Home of the Rant

Overview

Two kinds of workout equipment that can be found at most health clubs are recumbent bikes and elliptical trainers. Both machines are constructed to give the exerciser a quality aerobic workout with specific health benefits. Elliptical machines are built to mimic the running movement, much like a treadmill, while lessening strain on the knees. A recumbent bike, which is merely a sitting bicycle, offers a relaxed cycling workout with back support.

The Facts

Exercise is the most effective way to lose weight. While dieting my help regulate caloric intake, it is only with exercise that a lifestyle can be truly healthy. In order to lose one pound, a person must burn 3,500 excess calories. According to lowfatlifestyle.com, one-half to one pound per week of slow weight loss promotes long-term loss of body fat.

Identification

The seated style of the recumbent bike is the most noticeable difference between it and other pieces of home fitness equipment. While sitting in a bucket seat with side handles for support, the pedals sit in front of the body so the legs are horizontal and around hip height. Recumbent bikes also have a back rest so it is as if the exerciser is sitting in their favorite chair while pedaling.

An elliptical bike is designed in much the same way as a treadmill. Instead of walking or running on a track like that of a treadmill, the elliptical has pedals positioned to simulate foot movement during exercise. The elliptical, or more oblong motion, allows the exerciser to enjoy a low-impact stride that feels natural to normal body movements.

Features

The adjustable tension belt coupled with the seated support of a recumbent bike offer an effective caloric burn to people with back pain and other lower-extremity ailments. Unfortunately with use of a recumbent bike, the exerciser assumes less of a full-body workout because of a lack of upper-body movement. This is the downfall of a recumbent bike, as lower body fat is largely a more healthy fat, while upper body or belly fat is linked to greater health issues.

An elliptical offers a greater full-body workout because of the use of the arms and core muscles for stabilization. The adjustable tension of the belts, much like that of a treadmill or a recumbent bike, can give the exerciser a more personal workout to determine difficulty and ultimately, greater caloric burn.

Considerations

The back support of the recumbent is the reason it is considered more comfortable. However, according to Martica Heaner of MSN Health & Fitness, “…only a person with a back that is highly sensitive to any forward lean whatsoever would find the standard upright bike uncomfortable.”

Elliptical machines are best known for the same caloric benefit of running on a treadmill without the wear and tear on the knees. The elliptical offers a “skiing” motion with the upper body, which makes for a better aerobic workout than a recumbent bike.

Expert Insight

While some may see some advantages of one over the other, those advantages tend to be in the eye of the beholder. Certain health factors may cause one person to need the back support afforded by a recumbent bike, and another person may need the ease on the lower extremity joints an elliptical offers. But, as Heaner points out, “…you can get a great workout on any of them…there are some slight anatomical and cardiovascular difference that might matter, depending upon your individual needs.”