Started looking for a decent treadmill to purchase for my home and came across some articles that claimed the ellipticals were better than treadmills. Not as active as I would like to be right now and my air dyne seems to be causing pain in my knees. Either the bike is getting old or I am. I weigh 115 and do pilates and light hand weights but I need something else. I would appreciate any suggestions.

I guess it depends on your goals. Unless you have a particular preference for running though, I'd go with the elliptical machine. It's much lower impact, and there is less eccentric loading on the muscles so it creates less stress that your muscles have to subsequently recover from

[quote:574d4aac70="bluffspark"]Started looking for a decent treadmill to purchase for my home and came across some articles that claimed the ellipticals were better than treadmills. Not as active as I would like to be right now and my air dyne seems to be causing pain in my knees. Either the bike is getting old or I am. I weigh 115 and do pilates and light hand weights but I need something else. I would appreciate any suggestions.[/quote:574d4aac70] Check out your local library. CONSUMER REPORTS, a few months ago, did a study of various types of exercise machines. It moght be worth perusing for information and helping to decide which type and/or brand.

For what it's worth, I use a treadmill whenever I travel and have to....but, elipticals are just plain awkward to me. If you are looking for a serious all body aerobic workout that is easy on the knees, I don't think you can get much better than a Nordic Track cross-country ski machine. I've had mine since the early 90's. I used it for three years, put it in storage and (glad I kept it), got it back out late last year and now I use it 5-6 days a week. That thing has earned its wings. Not to mention, smooth motion upper and lower body workout, gets your ticker and breathing going and really works you out in less than a half hour. I'm looking to supplement mine with some type of weight training equipment a la Bowflex, weight machine, etc.

I can only speak from personal experience. I had used a treadmill faithfully and consistently for about 12 years. Enjoyed it, but frankly was getting bored with the same old daily grind. Bought a nice elliptical (Life Fitness) and absolutely love it. The herniated disc I had developed in my back is so much better now that I've given up the treadmill. The elliptical is a nice, smooth motion with no impact. Great cardio workout too ... "they" say it's the best. I love it!

If you do get an elliptical machine, be careful about your form when you use it. I'm a soccer player and never got any knee problems from soccer or running, but started to have knee problems after I switched to the elliptical machine. It's kind of ironic. I was letting my leg splay outward and slowly messed up my knee that way.

Ive been working out most of my life. Personally I also find eliptical machines awkward. The one that I use at my gym is the top of the line, however, I find that my feet gets numb after about 10 minutes. It is very easy on the joints and is very easy to use, but, I find that I'm not burning enough calories and then I get bored. Treadmills work for me better, however, I get bored on them too!!! I think it's important to mix things up and try to have fun while your working out! Lately I've been doing some cycling classes at my gym and body pump classes!! Lot of fun. If your disciplined enough to get on your machine at home and do the same thing day after day. Kudos to you! I couldn't do that. Good Luck on your venture!! Dawnsky :D