There are several factors to consider when you are purchasing a machine to use for your at-home workouts. Both elliptical machines and exercise bikes have advantages and disadvantages, such as the number of calories burned during the workout, ease of use, the "boredom" factor, and of course cost. Consider taking advantage of a free gym membership so you can try various machines to see which you like best before purchasing. No matter which piece of equipment you purchase, use it on a regular basis to ensure long-lasting health advantages.
Calorie Burning
You will probably burn more calories during the time you work out if you choose the elliptical machine over a stationary bike. The elliptical involves your whole body and raises your heart rate in less time, according to Weight Loss Cardio Workout. However, the elliptical machine is so easy to use you may overextend yourself---go easy for your first few workouts until you know your limits.
Overcoming Workout Boredom
It is much easier to read or watch TV while you are using an exercise bike because your movements are controlled and the machine creates less noise, says the American College of Sports Medicine. Entertaining your brain while you work out your body for 30 minutes is essential to preventing "workout burnout."
Differences in Intensity
An exercise bike is a great way to warm up before a more intense cardio or weight training routine. Jump on for ten minutes and your body is warm and your heart rate will rise. By contrast, an elliptical machine is a workout in itself, involving both upper and lower body. If you have weight equipment at home, adding an exercise bike boosts your workout results for very little money.
Space Saving Features
If you plan to invest in a cardio machine so you can work out at home, an exercise bike may be a better value than an elliptical machine, depending on your available storage space. Stationary bikes tend to be quite compact, have fewer moving parts so they break less often, and are incredibly easy to use---just climb on, flip the switch, and go. Stationary bikes take up less room than other machines, too, so if space is at a premium, you should look for a compact machine.
If you require more out of your workout, have more space to use and have a few extra dollars to spend, invest in a quality elliptical machine with varying resistance adjustments.
A Great Cardio Workout
The American College of Sports Medicine states that exercise bikes are great for those who suffer joint or back pain because they are non-weight-bearing, and elliptical trainers are ideal for runners looking for an intense cross-training program. These machines may need be adjusted properly to avoid pain or aggravating injuries.
Neither the exercise bike nor the elliptical trainer is a weight machine. When you use these machines you are just getting an aerobic workout involving your heart and lungs. This is not a bad thing---it just means you should add weights to your workout routine to experience complete benefits.
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