Elliptical or exercise bike: which to choose for a home workout

This is the most common question when someone wants to do cardio at home. Both machines cost about the same, take up about the same space, and yet they don't do the same job.

The real difference between the two

On an exercise bike, you are seated. Your torso doesn't move, neither do your arms; all the work comes from your legs. It's easy to get started, and you can read or watch a screen without any problem.

On an elliptical, you are standing. Your feet never leave the pedals, and your arms push and pull the handles. The movement engages the upper body as well as the lower body, which makes you tire faster initially for an equivalent duration.

Joints

Both are classified as low impact; there's no ground impact in either case. The difference lies elsewhere.

• The elliptical forces a fixed trajectory. If your natural stride doesn't match that of the machine, you'll feel it in your hips after twenty minutes. This is something to test before buying.
• The bike keeps your knees bent for a long time, in the same position. Adjusting the seat isn't just a comfort detail; it's what determines whether you'll experience pain or not.

Noise, if you have neighbors

The magnetic resistance of both types of machines is silent. The noise doesn't come from there; it comes from the frame vibrating and transmitting to the floor.

A thick mat under the machine usually solves the problem. If you live on an upper floor, it's an accessory to plan for at the time of purchase, not after the first complaint.

Space

The bike takes up less floor space and can be tucked into a corner of a room.

The elliptical is longer, and it requires ceiling height. You are standing, and your foot goes up another twenty centimeters at the highest point. If you are over one meter eighty tall and your ceiling is low, measure before ordering.

How I would advise choosing

• You want to do something else during your session, read or watch a show: the bike.
• You want to engage your upper body and leave the session having sweated more: the elliptical.
• You already have knee pain: the bike, with careful seat adjustment, and the advice of a healthcare professional before starting.
• You're getting back into it after a long break: the bike is easier to sustain over time in the first few weeks.
• Your ceiling is low or the room is narrow: the bike.

What neither of them does

Neither replaces strength training. They maintain cardiovascular fitness and burn energy, but they don't build muscle mass. If that's your goal, you'll need additional resistance, even light.

And the best machine is the one you will actually use. A bike used three times a week is better than a perfect elliptical on paper that serves as a coat rack after a month.

The two models I'm talking about are in the cardio training section. If you're still undecided after reading this, write to me; I answer myself.

Kristy