Exercise bikes and elliptical machines provide a convenient way to complete cardiovascular workouts from the comfort of your home or a fitness center. Both types of machines offer low-impact exercise with controls to add resistance to a workout. The differences in the machines may determine which one you prefer for aerobic training.
Function
Exercise bikes are stationary machines that simulate the motion of riding a traditional bicycle. Upright bicycles offer the closest resemblance: you sit and pedal like you would on an outdoor bike. Recumbent exercise bikes have seats that are in a reclined position, with the pedals in front of the rider.
Elliptical machines provide a different range of motion. You stand on the machine with each foot on a wide pedal that glides back in the forth in a motion that resembles an ellipse and the action of cross-country skiing mixed with stair climbing. These machines may also have arm bars that you can hold on to and move back in forth at your sides in sync with the foot pedals.
Benefits
Upright, recumbent and elliptical machines all provide cardiovascular workouts for the lower body. However, recumbent bikes are more comfortable if you suffer from lower back pain, as their seats provide support for the back.
Elliptical machines offer more of an overall workout for the body, providing exercise for both the upper and lower body. The motion of an elliptical machine follows the natural path of joints, reducing the impact of stress on knees, hips and other joints.
Calories Burned
Both bikes and elliptical machines provide calorie-burning workouts. No matter what exercise machine you use, the intensity of your workout ultimately determines the amount of fat you burn. However, because elliptical machines include upper body workouts, the overall amount of calories burned is higher than calories burned on exercise bikes.
Price
Exercise bikes and elliptical machines are available at a variety of price levels, with low-end home machines at the bottom of the scale and heavy-duty trainers with state-of-the-art digital dashboards on the higher end. Generally speaking, prices for exercise bikes start lower than prices for elliptical trainers. However, when looking at advanced machines -- like those found in fitness gyms -- the prices for machines tend to plateau. The more expensive machines can cost as much as several thousand dollars.
Features
Most newer models of exercise machines -- including bikes and elliptical trainers -- offer some type of digital readout. These range from small meters offering basic statistics like distance and calories burned, to large consoles with LCD screens featuring heart rate and pulse monitors, preset workouts and entertainment options for music and TV.
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