Both the elliptical machine and the bike will deliver a very good cardio workout. They also both do a good job of strengthening and toning your leg muscles. But which one gives you the best bang for your buck? Whether you are standing in the cardio room of your local gym or trying to decide which piece of equipment to purchase for your own home, you need to know which one will work better for you. In this elliptical vs bike showdown, we will put these two cardio machines head-to-head to find out just who the winner is. We will also answer the most frequently asked questions about working out on an elliptical and an exercise bike.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Elliptical Vs Bike: Pros & Cons
- 2 Elliptical Vs Bike: Which One To Choose?
- 2.1 Which Is Best For …
- 2.2 Elliptical Vs Bike: Muscles Worked
- 2.3 Elliptical Vs Bike: Weight Loss And Calories Burned
- 2.4 Elliptical Vs Bike: Joints
- 2.5 Elliptical Vs Exercise Bike: Adjustability
- 2.6 Elliptical Vs Exercise Bike: Space And Purchasing Considerations
- 2.7 Elliptical Vs Exercise Bike: Enjoyment
- 2.8 Elliptical Vs Bike For Seniors
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Conclusion
Elliptical Vs Bike: Pros & Cons
The Pros Of The Elliptical
- Puts Less Stress On Your Joints
An elliptical trainer is an example of a closed chain workout machine. That’s because you do not have to take your foot off the foot pedals to perform the exercise. As a result there is very little, if any, stress or joint impact on your ankles, knees and hips.
- Allows You To Achieve Your Workout Goals Easily
An elliptical trainer has an easy learning curve. All you need to do is get yourself on the machine and grab hold of the handles. As you stride forward, you will move through a set elliptical path, so there is no need to learn any specific movement patterns.
- Works The Lower Body And The Upper Body
Elliptical machines are quite unique in terms of cardio workouts because they involve the upper body just as much as the lower body. These machines have movable arms that allow you to push and pull as your legs are striding.
The Cons Of The Elliptical
- Large Footprint
An elliptical machine has quite a large footprint. It can also be quite bulky. This can make it a challenge to fit into a confined living space such as an apartment block.
Can’t choose between an elliptical and a bike? No problem – go here to check the best elliptical/bike combos.
The Pros Of The Exercise Bike
- It Is Way Safer Than Riding Outdoors
Using an exercise bike allows you to get all of the benefits of this form of workout without having to deal with the hazards of being out on the road. You are also protected from inclement weather when you have a bike in your home.
- It Allows You To Alter The Intensity Of Your Workout
Exercise bikes come with tension controls to allow you to adjust the intensity level of your cycling. This makes it great for all fitness levels and ages. You are also able to progressively increase the intensity of your cycling workout as you get fitter and stronger.
- It Will Increase Your Joint Mobility
Cycling is another example of a closed chain exercise. Because your foot never actually comes off the pedal, there is a reduced risk of stress injury to the ankles, knees and hips when compared to exercises like running on a treadmill.
The Cons Of The Exercise Bike
- Limited Workout Options
Some people find that the limited workout options on a cycle makes for a pretty boring exercise session. - Only Works The Lower Body
You do not get any upper body stimulation when you are working out on an exercise bike. The total focus is on the lower body.
Elliptical Vs Bike: Which One To Choose?
Which Is Best For …
Elliptical
Bike
Muscles Worked
WINNER
Calories Burned
WINNER
Joint Friendliness
WINNER
Adjustability
WINNER
Space & Price
WINNER
Enjoyment
WINNER
Suitability For Seniors
TIE
TIE
Elliptical Vs Bike: Muscles Worked
Because it provides you with movable full length handles, an elliptical involves the upper body as well as the legs. As a result, you will be stimulating the following muscle groups:
- Latissimus Dorsi
- Pectorals
- Deltoids
- Biceps
- Triceps
- Core
- Quadriceps
- Glutes
- Hamstrings
- Calves
In contrast, the bike will only stimulate the muscles of your lower body.
Winner: EllipticalElliptical Vs Bike: Weight Loss And Calories Burned
Due to the fact that it involves more muscles of the body, the elliptical machine will burn more calories than a stationary bike. The 30-minute workout on elliptical will burn around 390 calories for a 155 pound (70 kg) person. That person will expend around 300 calories for the same amount of exercise on a stationary bike.
Winner: EllipticalElliptical Vs Bike: Joints
The elliptical and the stationary bike are both very good cardio choices when it comes to minimizing joint impact. As previously mentioned, they are both closed chain exercises where the foot does not have to come off the foot pedal during the exercise performance. The difference between the two is that an elliptical is a weight-bearing exercise and the stationary bike is a non-weight bearing one. As a result, a stationary bike may be better for people who are suffering from joint pain.
People with knee problems, though, may be better off on an elliptical because it does not require as much knee bend as a stationary bike.
Winner: Exercise Bike
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Elliptical Vs Exercise Bike: Adjustability
There are quite a few adjustability options on an elliptical machine. More expensive units will have an incline ramp so you can change the angle of the foot pedals. Most machines will also allow you to adjust the tension level to give you different stride resistances.
Unfortunately, you do not get much in the way of height adjustment with an elliptical machine. This can make it a little tricky for people who are taller or shorter than the average height. In contrast, exercise bikes normally allow you to adjust the seat both up-and-down and forward and backward. Many of them will also allow you to adjust the distance between the seat on the handlebars as well as the handlebar height.
Stationary bikes will also provide a range of tension resistance levels to make the workout harder or easier.
Winner: Exercise Bike
Click here for our review of the best exercise bikes on the current market.
Elliptical Vs Exercise Bike: Space And Purchasing Considerations
The elliptical tends to take up a lot more space than exercise bikes. So, if you do not have a lot of space in which to put your new exercise machine, you may be better off going with the smaller stationary bike option.
In terms of price, both machines vary greatly. You can purchase budget versions of both of them for around $100. High-end models can go as high as $2,000. Generally, ellipticals are more expensive than stationary bikes, especially at the high end of the market. For around $600, you can buy an excellent exercise bike that will last you for many years. To get an elliptical of the same quality and durability, you will be looking closer to $1,000.
Generally, ellipticals are more expensive than stationary bikes, especially at the high end of the market.
Elliptical Vs Exercise Bike: Enjoyment
The amount of enjoyment you get from a piece of equipment is a subjective matter. In general, though, my experience is that more people find exercising on an elliptical more enjoyable and stimulating than doing so on an exercise bike. Of course, the more you enjoy a type of exercise, the more you will actually do it.
Winner: Elliptical
Elliptical Vs Bike For Seniors
Because they are both so low-impact, the elliptical and the stationary bike are both very good options for seniors. Of the two, the elliptical provides the benefit of not requiring such an acute knee bend so may be better for older people who suffer from arthritis of the knee. On the other hand, exercise bikes are non-weight bearing, allowing the user to sit down as they exercise. You can also get recumbent exercise bikes that do a great job of protecting the lower back.
Winner: Tie
Frequently Asked Questions
What Burns More Fat, Elliptical Or Bike?
The elliptical burns more fat than a bike. That is because you will burn around 15% more calories on an elliptical than on stationary bikes. The reason for this is mainly that your upper body as well as your lower body are involved when you exercise on elliptical machines. On stationary bikes, the upper body is not involved. To lose weight, you should cut back on your calorie consumption as well as exercising.
What’s Better For Knees Bike Or Elliptical?
The elliptical is better for the knees than a bike. That is because you do not have to bend your knees as much when you are exercising on an elliptical. Both the elliptical and the stationary bike, however, are good choices for people with joint problems because they are closed chain exercises where you do not have to lift your foot off the pedal or foot platform.
What Is A Better Workout Elliptical Or Spin Bike?
The elliptical is better than a spin bike if you are after a relatively medium intensity workout that burns a lot of calories and is easy on the joints. However, if you want a more intense training experience that maximizes your calorie burn and really tests the muscles of your legs – especially the quadriceps – then exercising on a spin bike is the better option.
Conclusion
In this elliptical vs bike comparison we have seen that they both provide a great cardio workout, while also burning calories and improving muscular endurance. However, the elliptical does a better job of working the whole body and will burn around 15% more calories. The advantage of the stationary bike is that it is non-weight bearing, smaller and less expensive. At the end of the day the best option for you is the one you enjoy most – because that’s the one you will use most often!
