(Wo)Man vs. Machine

[cyndilouwhoo]

For those in the exercise equipment market looking to get the biggest calorie bang for their buck Consumer Reports has got an excellent article on calorie burning on different types of exercise equipment.

Seems like Sara has the right idea with her treadmill.

Cyndi

[lynnzop[$]]

Nineteen physically active men and women, all in their 20s, exercised on each type of machine

How 'bout ONE (sorta) physically active woman in her very early 40's?



Seriously, after using the treadmills in the Holiday Inn exercise room this weekend, I can see the benefit. Of course, it was hot and humid (situated right next to the pool), but I was sweating like one of Slick's pigs.

And I liked the way I could push myself, okay, FORCE myself, to go a certain number of miles per minute. And keep it consistent. No "stopping to smell the flowers" or I'd end up smacking the back wall of the room.

Treadmills are a good thing for indoor exercise. I wish I had one!

Lynn

[quasar]

I like treadmills, but I find because of the pace I can't go nearly as fast or nearly as far on a treadmill as I do when I take real walks and I'm significantly more tired when I'm done on the treadmill. The consistency in the pacing is much more tiring that walking where you can start and stop, slow down and speed up, etc.

Janice

[murasaki]

First let me get this out of my system: freakin' sexist article writer that didn't include the women's times just some hazy statement that it takes women longer to burn 200 calories--how much longer? how much more exertion? do women burn more on bikes/other machines than the treadmill?

Grumble, grumble, harrumph!

I like to run outside because I feel like I get more of a work out with hills, weather conditions, etc., which has more value to me in terms of taking the Army's physical fitness test every six months. So I will choose outside if I have a choice.

However, when the weather is rotten (too cold or too hot), I can do the treadmill thing. I tend to walk on them as opposed to running and carry hand weights at the same time to tone my arms.

Not while I'm in school, but once I'm in a larger house with my husband, I would like to buy a treadmill so I can feel like I'm doing something useful when I'm watching TV.

--naomi
who has the attention span of a gnat

[jo.com]

Have to reply to this: First 19 is not a valid, scientific study in any way, shape or form (no pun intended) so I wouldn't hold too much weight (no pun intended) on this study.

2. The intensity and interval levels will really determine how many calories you burn, not which piece of equipment.

3. In my many, many years at gyms and the field, it is my opinion the the elliptical trainer (fun) and stairmaster (torture) burn more calories than the treadmill unless you are running on the treadmill or walking uphill at a huge incline..jmo