[Flabbibulin]

This particular comment by me is purely anecdotal as I haven't done much research on this specific area, but for me, I am much more likely to start dealing with nagging injuries and pains when I consistently choose running for my choice of cardio. I know some people suggest that it is a more natural movement, but I don't deal with any issues when I regularly choose the elliptical (or variation).

For what it is worth, I have been in this game a long time and just calculated that I probably spend around 130-140 hours a year on the elliptical.

I admit that 140 hours running outside would be considerably more enjoyable, but I have traditionally scheduled in my cardio (for the sake of time management) to immediately follow my weight lifting sessions, which means doing it at the gym. Certainly I could structure things so that I run outside immediately after getting home from gym, or possibly run on off gym days, but I am very systematic in my approach to fitness. I am confident in saying that I know what I am doing when it comes to fitness and nutrition and indoor cardio at the gym just works better for me. And as mentioned, the nagging injuries/pains I have dealt with in the past from running are a factor. I am very much focused on having my legs ready to go on leg day, and time has shown me that elliptical on one day does not effect me if it is followed the next day by an intense leg workout. Running on the other hand...

The caloric expenditures of actual running vs indoor elliptical is of secondary importance to me in this conversation. The estimate of the number of hours I spend on the elliptical a year may be off, as I still do throw in occasional outdoor and indoor running sessions instead, but the vast majority of my cardio is on the elliptical.