Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

I consistently do 3-3.5 miles on the elliptical, but for some reason I have a really tough time with the treadmill which makes me concerned that the elliptical isn't as good of a cardio workout - does this make sense? Any explanations???

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Not sure but I know the elliptical is designed to take pressure off your joints, where as your body takes more shock running on a treadmill or even a regular road. So it may be that your body isn't used to that type of impact?

Are you running or walking on the treadmill?

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

I definitely think the impact is less; however, if you are getting your heart rate up on the elliptical, I would say you could get just as good a workout as running - and it's less impact on the joints.

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

I feel like I do much better on the elliptical. I get board on the treadmill and don't even break a sweat I did a mile on the elliptical tonight in like 11 and a half minutes. Thats pretty good for me and I was melting. I think I get a much better work out on the elliptical

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Not at all. 3 miles running is very different from 3 miles doing a cross training workout. Its more as a low impact workout (while running is obviously moderate to high impact based on treadmill vs. outdoor).

The elliptical is great for maintaining fitness required to be a runner, but it is not a substitute for running. You just can't really substitute the pavement pounding your body endures when you run.

Also, in terms of calories burned, often times ellipticals can be inaccurate. There's no easy formula to determine how many calories burned on it, whereas running a mile you can simply use an equation to get a pretty "on" estimate of your calories burned.

Crosstraining on the elliptical is a great supplement to any runner's workout. However, I would never "substitute" an elliptical workout for running (unless you're injured of course). I also wouldn't count it toward your weekly mileage in training.

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

You're definatly getting a good cardio workout. As good as the treadmill? That also depends on how fast you run. Also, try to compare how you feel after each workout.

For me, the elliptical is good for days off from running (and right now I'm on it every day because I have a knee injury). I did 7.25 miles on the elliptical today. I felt fine after- it was basically an easy/moderate workout. Had I run 7.25 miles I would've felt very different. But thats my comparison. I would compare your comparison.

As I mentioned, however, I have read a few times that the calorie count on elliptical machines can be inaccurate (which many people use as a measure of how hard they are working out). So keep that in mind!

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Turn up the resistance on the elliptical to make it harder. I find that I'm way more exhausted after running the same distance on a treadmill than if I cover that same distance on the elliptical (elliptical just feel easier)... but when I turn up the resistance I realllly feel it in my legs & I sweat much more so it's more comparable to a treadmill workout.

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

I will say this.... After going on the elliptical I feel like I did not get a good workout at all.... Even during... No matter what I do. I don't like it at all....

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

I upped the resistance today and definitely pushed myself a bit harder and I did feel a good workout - plus I managed to do more distance and (according to the machine) burn more calories than last week. I think I'm going to try the treadmill this week just to have a basis for my own comparison! thanks for all the input

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Message edited 1/10/2011 8:13:13 PM.

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

ITA w/Colleen. I find that I don't get nearly as good of a work out on the elliptical as I do on the treadmill.

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

I definitely feel and see the difference more when I run rather than using the elliptical. I think running helps everything jiggle around a little more. But, the elliptical is still a decent workout. When I got hurt and couldn't run, I was able to maintain by using the elliptical and bike.

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

No way! I always got a much better workout running than using the elliptical. I can go forever on an elliptical (even now 6 months preggo). Running is completely different and more strenuous in my opinion.

But don't get me wrong, You can get a pretty good workout on the elliptical as well. I usually used it to maintain my fitness level and in between running

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Meredith;

I was reading this article from Jillian Michaels and thought of you:

The Skinny on Elliptical Machines

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

Re: Is 3 miles on the ellipitcal the same as 3 miles on the treadmill?

its not exactly the same. the elliptical, like spin, is a great cross training workout that compliments running, but isn't the exact same. its lower impact.