Aerobic exercise gives you many physiological benefits. Two of the most popular aerobic machines are the elliptical trainer and recumbent bicycle. They both increase heart function, cardiovascular endurance and HDL cholesterol. An elliptical trainer burns more calories, while a recumbent bicycle provides better orthopedic support.
Features
An elliptical trainer, or cross-trainer, is a stationary aerobic machine with upper-body and lower-body components. Most elliptical trainers have sloping roller ramps beneath the pedal links that can be adjusted to produce varying pedal motion paths. A forward and backward movement works the upper body, dictated by vertical bars.
A recumbent bicycle is a stationary exercise bike with a vertical support pad, which works to stabilize the back and buttocks. A recumbent bicycle's seat can be adjusted forward and backward. The back support pad is standard and not movable. The lower-extremity biking motion acts through the knee joints, alternating between flexion and extension around the knees.
Benefits
Elliptical trainers incorporate both upper-body and lower-body exercise to maximize calorie burning. If your goal is weight loss or muscle definition, an elliptical trainer is an ideal choice. Elliptical trainers are also low-impact despite being weight-bearing in nature. This decreases the risk of lower-joint, tendon or ligament injuries. An elliptical trainer's intensity can be modified to challenge varying fitness levels.
A recumbent bike provides optimal comfort while still giving you a cardiovascular boost. Nearly every population can utilize a recumbent bike, including the elderly or obese. Recumbent bicycles are perfect for home use. They can fit in the corner of any room in most houses. A recumbent bike allows you to set up programs of varying intensity to build up all aerobic energy systems.
Contraindications
An elliptical trainer can be too complicated for exercise novices to tackle. It is more of a second-tier aerobic machine. You first need to develop a cardiovascular base on other weight-bearing devices, such as a treadmill. Orthopedic limitations in the spine, ankle or knee would make the elliptical trainer impossible to work on.
Recumbent bicycles are difficult to execute for individuals with bad ankles or feet. The leg motion is also not conducive for calf injuries. Some severe knee problems would find this kind of bike detrimental.
Bottom Line
Which is better -- an elliptical trainer or a recumbent bicycle? The answer is the common denominator of many fitness equations. It all depends on your program objective. An elliptical trainer is the proper machine for burning energy or heart-rate response. But if your goal is lower-body therapeutic conditioning, a recumbent bike is the pick. Both machines give you general aerobic benefits. Cardiovascular specificity is what will make you choose one that fits you best.
References
- "ACSM'S Resources for the Personal Trainer"; American College of Sports Medicine; 2009
- "Aerobic Program for Total Well Being: Exercise, Diet and Emotional Balance"; Kenneth H. Cooper; 1985
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