Running vs Elliptical for fat burning?

[Babbles]

My personal recommendation is to use the elliptical to get a bit more fit and after a while switch to running outdoors. I say this because I do think running outside offers types of physical challenges that you just really can't replicate in the gym - not to mention simply put running outside really is more enjoyable than running in a stationary place inside a gym.
However, again, I would most definitely hit the elliptical to get your stamina built up, perhaps loose some weight and so forth.

As others touched on, it's really all about your heart rate so in a sense it doesn't actually matter what you are doing to get that heart rate up, as long as it is up. I also think HIIT is a great way to go, but if you are out of shape I would highly, highly recommend first hitting the elliptical for 30-45 minutes every other day for a few weeks. HIIT can be pretty rough and if you are not able to maintain 30 minutes of cardio exercise, then I don't think you could really get a good session out of HIIT.

 

[Imported]

I must be using an elliptical wrong.. I can run on a treadmill for 2hours but 20 minutes on an elliptical begins to kill my calves like no other..

 

[KillerCharlie]

I use both. I had incredible results running last year and the year before (lost almost 40 pounds just by working out 2 summers - I didn't work out in between them) but it messed up my hip and knee from the impact (I pushed myself way too hard - don't do that). Now I do both - run when I can but use the elliptical when it's raining or I've been running several days and don't want the impact.

Running feels a lot harder to me, but it's much more harder to sustain for longer periods of time (at this point at least - I have to work up to my level since I just started again). The elliptical machine, while a little less strenuous, allows me to get my heart right up higher and hold it there longer.

 

[IMaN00BieGF]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: IMaN00BieGF

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: IMaN00BieGF
Don't use the elliptical. I used to and my trainer told me to stop using it. You don't carry all of your body weight on the elliptical, you get assistance. Definately run instead. You have to carry all of your body weight when you run, but keep in mind, you don't start burning fat until after 20 minutes of cardio. So every minute after 20 minutes your burning fat.

Your trainer doesn't know what they're talking about. The bottom line in any cardiovascular activity is your heart rate, not how much your legs are carrying. If you're on the elliptical and your heart rate is where it needs to be you're doing exactly what you should be doing.

Just about to say the same.



Elliptical is the best all round workout. Less strain and impact, but good workout.

Well I lost 75 lbs after I stopped using the elliptical and started running and using the stairmaster. Lifting weight as well ofcourse. I guess do whatever works for you.

So you instantly assumed that it was the elliptical in your messed up equation? If you lost 75lbs it's more than just cardio.

Part of the problem is the fat asses who get on the elliptical, go for a leisurely stroll, don't come close to even 50% of their heartrate, hold onto the handrails, and read a magazine. Same with the stairclimber people - holding onto the rails means you burn less calories.

Exactly

 

[Vic]

Love your knees -- use the elliptical. I wish I had been kinder to my joints when I was younger...

 

[Ilmater]

There's no mystery here. IMaN00BieGF, your trainer is either an idiot or giving you specific advice for your situation and goals that shouldn't be applied to others.

OP, both will burn calories. The bottom line is, the more work you do, the more calories you burn. Duh. It is harder to run than to use the elliptical, so yes, you'll burn calories faster running than using the elliptical. However, if you use either until you're tired, you're likely using the same amount of energy, so you can choose running for 1/2 hour or using the elliptical for 45 minutes to an hour.

If you're really trying to lose weight, you need to concentrate on eating right, and doing SOMETHING every day. You know how the machines will talk about how you should be in the "fat burning zone" with your heart rate rather than the "cardio training zone"? The difference is that you should do whatever amount of exercise you can continue doing every day if you want to lose fat. If you work too hard, you could tire yourself out for the next day's workout. Do whatever you can every day without fail and you'll be fine.

 

[ValkyrieofHouston]

Originally posted by: BigToque
What would you guys say is better for getting into shape, running a track for 30 minutes or using the elliptical for 30 minutes?

I find it much easier to use the elliptical for 30 minutes. With running, I don't even think I could keep an even pace for 20 minutes at the moment.

Bottom line, I should keep doing something, but should I maybe try to move into running?

You don't want to rely on cardio exercise alone for fat burning. It is a combination of building lean muscle tissue which will increase your bodies metabolism, eating right and the right foods at frequent intervals, and cardio exercise. With any type of cardio exercise the key is to maintain 65% of your maximum heart rate for roughly 30 minutes to push your body into fat burning mode. The more lean muscle tissue you have the higher your metabolism and more calories your body naturally burns on a daily basis. Cardio is shorter term vs weight training/strength training. It doesn't matter if you do the elliptical or the run, so long as you are getting the heart rate up and keeping it their for 30 to 40 minutes. Remember to change up your routine though, when working out, mix it up with interval training alternating between short periods of low-intensity and high-intensity. I recommend you read Body for Life or a book called Burn the fat.

Good luck!

 

[V00DOO]

I just bought a Precor EFX 5.23 Elliptical over the weekend. After 25 minutes of workout on it I sweated like a pig. IMHO, the elliptical is as good a workout as running with the elliptical having less impact on my joints.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: V00DOO
I just bought a Precor EFX 5.23 Elliptical over the weekend. After 25 minutes of workout on it I sweated like a pig. IMHO, the elliptical is as good a workout as running with the elliptical having less impact on my joints.

It's extremely efficient but you have to be blazing on that thing to get up into the correct heart rate zone to be effectively burning fat. I sweat my balls off on that thing but I just find it boring as all sin.

 

[notfred]

Do whichever one you enjoy more, and are more likely to stick with.

Would you rather lose 5 pounds in a day, then give up cause you hate doing it, and gain it back, or would you rather lose 20 pounds over the course of a month or two, stick with the enjoyable exercise, and keep the weight off?

 

[arcas]

Ouch. $4200 for an elliptical machine? I had no idea they were that expensive. You could buy 15 years' worth of membership at a good gym for that.

 

[Ctrackstar126]

An elliptical is good for the legs, there will be a lot less wear and tear on your joints with it.

Running is a better workout. Even going from a treadmill to running outdoors is a big jump. Theres a lot of people who can run miles on end on a treadmill but not run a mile in real life.

Also running doesnt cost anything but a good pair of shoes, if possible dont run on the road it will kill your knees. Go to a local track or run on some trails that arent so rocky(if you have any).

Also consider other cross training(swimming, Hiking, climbing) keep it interesting you may get bored.

running will also let you appreciate nature which is a huge advantage. Alone that will relieve a little more stress which less stress means better metabolism. There is a lot more to losing weight and getting in shape then a better heart rate.

Elepticals also arent natural, they force you to move in a certain matter. If you are worried about hurting your knees try underwater running(yes it can be done) where you go to a pool and actually run across the deep end. I did this after I pulled my groin and after I pulled a hamstring(I was a sprinter)

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Originally posted by: kogase
If it's easy, it won't burn fat.

Not necessarily. I think low-impact or no-impact excercise is "easier" than high-impact. The amount of impact doesn't dictate how much fat is burned.

 

[Ctrackstar126]

Originally posted by: Nik

Originally posted by: kogase
If it's easy, it won't burn fat.

Not necessarily. I think low-impact or no-impact excercise is "easier" than high-impact. The amount of impact doesn't dictate how much fat is burned.

Its about intensity also. You muscles will be doing more work running than they will on an eliptical. You may be moving them muscles but the questions are are they doing any work. Its like riding a bike If your starting off theres resistance making it harder burning more, where as if u are going down a hill and pedaling are you burning and working as much?

 

[0roo0roo]

i'd go with the machine just for the lower joint impact

 

[V00DOO]

Originally posted by: arcas
Ouch. $4200 for an elliptical machine? I had no idea they were that expensive. You could buy 15 years' worth of membership at a good gym for that.

I didn't pay the full $4200 but it's still very expensive. I do go to the gym after work for weight lifting but I am too tired after a long day of work to do cardio. Yes, doing the elliptical can be boring at time.

 

[l Xes l]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=747976

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: Nik

Originally posted by: kogase
If it's easy, it won't burn fat.

Not necessarily. I think low-impact or no-impact excercise is "easier" than high-impact. The amount of impact doesn't dictate how much fat is burned.

Swimming laps is extremely difficult (relative to a lot of other forms of cardio) yet I would consider it a non-impact form of exercise.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: V00DOO

Originally posted by: arcas
Ouch. $4200 for an elliptical machine? I had no idea they were that expensive. You could buy 15 years' worth of membership at a good gym for that.

I didn't pay the full $4200 but it's still very expensive. I do go to the gym after work for weight lifting but I am too tired after a long day of work to do cardio. Yes, doing the elliptical can be boring at time.

I know what you mean. I don't have an elliptical at home, but I probably will soon. I like to hit the gym for the weights and then get out. I'd prefer to do the cardio on my own time in my own environment.