Comments on: Home Gym Dilemma: Exercise Bike or Treadmill?

By: MotleyHealth

MotleyHealth — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:29:43 +0000

Just start easy. If you have been sedentary for so long, go at your own pace, aim to cycle for 20 minutes everyday to start, but gently. Work up from there. Take it easy, and remember to speak with your doctor about it too.

By: annie

annie — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:07:56 +0000

I have been sedentary for two years. I have a good bike, can you tell me how to begin please !!!! I am 67.. help.
cheers
Annie

By: MotleyHealth

MotleyHealth — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:56:26 +0000

MD, this article is about treadmills and exercise bikes!

By: MD

MD — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:47:52 +0000

MotleyHealth, I would have to disagree that ellipticals are better for interval training compared to a treadmill. Have you ever tried to do sprints on an elliptical/cross trainer? It’s quite akward, and you can’t go as fast as you’d like to. Treadmills are great for interval training, especially since most of them have the quick speed buttons where you can jump from 5-10mph with just a single button push. On a side note I think there are other aspects one needs to consider when purchasing equipment other than the ones noted by the author

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:40:59 +0000

There is also a cardio bike attachment available for people who already own a TotalGym. It turns their Total Gym into a recumbent bike. I got one and really like it.

By: MotleyHealth

MotleyHealth — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:31:13 +0000

Good point Kevin. Although this article was about exercise bikes, not elliptical trainers. But elliptical trainers, or cross trainers as they are often called (I always wonder what makes them so angry) are also a great addition to a home gym. Personally I think that main advantage of a cross trainer over a treadmill is that they result in less impact on your knees and ankles than running on a treadmill. Ultimately they all will burn a similar amount of energy, as people generally stop when they feel sufficiently tired, regardless of the type of exercise they are doing. Cross trainers, like exercise bikes, are better for interval training.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:44:23 +0000

Still not sure whether you should buy a treadmill or an elliptical trainer for your home gym? The most important thing to consider in this case is not which one is better, the treadmill or the elliptical, but instead, which one is best for your specific situation. Since we are all different and our fitness needs vary, no one can really tell you exactly what is best for you (except maybe a qualified fitness trainer).

Both the elliptical trainer and the treadmill are high quality machines that deliver excellent results when used correctly. Many people find that it is just a matter of personal preference. Some will argue that the elliptical machine gives you more full body toning than the treadmill but if you use the treadmill correctly (and not by holding onto the rails) then both will probably give you about the same total body workout. There is also no scientific knowledge to prove that one burns more fat or calories than the other. Both can be very efficient at aiding weight loss when used correctly.

Ultimately it comes down to which you feel more comfortable with because this is the one that you will use the most. Now you know the answer to the treadmill vs. elliptical choice and you can make your own decision about which one to purchase for your home gym.