My boyfriend and I decided to invest in either an elliptical trainer or a treadmill to help us get in shape and do more cardio. Do you girls have any preference as to which is better? Also, any particular brand you favor?
an elliptical machine is easier on your joints but you do better overall with working out/cardio training on a treadmill.
Sears has a new treadmill around $600 with a commercial motor in it. If yall will be running on it you will probably need something of that strength. Also the workers last year said the wider the belt and the higher the motor strength then the more you can run on it. The more expensive ones are built for running and guys so that they don't break.
I had a treadmill (and just gave it away) and just got an elliptical for Valentine's Day. The treadmill is good for running (obviously) but they are really noisy, which bothered me and I'm sure my neighbors and people below me heard all sorts of noises.. I don't remember what brand mine was... something from Sports Authority.
My shin splints started getting bad, so I got a Pre-Cor Elliptical. I really like it because it's not as hard on your joints. I looked at the ellipticals at Sports Authority, but they all seemed cheap and about to fall apart. I ended up paying more for mine, but it's meant for gym use so it will last forever and is a high quality machine.