[ruReady]

stairmaster H.I.I.T FTW

[Ian Coe]

If your doing an exercise for aerobic capacity, it doesn't matter what you use, just get the HR where it is required.

For specific adaptions though, do your sport for prolonged periods.

My running stopped due to a groin strain, only did LSD work on the elliptical and 5 weeks later still pulled 9 minute 4 on a 1.5 mile run without being taxed. All I did was measure my HR and adjusted my effort accordingly.

[EyeNeyE**]

Running for real (like outside) is the best. By far. no debate.