Training & Nutrition - whats better for mt bike training? running or an eliptical trainer

whats better for mt bike training? running or an eliptical trainer? Of course i know that there isn't much that is better than just being on the bike itself. But the temp here has still been a little cold. I like to run and have access to a indoor track at the gym. But we also just purchased a nordic track eliptical machine in december. Which one will be more beneficial to mountain biking. If neither than what?
Thanks

whats better for mt bike training? running or an eliptical trainer? Of course i know that there isn't much that is better than just being on the bike itself. But the temp here has still been a little cold. I like to run and have access to a indoor track at the gym. But we also just purchased a nordic track eliptical machine in december. Which one will be more beneficial to mountain biking. If neither than what?
Thanks
i prefer ETs because i can read and study while doing them. plus i think they are less jarring on your body. i think i burn more calories on one too.

The best answer would most likely be a combination of both. Each one works on your body differently so by alternating between the two you would get the most benefit.

I used to train for marathons, took time off and have recently built back up to running 3.5 miles. I discovered the elliptical machine about 2 weeks ago when I had to stop running because of shin splints. The elliptical has great cross-training programs tha emphasize gluteals and intervals. It seems like it would be particularly good for mt biking because of the programs.

A little running is good to build up bone density, but the elliptical would provide a great daily workout without injury. Perhaps you could combine them -- warm-up, run a mile, hop on the elliptical for 30 minutes every other day. warm-up, recumbant bike, elliptical every other day. with a day off.

Sandy

i too like the elliptical more due to the less stress on the legs. which is better? hard to say. i do some running and it definetly is a more strenuous workout, but the elliptical gets my HR going to. later.

Sell the elliptical, pick up a CycleOps Fluid2 trainer and a slick rear tire and go to town....

Ok I vote for running. People love ET because they are so easy on your body. Running is far more stressful and it's the stress on your body that makes it stronger. The jarring action also makes your arms, back etc stronger too; not just your legs. Furthermore, while road riding is extremely low impact mnt biking can have a significant impact component.

The people on the E-trainers are normally on them because they can't run. Why can't they run? It’s because they are weak from avoiding stressing their bodies. They then try running one day, hurt themselves or end up really sore, and go back to the easy elliptical trainer.

Lastly mnt biking is the best training for mnt biking.

The people on the E-trainers are normally on them because they can't run. Why can't they run? It’s because they are weak from avoiding stressing their bodies.

Um yeah...that’s what the normally part was about. I know some of them can run but I would bet most can't pull off more than a slow jog and even then will be toasted after a couple miles.

I am not trying to say that there is something wrong with using elliptical trainers. I am just saying they are easier and less performance enhancing. Hey, some like easy, and that’s ok.

You don’t have to agree but don’t just use a dismissive emotion icon instead of rebutting a point.

Um yeah...that’s what the normally part was about. I know some of them can run but I would bet most can't pull off more than a slow jog and even then will be toasted after a couple miles.

I am not trying to say that there is something wrong with using elliptical trainers. I am just saying they are easier and less performance enhancing. Hey, some like easy, and that’s ok.

You don’t have to agree but don’t just use a dismissive emotion icon instead of rebutting a point.
well okay...i guess you're right. i do see a lot of over weight individuals racking up miles on them in commercial HCs

crewchief - perhaps stair climbing or hill running would also help. I'm thinking since you have access to a gym, you could take advantage. I have a mt. biking friend who found wall-climbing to be incredible cross-training for riding.

It's true that running is more stressful on the body. If I went back 10 years, I would have done a lot more cross-training in between the runs. I ran almost every day. I'm not running now partially because of some old running injuries. There is no pain on the elliptical machine which is a great way to build up cardio -- in between runs, until you are able to run, or instead of running.