If you're sweating more on the stationary bike than the elliptical, chances are you're exerting more energy to pedal the bike than you are to slide the elliptical's ski pedals. You can use each machine's built-in distance calculators to find out how hard you're working on each one. When it comes to exercise, you have to do what works for you --- if the stationary bike gives you a more fulfilling workout, keep using it.
Pace
To test your pacing, exercise at your normal pace on each machine for 20 minutes. Use the machines' distance calculators to track your progress and compare results at the end of the test period. If you've traveled more distance on the bike than the elliptical, you're exercising at a faster pace, likely resulting in more sweat. Although most machines also have a built-in pacing calculator, it usually displays your current pace, not an overall average, making this measurement less helpful than total distance in terms of measuring exertion.
Calories Burned
Harvard Medical School measured the number of calories burned on both the elliptical and the stationary bike after a 30-minute workout. Its results show that speed is a major factor in how many calories you'll burn. According to Harvard's measurements, a 155-pound person will burn 335 calories on the elliptical, but only 260 calories on the stationary bike at moderate speed. Increasing the effort level from moderate to vigorous lifts the bike calorie burn to 391. If you're sweating more on the bike, you're probably moving at a faster speed --- and burning more calories.
Intensity
According to the American Council on Exercise, sweat isn't necessarily a good indicator of workout intensity. It suggests you measure your heart rate to determine exercise intensity. Some gym machines come equipped with a heart rate monitor; you can also calculate it yourself. ACE recommends taking your pulse immediately after you finish your workout, counting the beats for 10 seconds and multiplying that number by six to find your total beats per minute. To find out which machine offers you a more intense workout, do the same 20-minute test on each machine and calculate your beats per minute immediately afterward.
Target Heart Rate
According to the American Council on Exercise, your target heart rate is between 50 and 80 percent of your maximal heart rate. This target rate is what you should aim for during a workout. To calculate it, start by subtracting your age from 220 --- the result is your maximal heart rate. Multiply that number by the desired percentage of maximal you wish to achieve, anything from 0.5 to 0.8. If you can hit this target heart rate, you know you're working out at the appropriate level of intensity.
Varying Workouts
Varying your workouts is one of the keys in maintaining any fitness regimen. The American Council on Exercise notes that using different cardio machines --- as well as adding difficulty to your existing routine --- is the first step in avoiding workout boredom. It suggests adding intervals to your workout or adjusting the resistance on your cardio machine.
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