A Treadmill or Elliptical Under Your Christmas Tree

When the weather outside is frightful, exercising indoors is so delightful. For walkers who want to take their walking indoors, a treadmill is the natural choice. According to my treadmill expert, Fred Waters, the quality of the lower-priced treadmills has improved substantially in the past few years. But you should still be budgeting $1000 or more for a new home treadmill.

• Before You Buy a Treadmill
• Best Budget Treadmills
• Best Folding Treadmills

^{Photo © Smooth Fitness, used with permission}

Good quality elliptical trainers are available starting at around $700. But an elliptical trainer gives you a different workout from walking. They are great to use for burning calories and getting a lower-impact (and quieter) workout than using a treadmill. But if you are training for a specific walking event, you will still need to do actual walking rather than using an elliptical trainer. Some people find the motion used on an elliptical to be less natural than walking or running on a treadmill, so they may not workout for as long or as often.

• Before You Buy an Elliptical Trainer
• Best Elliptical Trainers

Is it just me, or do photos of elliptical trainers look like some bizarre species of insect to you, too? Are you less likely to buy a piece of equipment that reminds you of a praying mantis?
^{Elliptical photo courtesy of Pricegrabber}