Is a Stationary Bike Better Than an Elliptical for Weight Loss?

There is a temptation in our industry to latch onto a particular type of exercise or a specific machine and insist that it is far superior to all others. We could do that here at Mcycle if we wanted to. We could insist that indoor cycling is the best form of exercise on the planet. We could recommend our clients avoid all other types of exercise machines, sticking only with stationary bikes.

We do not because we know better. Indoor cycling is absolutely a fantastic way to exercise. It is a great tool for losing weight, when combined with a healthy diet. But indoor cycling and stationary bikes are not the be-all and end-all.

We have had clients inquire about stationary bikes versus elliptical machines. They want to know which one is better for weight loss. The answer? Neither one. Both pieces of equipment offer low impact exercise that can be as intense or genteel as you prefer. Their biggest differences lie in the muscle groups they work.

Indoor Cycling: Below the Waist

Indoor cycling mainly works the leg muscles. You get a great workout from the waist down. And because cycling can be an intense exercise, it also works the heart. That makes indoor cycling a good cardio option. As for the upper body, cycling alone doesn't do much for it. That's why cycling studios like ours encourage instructors to incorporate upper body exercises into their routines.

Not every recycling studio does this. We do it because we feel it is important that our clients work the arms, chest, and core as well. Of course, each instructor is free to incorporate upper body movements as they see fit. But know this, most indoor cycling classes do find a way to get students moving above the waist.

Elliptical Training: Full Body Workout

An elliptical trainer is quite different in both form and function. Whereas an indoor bike seeks to replicate the cyclic experience in a stationary environment, the elliptical is designed to mimic a running motion in a way that is significantly less impactful. You don't get a pure running motion, but it is fairly accurate.

The main advantage of the elliptical is that it offers a full body workout without having to purposely add additional exercises. While the legs are striding up and down on the pedals, the arms are moving back and forth in unison with the machine's 'handlebars'. All the while, the core is rotating back and forth ever so slightly.

On the downside, the elliptical is not a good option for people who have trouble with their ankles, knees, and hips. A standard elliptical is a standing machine. So while it offers low-impact exercise, it still puts significant stress on those particular joints.

Exercise and Diet Together

There are, of course, both recumbent bikes and recumbent ellipticals. These present yet two more options for getting daily exercise. Here's the thing to remember: if you're looking to begin regular exercise in order to lose weight, neither indoor cycling nor elliptical striding is the best option. There is no best option. Losing weight is a matter of combining exercise and diet together in a way that works for you.

We seriously hope you choose Mcycle as your primary exercise destination. We sincerely hope you will sign up for some of our spinning classes. But in the end, if you decide elliptical striding is better for you, we would far rather you take up with an elliptical than not exercise at all. You do what works best for you.