Elliptical or bike???

stefng33
stefng33 Posts: 49 Member
edited November 17 in Fitness and Exercise
hey guys- out of the two, what's better? I'm looking to buy one or the other as I don't have room for both :(

I have hear elliptical so I thought someone might have some advice

Thanks

Replies

  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    It really depends on what you’re after. Both will help your cardiovascular health and endurance. Ellipticals can be done comfortably with minimal impact on your knees, yet you’re still supporting your weight on your legs. Bikes allow you to sit (don’t we do enough of this already?) while you work. But if you’re talking about a real bike vs a stationary version, you can go on wonder rides, make new friends, enter events, see the world around you (and put it on a stand and do it in front of a television on bad weather days).

    Me? I’d get a real bike and a stand for stationary work. Never underestimate the value of being outside and making new friends.

    Enjoy!
  • BodyByBex
    BodyByBex Posts: 3,685 Member
    I have an elliptical in our guest room. I go to TOWN on that thing with the T.V. on. It's quiet and convenient, mine has fans on it, and the fact that I am standing seems to help me more with cardiovascular endurance than a stationary bike. I also find the resistance on the elliptical more fun than resistance on a stationary bike and because it's more fun, I tend to push myself harder.

    I have had a stationary bike and an elliptical. I definitely prefer the elliptical.
  • SexyGamerGal
    SexyGamerGal Posts: 75 Member
    edited April 2015
    I got a 2-n-1 it is an elliptical with a seat so you can do both. My only regret is buying the cheapest because the elliptical is hard for me. I end up have to push a lot to keep it going and doesn't feel natural like all the other elliptical I was use to at the gym. The bike part works great though. I would say head to academy etc try a few out to figure out what you like more. I would of spent more and got a better one had I known that. I went way after and felt more natural on a slightly more expensive 2-n-1.

    Example:
    proform-hybrid-trainer-elliptical-and-recumbent-bike-d-20140418173921197~282121.jpg
  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    I prefer the elliptical. Like @AllanMisner said, we sit too much already!
  • cheshirecatastrophe
    cheshirecatastrophe Posts: 1,395 Member
    edited April 2015
    Which do you enjoy more? Which are you more likely to stick with doing?
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Better for what?

    Your calorie burn or whatever is predicated on your stats and level of effort...not what machine you are using. The machine doesn't burn the calories...you doing the work burns the calories.

    If it were me I would probably opt for a real bike to ride outside. I don't really like droning away on cardio equipment and only do so when the weather is fowl but I still need to get in some cardio work.
  • Noelv1976
    Noelv1976 Posts: 18,948 Member
    I like the elliptical because I can work my arms to death and can "step" backwards, which gives me that extra burn on the thighs. I like to pull on the handles and use less of my legs...with backwards i just use my legs without using the handles. Can't believe how much I sweat within 20 minutes.
  • stefng33
    stefng33 Posts: 49 Member
    Thanks all! I walk already..a lot! Love the outdoors. I don't have an actual bike and likely won't get one.

    I simply want a machine for at home just for whenever I feel the need to get some serious cardio in. I workout already at home doing lots of core and cardio but I just want that extra extra burn for later in the day or whenever I feel the need.

    Elliptical sounds more like my style so far :)
    Found a few online ...Kijiji !
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    If I had to choose one then it would be a decent rower hands down for me, but its whatever you enjoy using.
  • RavenLibra
    RavenLibra Posts: 1,737 Member
    if time is a consideration... go with the elliptical...you will pack in more effort in a shorter time frame... and you can buy a real bicycle for cheaper than you can a stationary bike... if you want some giggles though... take in a spin class...a real eye opener if you think you are in shape already
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    elliptical

    stationary bikes kill my knee for some bizarre reason....
  • stefng33
    stefng33 Posts: 49 Member
    Yeah I found a few online for a reasonable price...just want to burn crazy cals in as little time possible! Lol...

    I heard rowing is a crazy good machine too, but i would likely need some training on one first.
  • taentea
    taentea Posts: 91 Member
    I like the bike, I also ride a real one when I can, but when it comes to workouts the stationary bike kills my knees. So I went with an elliptical and have no regrets.
  • brainshaft
    brainshaft Posts: 3 Member
    lilaclovebird wrote: »
    I have an elliptical in our guest room. I go to TOWN on that thing with the T.V. on. It's quiet and convenient, mine has fans on it, and the fact that I am standing seems to help me more with cardiovascular endurance than a stationary bike. I also find the resistance on the elliptical more fun than resistance on a stationary bike and because it's more fun, I tend to push myself harder.

    I have had a stationary bike and an elliptical. I definitely prefer the elliptical.

  • brainshaft
    brainshaft Posts: 3 Member
    Eliptical! I use my prehistoric Schwinn Traveller out doors, which never breaks. I do have a good rower which was great rehabing from acl surgery but man is it boring! I currently use it as a clothes stand. That thing requires dedication and discipline but is awesome as an all around excercise.
  • stefng33
    stefng33 Posts: 49 Member
    brainshaft wrote: »
    Eliptical! I use my prehistoric Schwinn Traveller out doors, which never breaks. I do have a good rower which was great rehabing from acl surgery but man is it boring! I currently use it as a clothes stand. That thing requires dedication and discipline but is awesome as an all around excercise.


    Haha! :)
    Well the last thing I want is another boring clothes stand!

    Looks like an elliptical is going to be the way to go!
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