Eliptical or Treadmill

I use the eliptical 5 times four times a day.  My target is average less than 7 minutes a mile. My heart rate, on average, stays between 168 and 175.  I have been doing this for about 4 months.  The machine says that I burn about 500 calories but I do not see that I am losing much in the midde.  Does runnig really make that much of a difference over the eliptical?

[JD8294]

Correction to previous post!!!!!!!

I use the eliptical 5 days a week four miles a day. My target is average less than 7 minutes a mile. My heart rate, on average, stays between 168 and 175. I have been doing this for about 4 months. The machine says that I burn about 500 calories but I do not see that I am losing much in the midde. Does runnig really make that much of a difference over the eliptical?

[ryn21]

First of all, you wont lose "the middle" simply by using elip/tread machines.  You need to do other cardio exercises that target that specific area.  You also dont need to pay strict attention to time per mile.  Primarily, to burn more fat you should keep a lower heart rate, at a slower pace, with higher resistance.  The average fat burning zone is below 150 hbpm for most people, so try to stay below that.  Higher heart rates will burn off some muscle weight, and thats not what you are trying to achieve.  Try reading some articles on bodybuilding.com to find a workout that might work well for you as well as great meal plans.  So keep the speed low, resistance high, heart beat down, and you will achieve better results.

[pertykitty]

i have just recently started running. yes my pace is fairly slow. i notice my abs are sore after. my sister lost lots of weight after having kids by doing weights as well. i read that if you use weights you are more likely to trim the mid area than just cycling or treadmills. makes sense.

[ryn21]

Overall, your diet is the key to your weight loss.  Make sure you balance your diet and cut your calorie intake (mainly sugar, processed carbs).

[Mary 53]

Although I agree that diet/food intake and food choices are key to a weight loss program and to a healthful life, I have to say that the exercise including aerobic activiy and weight training is critical for success and long term health.

I have been working out regularly since 1981 and I can FEEL the difference if I miss more than two weeks if I get off track. And, believe me there have been times in my life that I have gotten off track. It takes a little time to get back to optimal fitness (I settle for Close to optimal fitness on occasion so I don't drive myself crazy) but the payoff is huge.

And, my lung health (Have had to have lung/breathing tests for allergy related problems) is better now than in the early 80's when I started consistenly doing aerobic activity (thank you Covert Bailey, MN...Pick up his books, "Fit or Fat" or "Fit or Fat for Women" and "Smart Exercise"). I also have enjoyed a sort of "Anti-aging" effect....Pick up AARP magazine from Sept/Oct with Sally Field on the cover for a wonderful summary of how and why it is critical to eat healtfully and to consistently work out...now matter what you do (I work out in my basement...no gym fees!).

Best to everyone. Mary

[ryn21]

I 100% agree with Mary.  Physical fitness/activity will do wonders for your mental health, as well as your physical health.  Cardiovascular health is just as important as proper weight and dieting.

[live4fitness]

I have resently been doing research on interval training. They say it can keep your metabolism revved up for as long as 2 days. Before I had knee sx I was doing it and i notised some changes in my body. Now with recovery not doing it but will get back into it. Do some research in it.  Hope this helps

[nicksingh]

I have used both in the gym amd i find the treadmill more of a workout, but this is personal preference.

I later went on to get my treadmill from www.yorkfitness.com

[Joes_Mcfly]

The eliptical is deffinitely the way to go if you have previous knee injuries or if running puts too much pressure on your knees. I've noticed that the eliptical works out my upper leg muscles more than the treadmill. But I prefer the treadmill because I personally feel better after a good run cause of the endorphins your body produces. It also helps with breath control because I used to smoke a lot which kept me from doing cardio for the longest time. I finally feel like I can breath normal again. As far as getting rid of the fat around the mid-section, its a long and arduous process. After taking a health class I learned a little about 'fat displacement'. On certain areas of the body, fat tends to store itself in those particular areas. Especially, the inner-thighs and mid section. Targeting the fat on your legs through cardio/arobic and cycling programs really helped me as far as diplacing fat in certain areas. So, dont forget bicycle machine, because its one of the few cardio machince that actually BUILDS and tones leg muscle.