Eliptical Vs. Stationary Bike

If you go to a gym to workout on a regular basis, you might notice workout machine devotees of a few kinds. Among those, you typically see those more devoted to elliptical machines and those more dedicated to stationary bikes. Granted some people cross-train and ride both types of machines, but people seem to have their preferences.

What Your Body Needs

According to exercise physiologist Glenn Gaesser, depending on what your personal goal is, about 200 minutes of cardio exercise is needed per week for weight loss, reports the BNET website. What makes a difference when it comes to weight loss is how many calories you burn, and that depends on the intensity and length of a workout, says Gaesser. Most people prefer longer workouts over strenuous ones. If a workout is too unpleasant, people don't usually stick with it. However, if your goal is to improve cardio fitness, you must bump up your heart rate by intensifying your workouts "taking more time off between difficult workouts; 25-45 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity cardio four to five times a week," explains Gaesser. Your own preference will determine how many calories you burn and the intensity of your workout, according to Gaesser. BNET says that becoming complacent during workouts is a killer for any exercise program and recommends mixing it up with various kinds of cardio.

Stationary Bike

Stationary bikes take less coordination and thought during workout, according to BNET. So, whether you're at the gym or at home, stationary bikes are more conducive to doing other things like reading or watching television while working out. Most stationary bikes don't require arm movement during exercise. The workout is focused on lower body muscles. If you have an arm injury or regularly use weights for upper body workouts, you might prefer a stationary bike. If you like this type of workout and want to include an arm workout, attachments for arm movement are available with some bikes, says the Weightlossforall site. Stationary bikes come equipped with preset programs designed to give you options for challenge and intensity. These are usually marketing features of exercise machines, according to BNET, but if you're unsure of your own workout goals, use the programs to guide you. Stationary bike specific benefits include: great for no impact exercise; and promotes leg strength while minimizing risk of injury to ankles and knees, says Weightlossforall. Stationary bikes are easy to use at home, and many of them are easy to store.

Elliptical

If you're really tired of sitting at a desk by the end of the day, working out on an elliptical machine might seem more appealing. It takes a bit more coordination and thought than riding a stationary bike, but you can still do other activities while working out like watch a television program. Some elliptical machines workout legs and arms, whereas others workout the lower body only. Most elliptical machine workouts are like cross-country skiing exercise, says BNET. Following preset programs included with a lot of elliptical machines will allow you to intensify your workout routines, reports the site. Specific benefits include: great for low to no impact as well as weight-bearing and cross-training exercise, according to the Self Growth website. Elliptical machines also save time since you're getting a total body workout with machines that include arm work, reports the site. Home versions are typically easy to store also.

Calories Burned

According to BNET, the elliptical machine and stationary bike burn about the same amount of calories, depending on your workout intensity. Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) measures intensity, and according the BNET's guide for calories/minute burned, you can burn from nine calories/minute at three RPE up to 15 calories/minute at nine to ten RPE on both machines, says the site.

Training

Some people train for related sports, such as triathlon, on the elliptical and the stationary bike, but both machines are good for beginners just starting a workout program because you can take it as slow or fast as you want. Weightlossforall recommends the stationary bike for those overweight and just getting into working out. BNET recommends cross-training for the most efficient workout routine.