elliptical vs. treadmill

lol pretty much self-explanitory i guess. but which one do you reccomend if i only have time for one? and should i do some weights before or after? thanks!

The elliptical burns more calories :)

The elliptical is also no impact and you get a better upper body workout too.

Yep, i  burn a tonne more on the elyptical, cos you cant just plod, you're always pushing with one leg, or with your arms. Its like cylcing standing up.

I find that running on the treadmill gives me better results in terms of weight managment.  But I think that the elliptical has the advantages of being low impact and a more complete workout.  If I had to pick one, I would pick the elliptical.  But given that they sit right next to each other at my gym, I try to alternate -- elliptical one day and treadmill the next day.  Unfortunately for that plan, the bike usually trumps them both.

When I am running and cycling, I have to throw in calesthenics and yoga for complete workouts.

Elliptical is my preference - I dont have back pain or shin pain when using it - plus I fell like I accomplish more and can go much longer on the elliptical

I have been told Carido after lifting is best.

I agree with the others, elliptical :)

I am more into running. it gets me really good results and for me it requires more endurance. i push myself more on the treadmill. i feel i get a more complete cardio with treadmill

I am more into running. it gets me really good results and for me it requires more endurance. i push myself more on the treadmill. i feel i get a more complete cardio with treadmill

i go for the treadmill.  You can increase your incline to really torch some calories!

i usually burn more calories on the treadmill also. of course this is running. i only walk 2min at the end to cool down.

I try to do both.. In the mornings I will either do the elliptical or treadmill for 35 min, then in the afternoon i will do the opposite for 25 minutes, or a combo of both equaling 25 minutes.. I feel more challenged on the treadmill, & I also feel that I get better results. If I feel I need to burn a lot of calories that day, I usually side with the elliptical.

Definitely the treadmill for fitness and weight loss. I go by how I feel when finished. On the ellyptical, I can fly (200+ revolutions/steps per minute) for 45 minutes and get off, still feeling ok... 45 minutes at a jog (11 minute mile) on the treadmill and I'm tired...

Sure, the ellyptical says I've burned more (700 vs. 500) but I just can't believe that to be true, given how much "better" (in terms of effort exerted) I feel after the treadmill.

i have got to learn to mix it up. i only do treadmill.

I like the elliptical because of the low impact. It also works my legs out, too. littlefroggie, have you tried using more resistance?

The gym where I go doesn't have the ellipticals with the movable arms, only the stationary frame....so I dont' hold on but swing my arms instead....kills my quads unless I raise it to at least incline 7....says in 20 min I burn about 210 cals...25 min on the tradmill only burns 100...bad ankles, can't go fast...I usually do the "elliptical" first and then the treadmill, both after lifting.

I definitely opt for the treadmill.  I've never felt like I got nearly as intense of a workout on the elliptical as I do on a treadmill. 

I have shinsplints and can't run and even walking can do a number on me so I am an elliptical person.  

I love running most of the time. I takes a lot of energy and will power on my behalf. I think it also makes by body look great but also helps me to biuld a strong will power when it comes to excercise and food.  i just got a bicycle today for my one year wedding anniversary and i am going to start riding it a couple of miles on saturday and sundays.

I enjoy the treadmill, but do burn more on the elliptical...I really need the elliptical for my large thighs and wide hips.  I feel like it's really working my legs..and it's a great upper body workout.