Stationary bike or elliptical?

KintsugiCurlyQueen

So, my shins are screaming at me to take a long break from pounding the treadmill. I'm gutted (especially after forking out for running shoes!), but I know it's not the end of the world. Something needs to go in its place, though. Something low impact. Something ideal for HIIT workouts. I already lift 3/4 times a week - this is just for a small cardio workout on a couple of non-lifting days (on which days I can't make it to the gym to use their equipment).

My main contenders are the bike and elliptical, I guess. Could somebody help me come to a decision, please?

DiKoehler

love my elliptical but if you are looking for higher intensity go with the bike. I get shin splints too and have to be pretty careful. great exercises out there to get over them--don't neglect them.

lucan07

Its a personal preference which do you prefer using, I prefer the Elliptical but have both and a rower all quality items purchased in new condition from Ebay for less than a fraction of the price of any one new, if you have the room look for the bargains otherwise I rate the Rower as best workout Elliptical 2nd and Exercise bike last.

losing4799

bike can hurt my back... I like the ellip.

KintsugiCurlyQueen

Thanks! When you say great exercises to get over them, what do you mean?

Leeann1979

I have both in my living room, and I get a better workout with the elliptical. I've always found I can get my heart rate higher and get a good sweat on from it better than the bike. But that's just me

thegilly6

While I love my real bike and would use it over the elliptical, I would still prefer the elliptical over the stationary bike due to the upper body movement. I love it when my shoulders and/or chest are sore. It warms them right up and relieves the pain. I vote elliptical.

BethAnnC448

I am doing my stationary bike..the elliptical gave me a strain in the groin area...hurt like hell for a few weeks..I was told that I was not relaxing my upper legs (according to my brother who is a weight lifter)..may try it again but will have to do it alot slower.

KintsugiCurlyQueen

Thank you ladies and gents - at the moment it's looking like the elliptical! Although more personal opinions are welcome

KintsugiCurlyQueen

Interesting! http://voices.yahoo.com/elliptical-machine-vs-stationary-bike-weight-loss-8400167.html?cat=50
I just can't imagine HIIT on an elliptical, that's the thing.

kaz159

I prefer the elliptical over the stationary bike. I never feel I've pushed myself on the bike (got rid of it yonks ago).

I like cycling so hoping for a road bike for Christmas

lucan07

Interesting! http://voices.yahoo.com/elliptical-machine-vs-stationary-bike-weight-loss-8400167.html?cat=50
I just can't imagine HIIT on an elliptical, that's the thing.

It simple to do HIIT on the Elliptical one of my workouts:

Warm Up 5:00 min:sec 40 to 45 spm
Repeat 3 Times
Interval 0:15 min:sec 50 to 55 spm
Interval 0:45 min:sec 40 to 45 spm
Repeat 3 Times
Interval 0:15 min:sec 55 to 60 spm
Interval 0:45 min:sec 40 to 45 spm
Repeat 3 Times
Interval 0:15 min:sec 60 to 65 spm
Interval 0:45 min:sec 40:00 to 45spm
Repeat 3 Times
Interval 0:30 min:sec 55 to 60 spm
Interval 0:30 min:sec 40 to 45 spm
Recovery 2:00 min:sec None
Repeat 3 Times
Interval 0:30 min:sec 60 to 65 spm
Interval 0:30 min:sec 40 to 45 spm
Cool Down 5:00 min:sec 30 to 40 spm

Adjust resistance etc as required to make it work for you

april1445

My heart rate goes higher and I can maintain longer on the elliptical compared to the bike. I would vote elliptical every time. Plus it's easier to "dance".

AmyMgetsfit

I have a treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike and a water rower. I use these in the winter since I am a wuss and don't exercise outdoors when it is below 30. I love the elliptical and the water rower because I can use my arms. A stationary just isn't the same as a real bike since your arms are just sitting there. At least on a real bike you have to control it. The water rower also gives my abs a good workout and it is very low impact. I can do HIIT on all 4 of them.

Michelle_dirtracer

I prefer the bike. But my favorite is the Arc trainer for lower body.

kt2007

ELLIPTICAL!!! the only way to go. If I am getting on a bike its going to be for a real ride.

jonathandavid_t

Which do you prefer in the gym?

HIIT on an elliptical isn't difficult; I just turn resistance up and down and change my speed at the same time.

bmqbonnie

I find HIIT to be easier to accomplish on an arc trainer than elliptical. I can't get my HR up very high on the elliptical but going hard on the arc trainer I can make it skyrocket.

theloftlady

The rower hurts my back and the bike hurts my kness, so I have to us the elliptical trainer....and I love it. Low impact and a great calorie burner, sweat maker!

heatedarrow

While most have a personal preference of one over the other (elliptical for me), I found its always good to change it up once in a while. I found I plateaued a bit after doing the same elliptical program for ~1.5 months. I've now switched from the traditional elliptical to the total body crossramp, and it seems to be giving me a more intense workout with the preset "fat burn" program.

msf74

Doesn't really matter. Intensity is intensity be it on the bike or the elliptical.

Do the one you prefer and you feel comfortable using.

Personally, I think the bike is the better option for ease of control when doing HIIT but that's just me.

VeroniqueBoilard

Do this, it will change your life: http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2012/04/banish-shin-splints-forever-with-one-magical-exercise/

Do it everyday for a week or two and then twice per week is enough... Good luck