Cycling vs Elliptical: Which One Fits Your Fitness Goals?

Are you torn between cycling and using an elliptical machine to reach your fitness goals? It seems that both machines promise to help burn fat and improve cardiovascular health. But cycling vs elliptical, which better fits your goals?

In this article, we will make a comparison of these two machines regarding muscles worked, calories burned, impact on the joints, space required, price, and which is more enjoyable. Read the article and make a decision!

Which Is Better for a Small Apartment? Cycling

When space is limited, every inch of your living area counts. Cycling vs elliptical, which better saves your space then?

Foldable stationary bikes are often a great choice for smaller spaces. They tend to have a smaller footprint and can be easily stored after use. Some models even come with wheels in the bottom, making it easy to move them around.

While ellipticals can be a bit bulkier than bikes, foldable ellipticals and under desk ellipticals (like Tousains Mini Elliptical Machine) are available and designed to save space. A foldable elliptical can offer a full-body workout in a limited space. A mini under desk elliptical, on the other hand, targets your lower body and can be used under your desk.

If your space is limited, the foldable exercise bike or an under desk elliptical machine might be a better option to consider. But if you prefer a full-body workout, folding ellipticals can meet your needs as well.

Which Engages Muscles More Effectively? Elliptical

Both of these two machines target different muscle groups. Cycling primarily targets the lower body, focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. It’s excellent for building leg strength and endurance. Elliptical, on the other hand, offers a full-body workout. It engages the legs (like cycling) but also the arms, shoulders, and core. The push-pull motion on the handlebars works the upper body, while the leg motion targets the glutes, hamstrings, and quads.

To conclude, if you want a full-body workout, the elliptical will be a great choice. If you just want to target your legs, then cycling will be better.

Which Is Easier on Your Joints? Both

Both cycling and the elliptical machine are considered low-impact exercises, and they are great for people undergoing physical rehabilitation:

A study shows that the bicycle provides quadriceps rehabilitation while controlling the stresses on the knee ligaments.

Are elliptical trainers good for knees? Yes! Another study reveals that knee osteoarthritis patients can benefit from using the elliptical in reverse direction and low incline.

To sum up, both cycling and elliptical are friendly on your joints and good for rehabilitation. However, it is essential to pay attention to the workout intensity and form to avoid injuries.

Which Is Better for Weight Loss? Elliptical

What burns more calories, bike or elliptical? This might be the question that many people are concerned about.

Cycling can burn a significant amount of calories, especially during high-intensity cycling sessions. An average person can burn 300-400 calories per hour depending on speed, resistance, and terrain (outdoor cycling burns more calories due to varying inclines). In addition, cycling is a great cardio workout to improve endurance and burn fat, particularly in the lower body.

Elliptical burns a comparable number of calories per session as cycling, but it helps engage the upper as well, which can lead to a higher total calorie expenditure. An average 30-minute session on the elliptical can burn around 250-350 calories, depending on resistance and speed.

Elliptical vs bike for weight loss, who wins? Well, both machines are great for fat loss. The elliptical might have a slight edge for overall calorie burn due to full-body engagement.

Which Is More Budget-Friendly?  Cycling

Generally, stationary bikes tend to be more affordable compared to ellipticals, especially when considering basic models. Foldable bikes such as Tousains Foldable Exercise Bike are also available at a reasonable price. Higher-end models still remain within the mid-range price for fitness equipment. Ellipticals, however, particularly those offering full-body workouts, often require a higher budget. Even those folding ellipticals can be more expensive than basic stationary bikes.

If budget is a primary concern, a stationary bike is likely to be the more cost-effective option. 

Which Machine Is More Enjoyable? Cycling

Enjoyment is another key factor that people are concerned about. Sometimes it affects whether a person can stay consistent on his workout routine or not.

Many people enjoy cycling as riding a bicycle outdoors is extremely engaging and can be a great way to relax themselves. Indoor cycling or using the elliptical, however, is more repetitive. Fortunately, some ellipticals and bikes are equipped with a large device holder, enabling users to work out while watching their favorite shows.

For outdoor enthusiasts, cycling will be an amazing choice to get started. But if you prefer indoor cardio exercise, the stationary bike and elliptical are also great ways to work out at home. 

Cycling vs Elliptical, Which Should You Choose?

Choose Cycling if:

• You want to improve lower body strength and endurance.
• You enjoy outdoor activities or prefer home workouts with foldable fitness machines.
• You’re looking for a good workout for your legs and glutes.
  
• Your budget is limited.  

Choose Elliptical if:

• You want a full-body workout, including both upper and lower body.
• You have joint concerns or are recovering from an injury.
• You prefer indoor workouts and want the flexibility to adjust intensity.
• You have enough budget and space.

Workout Plan for Cycling and Elliptical

Cycling Workout Plan:

• Warm-up: 5 minutes of light cycling.
• Interval Training: Alternate between 30 seconds of high-intensity cycling and 1 minute of low-intensity cycling. Repeat for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of light cycling.

Elliptical Workout Plan:

• Warm-up: 3 to 5 minutes at a low resistance level.
• Interval Training: Alternate between 1 minute of high resistance and 1 minute of low resistance. Repeat for 20 minutes.
• Cool-down: 5 minutes at a low resistance, gradually decreasing speed.

This is a sample workout plan for beginners. You can adjust the workout intensity and duration based on your fitness levels.

Conclusion: Is Elliptical or Bike Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ultimate choice depends on personal preferences, fitness goals, and space for home workout. Whether you choose cycling or using the elliptical, you will become healthier physically and mentally. If you decide to purchase one, Tousains will be an excellent destination. We provide space-saving home fitness equipment for small apartments, making it possible to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Join Tousains and embark on your fitness journey!