walking vs. elliptical

Hi,

So I was elipticalling this morning... and was wondering if anyone knew the difference... as of which one is better for you:

Power walking or elipticalling?

For many, the lack of impact would be preferable with the elliptical machine.

I think you just coined a new word...ellipticalling;)

Elliptical machines place your feet at a very wide stance, and especially for women, the stride can be quite long. So they can be pretty hard on your joints.

Impact isn't a bad thing - especially not the light impact you get from walking. It helps build bones. There was a study published a few months back that found that even young male cyclists have bone loss if it's the only cardio they do.

Then there are all the health benefits of sunshine, not to mention the mental stimulation of being outside with varying scenery and fresh air.

If I must use a cardio machine, the elliptical is the one I use, because it is a more natural movement than a stair climber, the stride length bothers me less than the excessively long crankarms on stationary bikes (never mind those awful saddles! :eek:), and the treadmill is just too-too boring. But I avoid them if possible.

Yes, I hate how far apart the feet are on the ArcTrainer I sometimes use! I thought I was the only one who noticed.

Karen

I'm with Oakleaf, definitely prefer walking. Hills are good for the workout too.

I avoid machines when I can; if it's my only choice I will generally go for an erg or a treadmill as they have the most natural motions. But I also get terribly bored and can't do either for long, whereas I could keep walking or cycling outside for hours and hours.

We have elliptical walking machines in our building's common fitness rms. I actually don't use the facilities. I'm definitely more motivated as an outdoor exercise person even if it means walking in the rain/slush, etc.

Now after reading about ellipticals..I won't be using them or at least, the probability of using them is going to be alot less. Being small and short, doesn't help either to be "fitted" to the machine.

I have feet trouble, so if I can't bike, I use the elliptical. I get a MUCH better cardio workout on an elliptical than I can get from walking by doing intervals and/or cranking up the resistance. If I try to power walk (even on a treadmill with an incline), I get shin splints and the foot starts to act up.

So for me personally, I'll take the elliptical over walking any day. Of course, I would also much rather be outside...but when that's not an option, the elliptical is a good solution for me.

My vote is definately "elliptical".

I have issues that I can not do impactive stuff exercise wise. Thus one reason why I pedal. Hard walking actually even bothers me a bit. To be honest, I don't enjoy walking either.

I do the elliptical when we are traveling in hotels (read: no pedaling options). I think it's a pretty good work out with no impact stress.

I think to be a good power walker you have to really be disciplined. In regards to your arms and pumping them for the cardio boost.

On the ellipital machine, the arms are constant

Another vote for walking. There's the aforementioned bone building that you get from the impact, it's a natural motion while the elliptical is not, and let's face it, being outside is WAY better than stuck inside on some machine. That said, the elliptical can be a way to maintain some fitness while you have an injury (but then again, there's always swimming etc.).

My feet go numb on the elliptical - and save the responses folks, I've tried EVERYTHING, it doesn't ever not happen, no matter what adjustments I've made, and I've done a lot of research into it.

So I much prefer a good power walk. My Pop was a racewalker (was actually supposed to go to the first modern Olympics in fact) so maybe it's just genetic for me. :)

I have done the elliptical for short periods of time in a full gym workout of weights and treadmill and such. But I can't do it for long periods where I like to go for an hour long walk, sometimes with a bit of a jog in with the walking too.

I say whatever you are more inclined to continue doing, that's the right thing to do. :)

It is almost impossible for me to get my heart rate up to a training level on the treadmill without having to increase my speed or incline to the point it hurts my knees. The elliptical gives me a much better, injury free workout.

Since I do walk outside when I can, and, of course, bike, I think it is good cross-training to do something different when I am inside. I also would just rather do the elliptical than the treadmill, and whatever you enjoy more, you are apt to do more!