elliptical versus treadmill/running

So, the machines (set to my age and weight) tell me I burn about the same amount of calories for the same amount of time, but I feel like I'm really working harder on a treadmill, which makes me worry that I am not positioning myself properly on the elliptical, though I don't know what I could change.

So, two questions.

1. Could I indeed be incorrectly using the elliptical, thus decreasing my energy output? I don't lean on the rails but pull/push on the hand units.

2. You runners/elliptical users out there, any ideas on which is more efficient at getting you into shape? I'm at college with both ellipticals and treadmills at my disposal.

      Not sure about others but I am also in college and when I decided to get into shape last siemester I only used the elliptical and was usually drenched in sweat after being on it for 30min.  I just found the elliptical easier to use for long lengths of time and I liked having the ability to control my speed on the elliptical which is a little harder to do on a treadmill.  Then again its all personal preference, other people swear by the treadmill but I can not stand running on the things for more then 5 minutes.

You have to use the elliptical correctly for at least 30-40 minutes if you want to get a good workout. If there are arm handles to hold onto that go with the rhythm of your foot stroke, use them. But don't just rest your hands on them, use your arms to pull back on every stroke - to work them out. I generally tend to switch between using my legs more and using my arms more. Also, you can try walking backwards, that really works the back of your legs and butt (similar to squats).

Make sure that if you do a constant / endurance workout (same resistance all the way) that you go at a pretty constant pace for at least 30 minutes. You should be breathing quite deeply and sweating quite a bit, but not to the extent you would if you were running on the treadmill. The elliptical might FEEL like less of a workout, but that is simply because there is no impact - you aren't lifting yourself off the ground and bringing yourself back down. The great thing about it is that if you set the resistance high (try interval training), it really works out your legs muscles, similar to a stairmaster.

I find that I get a similar workout on the bicycle as I do on the elliptical, because of that cycling motion, and the fact that there is no impact. The treadmill (or just plain running), is a completely different workout. All three are great for improving cardio fitness.

I notice that my hear rate on the elliptical never gets very high, but it's through the roof when I run on the treadmill.  I also don't get out of breath at all on the elliptical.  Should I just stick with the treadmill because I know it's working?  Or keep up with that elliptical.

I am also in college and attempting to get back in shape.  Go us! :)

I run and do the elliptical.  Running feels like a harder workout because it creates more of an impact with your knees.   I think both are good workouts, just make sure to get an elliptical using your arms, I think they are more accurate, and I like the ones that you can select your age and weight.

Maybe up your resistance, on the elliptical I go for an hour at level 10 on mine - burn about 800-850 cals, and I feel WORKED when I'm done  :)   I could never achieve anything close to that on an treadmill!!

You might just be doing the easiest level, in which case you won't feel anything at all!!

i am not one for the treadmill.  mainly cuz i like that the elliptical gives me the same workout and i FEEL like i'm doing less. which i'm not. 
i've always prefered the ellpiticals over the treadmill.  i get less bored on it. and it works out a lot more of my body than the treadmill does.
plus, at my college there's only 4 treadmills as apposed to the 12 ellipticals. so there arent usually any treads open :-P

try upping the resistance and make sure you're not gripping onto the handles.

I've done both... I used to swear by the elliptical, but I got SO bored of it eventually. And it never really felt like it was working me... my legs and arms are pretty strong anyway. And when I would up the resistance I just got really tired really fast. Now I'm more of a treadmill person... I want to become a good runner for the first time in my life, and that seems like the obvious path to that. And I think it's actually more interesting than the elliptical because it varies a bit. I like not having to hold onto anything.

Bevv,

 I had the *exact* same question!  I have been switching between the elliptical and treadmill (3 days a week on each, one day a week break).  I always seem to 'log' the same number of calories, but get into a MUCH bigger sweat on the treadmill.

I consider the elliptical to be more fat burning (lower intensity, for longer), and the treadmill to be more of a cardiovascual workout for me.  So, I will continue to do both.  I think that running every day would be too hard on my muscles...I almost consider the elliptical days to be 'easier' days. 

I think I will take some of the advice on this post, and up my resistance.  That will make me break more of a sweat!

I would say that they provide different types of exercise. 

If you really want to get the "burn" on the ellytipcal I would try taking your hands off (this engageds your core more for stability) squat down some so your knees are more bent and then go fast like getting your rpms up to 175-200.  Try and maintain that for a minute.  Its killer.  If you do that in intervals it is a really tough workout and it burns cals for sure.  Maybe 30 seconds fast, one minute slower (your normal pace and posture).  For 20-30 minutes you will have a great workout. 

I would also agree that you can up your resistance.  I never go lower than 10 on the ellyptical.  Do that for 45 minutes and its a good workout.  I find that if I go on the machines with the arms that I don't work has hard.  that is just a personal preference though.

Running is also great for you and it really engages your core a lot.  I found that when i started running that was when the fat around my mid section and my arms really started to melt away.  You can also do lots of internal and hill things as well.

I say do both machines and mix it up.  That way your body will not get used to one or the other.

Intervals is the way to go if you want to burn lots of cals.  But make sure you get some more easy days in there also.

Hi! You could make your running regime 'feel' like less work. Try taking smaller, quicker strides and resist the temptation to push off with your legs with every stride. Imagine that your legs are very light and that you are picking up your feet instead of pushing them down. Once you can lower your perceived excertion level with good running form, then you can say both the elliptical and the treadmill are equally easy!

Hey! i am a runner and i personally believe that running outside is soooo much easier than running on an eliptical machine.. hope i helped..