1. Price
Which trainer is the cheapest?The first thing that buyers pay attention to is the cost of the simulator. Given the fact that this is not the cheapest product, often the price is of paramount importance. For a more visual representation of the situation, let's compare several popular models from Yandex.Market, which are preferred by users.
Model | Functions | Number of load levels | Average price (rub.) |
Elliptical Trainer UnixFit | pulse; | 8 | 16890 |
DFC exercise bike | calorie consumption | 8 | 7990 |
Elliptical Trainer Body Sculpture | offline work; | 8 | 21841 |
Evo Fitness Spirit Exercise Bike | offline work; distance | 8 | 18990 |
Elliptical trainer Proxima Veritas Pro | pulse; | 16 | 75990 |
UltraGym exercise bike | pulse; calorie consumption; touch sensors | 24 | 68400 |
As you can see, with almost equal technical characteristics, elliptical trainers are more expensive than exercise bikes. The latter are confidently leading in this comparison section.
Evo Fitness Spirit
The best combination of price and quality
2. Convenience
Classes on which device will be more convenientClasses on exercise bike do not involve high concentration, and therefore many users try to organize a little entertainment for this period. Often gadgets are equipped with holders for books or tablets. This will allow you to read or watch a movie while exercising.
Elliptical Trainer implies a deeper focus on the process. It is not always possible to do something in parallel. However, the devices are also equipped with holders for smartphones or tablets. It is quite possible to include music or a movie in the background.
In addition, many models of simulators are equipped with sensors that monitor the state of a person and do not allow to exceed the load. This is typical for more expensive options for both exercise bikes and ellipticals.
3. Efficiency
Which exercise machine is more effective for weight lossUsers who are actively interested in the topic of losing weight know that the process is directly dependent on calorie consumption. More costs - more efficiency. Let's figure out what results the presented types of simulators give.
According to studies, with an average load exercise bike per hour of work allows you to additionally burn approximately 439 kcal. Elliptical Trainer under equal conditions gives the user the opportunity to spend about 612 kcal. However, it should be noted that the first sports tool provides for the possibility of interval training, which is superior in its effectiveness to conventional ones.
Thus, it turns out that in this matter the simulators show themselves almost on an equal footing. Both will allow you to lose weight faster and get in shape.
Hasttings Spider SB300
The most functional model
4. Muscles involved
Which muscles are subjected to the main loadFirst of all, it is worth noting that both simulators belong to the cardio category and actively affect the cardiovascular system. They are great for endurance training. What then is better to choose for weight loss and what will be more effective?
Workouts on exercise bike load harder leg muscles: calves, buttocks and thighs. At the same time, a small load also extends to press and lower back. With static training, the upper body is relaxed and practically not involved in the process. Thus, regular exercise on an exercise bike will allow you to develop mainly the muscles of the legs.
Ellipsoid in this matter is far ahead of the opponent. Training on it allows you to work out practically all muscles. The legs (shin, calves, thighs and buttocks) are actively working, the muscles of the body (back and abs) get a good load, thanks to the work with the levers, the pectoral muscles, biceps and triceps do not go unnoticed.
5. Safety
Classes on which simulator are less traumaticFrom a technical point of view, both simulators are completely safe. The question here is rather about the distribution of the load and the effect on the joints and ligaments.
From this point of view exercise bike should choose more consciously. During a workout lap receive an increased load.This, in turn, negatively affects the condition of the joints. In addition, classes on the simulator are held while sitting, if the user works in the same position, then experts do not recommend such a solution. Also big stress on ankle can harm the joint. The exercise bike is not recommended for heavy users. Usually the maximum limit is up to 120 kg.
Ellipsoid in this respect is preferable. The impact is distributed evenly, movements are performed more smoothly, without a critical load on individual joints. The simulator is shown not only for obese users with little activity, but also excellent suitable for rehabilitation after injury. Ellipsoid can be used for training by users of different ages.
6. Dimensions
Which simulator is better to choose based on sizeAn exercise bike is the best solution for a small apartment. It takes up little space. Often on sale come across folding models that are very convenient to store. Ellipsoids are much more massive than their opponents. Due to the large number of parts and mechanisms, they require a lot of space. There are also compact models, but according to user reviews, it is not very convenient to engage in them.
Proxima Veritas Pro
The largest number of training programs
7. Advantages and disadvantages
Pros and cons of an exercise bike and an ellipsoidWe have collected in a summary table the different characteristics of each of the simulators.
Type of | Advantages | Flaws |
exercise bike | + more compact size; + affordable cost; + more ability to vary the pace, interval training; + less concentration, can be combined with reading books, etc.; + eliminates cellulite; + simple load adjustment. | - a large load on the ankle and knee joints; - practically does not involve the muscles of the upper shoulder girdle; - monotonous workouts. |
Elliptical Trainer | + works out more muscles, allows you to tone the whole body; + suitable for rehabilitation and recovery after injuries; + reverse mode; + suitable for users of all ages; + more concentration on the process, varied workouts; + smooth running, effective training of the cardiovascular system.
| - higher cost; - big sizes; - difficulty in maintenance (requires regular lubrication of mechanisms). |
As can be seen from the table, each of them has a number of undeniable advantages, but is also not without drawbacks.
If you do not have obvious health restrictions and are ready to buy one or the other simulator, we recommend that you go to the gym and try to work on each of them. This will allow you to decide which one will be more convenient in a particular case.
Body Sculpture BE-1720
A simple and affordable model for the home
8. Popularity and reviews
Which simulator is better according to usersThe exercise bike is more popular due to its more compact size and affordable cost. This is also the reason for the good selection of such sports gadgets in stores. However, more conscious users choose the elliptical due to its ability to exercise almost the entire body.
As for reviews, we have evaluated user comments on Yandex.Market under the most popular models of exercise bikes and ellipsoids. We also visited such recommendation sites as Otzovik and IRecommend. In general, both simulators are almost on an equal footing.
Pro ellipsoids users write that these are excellent reliable simulators, note the study of all muscle groups, ease of use. Of the shortcomings, there are often complaints about large dimensions and the need to lubricate the mechanism every six months. Exercise bikes I like it for compactness, the ability to combine it with another type of activity (learning a language, reading, etc.), affordable cost, good efficiency. Complaints are different, most often it is a breakdown of plastic parts, such as pedals and seats, and many also note that they quit classes because of their uniformity and monotony.
9. Comparison results
Which exercise machine is more effective for weight lossType of simulator | Average score by criteria | Number of wins by criteria | Winner in nominations |
Ellipsoid | 4.67 | 4/8 | Efficiency; Muscles involved; Safety; Popularity and reviews |
exercise bike | 4.62 | 3/8 | Price; Convenience; Dimensions |
As can be seen from the comparison table, the gap between the opponents is very small. In general, both simulators are able to cover the needs and show high efficiency in losing weight. An uncompromising leader cannot be named in comparison.The final choice depends on the priorities and physiological characteristics of the user.
If you are looking for an inexpensive compact trainer that can be assembled and placed in a far corner if necessary, then a wide selection of exercise bikes in stores is for you. If the plans include a deeper study of all muscle groups or late rehabilitation is required when restoring motor activity, then an ellipsoid will be the best choice. Also, the latter is recommended for people with "sedentary" work or a large excess of weight.