Elliptical trainers and exercise bikes have a lot in common. They're both relatively accessible exercise machines; odds are very good that you already know how to walk or pedal a bike, which is all you have to do to get these machines going. Most ellipticals and exercise bikes, even inexpensive home models, will also have an electronics console that displays basic information such as speed and distance traveled. With that being said, these workout machines do differ in several ways.
Balance
Because an elliptical trainer requires you to support your own body weight, it challenges you to balance your body. This is a benefit for most exercisers, and most ellipticals have a sturdy handrail or handlebars you can grasp for added support. Those who aren't up to the elliptical's balance challenge may prefer a bike, which demands only that you not fall off the seat.
Weight Bearing
Both the elliptical trainer and exercise bike are no-impact exercises. In other words, there's no pounding or jarring because your feet never leave the pedals. Ellipticals do have one advantage over bikes in this respect: Unlike the bike, the elliptical's requirement that you support your weight qualifies it as a weight-bearing exercise, which is often recommended to help those suffering from low bone density.
Arm Toning
Moving handles or swing arms are very common on elliptical trainers. These let you swing your arms as you pedal, toning your arms at the same time you work your legs. You can find stationary exercise bikes with upper-body attachments too, but they're quite rare. If you want a whole-body cardio workout, an elliptical trainer is your best choice.
Calories Burned
The Harvard Heart Letter ranks vigorously pedaling a stationary exercise bike as burning the most calories of any exercise machine, between 315 and 466 calories in half an hour depending on body weight. An elliptical trainer typically burns between 270 and 400 calories in the same time period, with a less-vigorous biker trailing at between 210 and 311 calories.
Cost
Elliptical trainers are consistently more expensive than exercise bikes. You can purchase one of Consumer Search's best-ranked exercise bikes for under $200, while the cheapest high-ranked elliptical trainer costs more than $500.
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