To decide what type of exercise equipment is right for you, you need to identify what you want to get out of your exercise session. If you are wanting to lose weight or reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses, elliptical walkers and exercise bikes can both help you reach your goals. However, if you have knee, hip or back issues to consider, then you need to choose the right piece of equipment.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic type exercises are ones that raise your heart rate, increase your rate of breathing and cause you to break a sweat. Performing aerobic exercises can help you shed excess weight, enhance immune system activity, reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some forms of cancer; it also improves mood. Benefits are only achieved if you exercise regularly, so it is important to find a form of exercise you enjoy. Elliptical walkers and exercise bikes both fit into the category of aerobic exercise, but you may prefer one over the other.
Managing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become frail and susceptible to fractures. Getting regular exercise is an important component of an overall plan to keep your bones strong. Your bones can respond to exercise by becoming stronger, but you must do weight-bearing exercises to stimulate bone growth, reports the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Elliptical walkers do provide weight-bearing exercise because you are standing when using the machine. Exercise bikes do not provide weight-bearing exercise because you are sitting. The only exception is a stationary bike you can stand up on so your hip and leg bones support your weight.
Injury Recovery
If you are living with knee, hip or back pain or have any kind of injury, you need to talk with your doctor or physical therapist about what mode of exercise is best for you. Weight-bearing machines, such as ellipticals, tend to burn more calories. However, due to an injury, you may need to go with a nonweight-bearing machine, such as an exercise bike, to avoid aggravating your condition.
Comfort
There are many factors to consider when purchasing equipment. The amount of space available in your home, how comfortable you are on a specific piece of equipment and ease of use all come into play. In the end, unless you have medical conditions to consider, how hard, how long and how frequently you exercise matters more then what piece of equipment you buy, notes the American Council on Exercise.
If you have balance concerns, a recumbent bike may be best as they have large seats that are lower to the ground. Standing on an elliptical walker requires more balance and coordination, which may be too much for some. The best bet is to go to a store where you can try out several types and models of equipment to find the right fit.
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