I am thinking of replacing my Exercise Bike.  I know a few people with the Ellipticals.  Are they better?  I had a NordicTrack Skier and hated it.  Is that comparable to an Elliptical?
122724
elliptical is great!!  It is low impact on the joints and you can get a good cardio work out on it
136134
The only way I lost my hips was by using the Elliptical machine at the gym.  It is low impact (easy on the knees and joints) and it targeted my hips, buttocks and thighs.  This machine saved me!
487622
it is indeed! I would encourage you to start slow and work your way up, best part is to compare your speed and distance to the last few days and keep going up, we have a stationary bike so can not compare but still find it enjoyable, good luck
270096
I joined a gym with a friend.  To be specific (Curves) it is a 30 min workout 3x a week and it doesn't seem like exercise.  The girls are all great and it is a lot of fun.  Met some new and interesting women friends too.
575569
That bike is not bad, and it is good that you are deciding against disc brakes...\n\nAnyway, I prefer Specialized.
627118
run... actually... treadmill workout: do incline walk for an hour... make sure the incline is all the way to the highest (for the gym i go to 15 is the highest incline) and use 3.5 - 4.0 speed.   then stairmaster and randomize it.  don't do bikes cuz it doesn't do anything.  SO every other day, do stairmaster and the other days, incline walk.  make sure you get one day off though.  good luck!
16818
First off, recumbent bikes are best for those with back problems, or knee problems. Also, if you are severely overweight, you will find the seating more comfortable in a recumbent bike. As for better. Both will increase your cardiovascular fitness. At your price range, you will get a better workout from a standing bike, as it will be capble of working your muscles more. At the pro level, like you find in gyms, both can offer a challenging work out due to the computers on board and the way they adjust tension.\n\nFor training purposes, trhe upright is best. It forces you to use more muscle force to turn the pedals and you use your abs for support unlike the recombent bike. This is why if you have a lower back problem th esit down style is best.\n\nAt $150, you are getting a disposable piece of gear. I suggest looking at a local chain sports store in your area. Even discounters like Target and Walmart have these. Consider an extended warranty if its under $20.00. At about 300.00 they get sturdier and brand matters, but at this point, get a cheap one with the main features you want and see how it goes.
671765
I'd go with an elliptical because has as much impact as walking, and is more quiet then a treadmill, also you can set different programs for forward and backward motion.
382700
I've had one for about 2 years, and use it all the time in my workout. It may look expensive, but (IMO) it is worth the money. That is, if you use it. Too many people have only used it a couple times and complain that it is a piece of junk. It is different than freeweights, and feels different, but you can get a very good workout from it.\n\nAnother little tip I found out works great: Get a pair of dumbbells to workout with also. I found I get a much, much better workout using both than when I've only used one or the other. For example, do dumbbell curls and follow it with bicep curls on the Bowflex.
258012
The eliptical machine is one of the GREATEST inventions EVER!! It's like running but with less stress on the ankles, knees and shins. They are definately an excellent investment. Once you get situated and used to the motion you can pump your arms as if you were jogging and get an excellent cardio workout. It works your hips, thighs, calves and buttocks. Like running however, if done with proper movements can result in a total body workout (even with abs if done w/ proper breathing). The cost is $600 and up, check them out and keep in mind what sort of programs you might want to come with your machine. Your basic machine would be more or less a quick start without any screens indication milage done or mph... however you can go more technologically advanced (as well as a little deeper in the pocket) and get one with heartrate monitoring on the handles and a full screen w/ a variety of options (hiking, training, i've even seen some w/ a personal trainer option... all you need to do is keep up). But like any machine, read all the material they send with it so you don't wind up injuring yourself. Good luck!!
340536
Hi there. As an ex-member of the Curves gym I would not recommend it. I know it sounds great an easy due to the whole 30min circuit, but its not all that great! \n\nI have since joined a female only gym, fernwood, and am much happier! The staff are a lot friendlier and my workout has been tailored to my needs, not to a general populations. There is alot more equipment so I do not get bored, and I can vary my program day to day!
366179
I do not like the running machines at all but I am a huge fan of the elipitical. They both are great for cardio and you should use the machine that you like best because that way you will enjoy going to the gym. You can do various workouts on the cross trainer that you cant do on the running machine and these can give you an awesome cardio workout to burn that fat!
640427
First of all great job and god bless you for taking charge of your life to a better you!!! Now my doctor told me that it is recommended by the American Heart Association that we need at lease 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. So here is what i do i either jog or use  the elliptical machine for 45-60 minutes 3 days a week. Then, 2 days out of the week i get on the elliptical for 30 minutes and then i do strength training for 30 minutes. You see that is just part of my life style. One other part is asking for gods help to get me through this because without him i wouldn't be able to do this. So what ever ever higher power you believe in ask for its help and you will get it. Also as part of my healthier eating style i follow the South Beach book its great! You can order it on-line or buy it at a book store for less than 20$. Well I hope this helped you if you want more support or advice don't be afraid to email my email is jgomez3582@yahoo.com. Take care Lisa! Oh by the way my name is James
130952
I always want to see a lot of equipment so you don't have to wait in line!  That's what I hate most about my gym...when the work day is over it seems like EVERYONE is there and I have to wait forever to use the treadmil/elepticals!\n\nAlso, I wish my gym offered Yoga and Pilates classes.  Have lots of different classes and offer them as much as possible.  Hope this helps!  Good luck!
209029
Since you are trying to lose weight, the question is really which will burn more calories per session.  Whichever requires the body to do the most work is going to end up burning the most calories.  This figure is provded to us by something called METs (metabolic equivalents).  Overall jogging requires more METs than the eliptical, and the elipitcal requires more than biking.  SO jogging is going to burning more calories in the same amount of time than the other two.  \n\nHowever, either one of the other equipment could utilize more calories than jogging if you are exercising at a high enough intensity.  So if you are biking with a lot of resistance you will most likely burn more calories than if you are jogging at a slow rate of speed.\n\nThe best thing is to find an exercise that you like and are most likely to stay with.  Or better yet, mix it up and crosstrain.\n\nAs far as how long to exercise, it's not how long that's as important as how intense the workout is.  So instead of trying to exercise for an hour with a slow jog, you better better off going at short time period, but at a higher intensity.
103894
That's a lot of cardio!  I usually only do 20 minutes four times a week.  What I find fun is an elliptical machine.  These are at all gyms.  I usually bring my iPod or plug my headphones into the TV so I can watch that.  Do something that takes your mind off of you exercising.
635135
Dont have any real data, other that ride em and see what suits.\n\nBut specialised have always done MTB's, a vast range, and do great entry-level bikes, ive tried em and theyre good.\n\nClaud Butler used to be traditional touring/road bikes so dont have the same heritage, would guess there's nothing really wrong with them and if you like it go for it. But I would opt for the specialised  - and if anyone from specialised is reading can i have a free/discount one now please :-) \n\nRobert\n\nEnjoy whatever you choose.