The elliptical machine can be found in any local gym or sporting goods stores. Bikes are very accessible and a popular form of indoor and outdoor exercise. Both are good for cardio, but each has advantages and disadvantages. You may prefer one for your lifestyle and fitness goals.
Elliptical Pros
The elliptical machine gives you a full body workout because it utilizes the arms on the handlebars and legs with the foot pedals. The machine can be pedaled backwards to recruit different muscles groups and add variety to your routine. The non-impact nature of the machine keeps it gentle on the bones and joints.
Elliptical Cons
The elliptical machine could be too fast paced for beginners, which can cause them to get winded quickly. The motion of the machine causes your body to move in a jog, which can be demanding on those with little endurance. Also, purchasing an elliptical trainer can be costly. Good models can run anywhere from $500 to $1,200, and using one at the gym will require the investment of a membership. Some people may find the width of foot pedals to be uncomfortable for their body type. Avoid purchasing a trainer if the stride length is too limited for your leg movement range, says ACSM.org.
Biking Pros
Biking can be done on an upright stationary bike, recumbent bike or road bikes. A big advantage of upright exercise bikes is that you can lift your body off the seat to pedal with much greater force and exertion, just as with a road bike, to simulate climbing hills, sprinting or just for giving your butt a well deserved rest, says TrainerSecrets.com. Recumbent bikes offer back support, which is ideal for people with back, knee or hip injuries. Road bikes allow you to enjoy nature while you exercise.
Biking Cons
The stationary bikes are nice, but the cost of purchasing one is a drawback. Road bikes are much less expensive, but can only be used with weather permitting. Also, to increase intensity, a road bike requires multiple gears and speeds for hilly terrain. Biking is not a weight bearing exercise, which means your body weight isn't supported by your legs, and will not burn as many calories as the elliptical.
Comparison
Both the bike and elliptical will offer a great cardio workout. The elliptical will burn more calories, but biking will be easier for beginners. Biking can be done indoors with a stationary bike or outdoors with a road bike while the elliptical is restricted to indoor exercise. If you enjoy both machines, then incorporate both into your workout routine and gain the benefits of both.
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