Treadmill or elliptical?

[GuyMontag 1,264]

I think the elliptical is a GREAT tool for rehabilitating knees and is also great for providing low impact workouts. However, for long term cardio I prefer either a treadmill or walking outdoors. Whichever you choose I would recommend using your target heart rate as your fat burning guide. Don't trust the machines that tell you how many calories you burned based on your height and weight. For some odd reason ellipticals are notorious for being inaccurate.

http://www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/how-inaccurate-are-calorie-counters-gym

[Breathless105860 6]

The elliptical is a good machine, but think twice if you have knee problems. It seemed to revisit my problems more than often when I had my gym membership. About 3 years ago, I had to choose the NordicTrack T8.0 treadmill and sometimes my poor knees still hurt like mad! The treadmill has offered me more control I must say. I use it 6 times a week, 45 to 60 minutes, with the Ipad connected. So far, no mechanical issues with it. Good Luck with your decision.

[Christina.Rose 287]

M really torn between which one of these to purchase. I like both but wonder which one would give me the best bang for the buck.

I was in the Army for 8 years and first tried the elliptical in physical therapy for my knee injury. Even after I was well, I was addicted to the elliptical. In my experience you burn roughly twice as many calories as the treadmill and its not going to kill your joints.