Elliptical bikes and treadmills are some of the most hopped-on gym equipment. They work us out and leave us deserving of a shower and a good nap. But which between the Elliptical bike and the treadmill packs a punch?
I’d bet that all of us fitness enthusiasts could resonate with the feeling of victory and achievement that we experience every time we complete a torturous training routine. I know I can relate.
Well, last weekend, I had the opportunity to try out the elliptical bike and I have to admit, the training was harder than I expected.
This is a hybrid unit that combines the cycling and elliptical motions to create this easy to ride bike that you can use indoors and outdoors as well.
If it wasn’t for my physical fitness, I don’t think I’d have made it through the grueling workout. So, I decided to put together this review of the elliptical bike and treadmill to summarize their differences.
Elliptical Bike Vs Treadmill – Comparison Summary
Training Concern |
Which Technique Rules? |
Stronger Leg Muscles |
Elliptical Bike |
VO2 Intake |
Running |
Building Abs |
Elliptical Bike |
Cardio Workout |
Running |
Strength Training |
Elliptical Bike |
Calories Burned |
Running |
Least risk and danger |
Elliptical Bike |
Best for terminal Illness |
Elliptical Bike |
Elliptical Bike Vs Treadmill – Calories Burned
Running beats rowing in burning calories however, very slightly.
While on the elliptical bike, if you weigh approximately 160 pounds, you could lose about 345 calories after thirty minutes of a moderate rowing speed and with medium resistance. If you run on the treadmill at 5mph, you will lose about 363 calories every 30 minutes.
To raise your level of calories burned, you need to increase the pace and intensity of rowing. This is only possible if you do your repetitions well. Keeping a straight back, tightening your core, and engaging your legs more will get you burning calories upward the 400 mark.
When cycling on the bike, the forward peddling motion works out the muscles on the front of the thigh and leg. Also, cycling while standing at an inclined angle allows your hip and knee extensors to get a good work out.
When running the treadmill, if you want to increase that burn and sweat, inclining your ramp and increasing the speed to a good 5mph will get your whole body hot and you know something is working. The treadmill still burns potentially a higher number than the rowing machine at about 800 calories burnt running on a highly repetitive and intense run.
Elliptical Bike Vs Treadmill for Muscle Toning
Muscle is better developed through resistant training like rowing as compared to running which tends to waste muscle.
The rowing motions you make on your elliptical bike and the pull resistance it provides count for a total workout of all your ligaments and joints. Your legs and thighs do a lot of the heavy work having to push your entire being backward against a heavy pull resistance.
The elliptical bike works on all your body joints and muscles without putting strain on them. Some of the muscles worked while exercising on the rowing machine are the quadriceps, hamstrings, your upper, mid to lower back, your biceps and your core.
Running, on the other hand, is a high impact training routine that requires you to slam your entire weight against the ground which is impactful to your knees as well as our overall body fat. Running quickly raises your heartbeat and increases your oxygen consumption as you work out.
This oxygen intake is necessary for muscle building as it helps to expel energy from the system. Though running effectively does this, in terms of muscle toning, it is not the best candidate. The high impact of running causes fat to burn quite fast and a lot of muscle tends to be lost after a run.
Elliptical Bike vs Treadmill for Arms
Running barely engages your arms in a workout as opposed to rowing which uses arm handles.
The rowing techniques employ arms, core, and legs and that’s mostly where the burn will be felt. Your arms reach out to catch the rowing handle and while your back is straight, pushing your body off the starting position and when the handle comes up to your knees, this is when you pull on the handle bringing towards your chest.
This is extremely effective for arm workouts as it stretches out your forearms, your biceps, and your shoulder joints. It is an engaging exercise activity that will have your arms burning through the next three days.
While running, these benefits are not at all expected because of the muscle loss associated with the high impact of running. However, starting off with a 15-minute run then heading over to the rowing machine for a 20-minute workout on a 3-5 days per week routine will see you achieve your arm toning goals.
Verdict:So, which is better,elliptical bike or treadmill?
A full-body workout seems to be more the reserve of the elliptical bikeas it exercises your entire body in terms of legs, arms, back, and core muscles with every row and cycle you perform on it. Also, the fact that there are some variations of this bike that allow you to train outdoors and indoors too when the weather doesn’t allow it.
FAQs
Can I Use an Elliptical Bike with A Bad Back?
Yes, the elliptical bike is designed with consideration to injured or ailing people who still want to keep their body strong by exercising.
However, if you find that you have developed some discomfort in your back from all your previous day’s exercises, it is best to skip the use of the elliptical bike until the back inflammation dies down.
While you work out generally, you must keep a posture which means having to engage your back muscles. If you are in pain and nothing you do seems to change the pain’s intensity, you need to take a break, visit your doctor or lie down and try again in a few days or weeks.
Is it Fine to Use A Treadmill Every Day?
No, running on the treadmill on a daily basis is a bit too much on your body and its muscles.
The very muscles you are working on need time to rejuvenate and grow in between work out sessions.
Running is an engaging workout that has painful aftereffects based on how intense you work. You may want to rapidly reduce weight but running in itself cannot satisfy this goal. Use machine 3 to 5 times a week for about 30 to 60 minutes every day.
Keep a good diet high in vegetables, protein, and fruits will also be necessary to add to the effectiveness of your technique.
Is Rowing Bad for Knees?
Not at all. Training on the rowing machine is good for your knees and makes them stronger over time.
Apparently, the rowing motion that requires you to push against a resistant weight does not put much strain on the knees or the joint specifically. What is increasingly important as with other rowing experiences, is the form or technique in which you do your rowing.
If you put your weight on the wrong part of your foot, it will produce stress to your knees or thighs or shin. Adjust your footing to get the safest most effective angle for a tender-foot workout.
