Cross Trainer or Exercise Bike: Which is Better?
30th Nov 20
Cross trainer or exercise bike? A question which can stop someone in their tracks and wonder which is better. Both are great pieces of kit, but it often depends on what kind of workout you are looking for, and it isn’t always clear what each machine provides. To help you decide which is better for you, we are going to look at what is good about each.
Want to move fast? Jump to the right section below.
Cross Trainers
Cross trainers are fantastic pieces of equipment; they provide a low-impact cardio workout. This allows you to target a wide range of muscle groups at the same time. A cross-trainer also helps the body burn fat and tone up quickly, especially if you focus on interval workouts. The more intense the workout, the better and quicker the results.
Cross trainers are also great for the joints. This is because cross trainers do not apply high amounts of pressure to the joints compared to running or walking, as your feet aren’t impacting the ground. On a cross-trainer, your feet and hands stay in one place, allowing you better control over the movements of your arms and legs, all of which mimic the action of walking and running.
Features on cross trainers can vary depending on model and manufacturer. Overall most cross trainers on the market are very similar, with the only difference being that the bars on an elliptical cross trainer are static, while the bars which do move according to your leg movement are called cross-trainers.
Exercise Bikes
Exercise bikes give you control over whether you do a low-cardio workout, a high-intensity workout or a combination of the two. All it takes is a flick of the switch, and you can change the intensity depending on your personal goals, whether you are a beginner or a regular cyclist. And depending on the workout you choose, you can burn calories at a high rate whilst also building muscle.
There is a vast range of exercise bikes available, and they all have different features to help you achieve your goal. Recumbent bikes are perfect for anyone who is having trouble with their back or knees, as it takes the pressure off the joints whilst still providing a solid workout. Alternatively, you can opt for an upright bike and get your workout journey started. If you’re struggling for space, you can grab yourself a folding bike to tuck away once you have finished.
The Conclusion
When looking at cross-trainers and exercise bikes, deciding which is best for you can be challenging. They both have a number of advantages and no matter how visually overwhelming they look, they are super easy to use and provide you with the means to manage weight loss or tone muscle.
Keeping this in mind, it all boils down to personal preference and the goals which you have set. If you want to target the muscle groups in the whole body, then a cross trainer is perfect. If you’re going to focus on the bottom half of your body, then either a cross trainer or exercise bike will be able to help you reach your goal.
For more information, watch our Exercise Bike vs Cross Trainer video from the lovely Curly Chlo Fitness:
Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, consult your physician, doctor or other professional. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. Exercise.co.uk assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage sustained using our advice.
If you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or any other abnormal symptoms, stop the workout at once and consult a physician or doctor immediately.
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