I bought a cheap elliptical machine from Wal-Mart and I totally love it. I started running almost ten years ago, and my knees were starting to bother me from the constant pounding. I bought the elliptical machine last weekend and have been using it all week, and my knees are feeling better than ever.
First off, the elliptical is zero-impact, so it's a lot easier on my joints. Secondly, it exercises my legs more completely than running, so the muscles that support my knees are getting strengthened. Third, it provides a whole body workout for my abs, chest, shoulders, and arms, which running just can't do.
The only significant downside is that I don't get to feel the wind in my hair as I zip through the neighborhood... but on the other hand, I'm much less likely to get hit by a car. All in all, I'd highly recommend an elliptical trainer to anyone who runs -- your knees and hips and ankles will thank you.
Whew, that was close. For a minute I thought you might recommend one for anyone who doesn't run, but should.
Biking is my preferred method of exercise.
X: Well, I assume that people who don't exercise won't be interested enough to start just based on my recommendation!
Mark: Biking is good, but you've gotta bike for a long time to burn many calories.
MW: Depends on where you do the biking. If you're not coasting most of the time and are working to keep up a decent speed (15mph, for example), plenty of calories are burned (about 680 per hour). You also get the wind-in-your-hair of running without the strain on your joints.
Biking won't do much for the upper-body, but for me that doesn't matter.
The best purchase I've made this year was getting a recumbent bike. Just sit me on that thing in front of the television for an hour and I've burned many calories and am getting up-to-date on TV shows Ive been meaning to watch. I liked the purchase so much that when my cheapo Walmart purchase broke down after a few weeks I went out and bought a real one.
I've started biking two days a week and running 3 or 4 days instead of running 5 or 6. The lessened pounding has made a huge difference, and I get to remain a runner.
Like everything, moderation is usually the best route.
Biking's not too hard on the knees, but biking in the city isn't too fun, either. I somehow bet that Los Angeles and suburban areas are probably even less friendly than St. Louis.
But at 5:45 a.m., not so bad. This has become normal city biking time. Good luck with the elliptical. I'm tempted to get one for the house someday - the trainer that hooks to the bike isn't something I'm compelled to use very often.
hln