Elliptical or stationary bike?

thenextstep
thenextstep Posts: 54
in Fitness and Exercise
Elliptical or stationary bike? I'm getting an early Christmas gift to myself. I want one or the other but am unsure of which to get. Which would you get and why?

Replies

  • KateK8LoseW8
    KateK8LoseW8 Posts: 824 Member
    I would get the elliptical. Typically burn far more calories on that than the stationary bike, and it doesn't hurt my butt.
  • lavender1742
    lavender1742 Posts: 5 Member
    Eliptical
  • RoyBeck
    RoyBeck Posts: 947 Member
    Exercise bike personally. Have you tried both? Go with which you think you could use long term.
  • jfauci
    jfauci Posts: 531 Member
    Elliptical - hand's down. I find it to be a much better all around work-out. I like that I work my arms and legs at the same time.
  • pshelly305
    pshelly305 Posts: 2 Member
    I prefer the elliptical.
  • RoyBeck
    RoyBeck Posts: 947 Member
    It's not supposed to work your arms supposedly. Correct form uses your glutes and calves.
  • thenextstep
    thenextstep Posts: 54
    I haven't really tried either. I want what ever one that would give my more of a work out as to help me lose my last twenty five pounds. For those who say elliptical do you have a program you follow on it?
  • DaveP_Fit
    DaveP_Fit Posts: 318
    C. Spin bike
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    Rollers.

    Or a rowing machine.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I love the elliptical! The bike hurt my hip joints the few times I tried it.
  • ferreteers
    ferreteers Posts: 49 Member
    You don't have to choose - search for proform hybrid trainer - its both. :happy:
  • phostose
    phostose Posts: 56
    Elliptical
  • txmomma0889
    txmomma0889 Posts: 179 Member
    Meet in the middle there are a couple of 2-in-1 out there. I got mine at academy then you get the best of both worlds.

    Here is the one I got so ya know what I am talking about:
    http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/body-champ-deluxe-2-in-1-stride-cycle/pid-33820?N=809941245

    Here is another example:
    http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/body-rider-deluxe-programmable-magnetic-dual-trainer/pid-667723?N=809941245
  • tuckerrj
    tuckerrj Posts: 1,453 Member
    Got a Life Fitness elliptical and have never regretted it!!!
  • wild_wild_life
    wild_wild_life Posts: 1,334 Member
    I second the rowing machine suggestion. Best full-body cardio machine.

    But I also think you should try the machines out before you decide. I hate ellipticals with a passion, I would rather jog in place than use one.

    Get the one you will use/enjoy most.
  • themedalist
    themedalist Posts: 3,218 Member
    I haven't really tried either. I want what ever one that would give my more of a work out as to help me lose my last twenty five pounds. For those who say elliptical do you have a program you follow on it?

    I would really spend time with each and then decide. Pick the one you can see yourself continuing to use.

    I love the elliptical. A great workout, with no impact.
  • juliemouse83
    juliemouse83 Posts: 6,663 Member
    I have both, and the bike has cobwebs, lol. I get a better burn on my elliptical. I like to do intervals on it; 15 seconds all out, 45 seconds low intensity, repeat 15 times. Then I try to go another fifteen, but don't usually make it, lol...

    The bike seat hurts my butt. :laugh:
  • Ejourneys
    Ejourneys Posts: 1,603 Member
    I would really spend time with each and then decide. Pick the one you can see yourself continuing to use.

    ^^^ This.

    Before today is over, I plan on crossing the 4,000-mile mark on this puppy since Sept. 1, 2012:
    MagER400.jpg

    But that's me. It lives beside my work desk (I work at home) and I have everything I need within arm's reach. No excuses. Find what works for you, that you'll enjoy, and that's sustainable over the long run.
  • hddeuce1966
    hddeuce1966 Posts: 104
    Go to a gym and try both before you buy. You can usually work out as a guest for just a few dollars, or you might talk someone into letting you just try them. I personally hate the elliptical, but most people like it.
  • thenextstep
    thenextstep Posts: 54
    Thanks everyone for you input! Maybe I'll look at a few things before the big choice. I also have joint pain frequently so I'm glad to hear the elliptical is low impact.
  • wild_wild_life
    wild_wild_life Posts: 1,334 Member
    You also might be able to try out equipment at a place like Play It Again Sports or similar used sporting goods store. They may also have different styles of exercise bike (upright and recumbent) or different models of machines for comparison.

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