Both elliptical cross trainers and exercise bikes are excellent choices for cardio workouts. They’re easy on the joints and adjustable to match your fitness level.

For overall fitness and calorie burn, the elliptical usually comes out ahead because it works more muscles, including your arms and core. However, if you have joint pain in your knees, hips, or ankles, an exercise bike might be a gentler option.

In this elliptical versus bike guide, we’ll compare these two machines to help you figure out which one fits your fitness goals best.

Table of Contents

Elliptical Cross Trainer vs Exercise Bike

When choosing between an elliptical cross trainer and an exercise bike, it helps to understand how they work your body differently.

Both are great fitness equipment, but the elliptical provides a full-body workout by engaging your arms, core, and legs. In contrast, the stationary bike targets your lower body, including your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.

Your workout goals can then guide your choice: go for the elliptical if you want a full-body burn, or pick the bike if you prefer a leg-focused session.

Here’s a quick look at each:

Elliptical MachineExercise Bike
Full-body workout with upper and lower muscle engagementFocuses mostly on the lower body muscles
Moves like walking, running, or stair climbing without joint strainComes in upright, recumbent, and indoor cycle styles
With adjustable resistance and stride lengthHas adjustable resistance levels and workout programs

Both machines help you get fit, but how you want to work out makes all the difference. Read the next sections for a more detailed comparison.

1. Workout Experience and Muscle Engagement

With workout experience and muscle engagement, ellipticals and stationary bikes offer unique benefits that can fit your needs.

Elliptical MachineExercise Bike
Full-Body Workout: works your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, core, and even your arms and shouldersLower-Body Workout: mainly targets your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves
Efficient Calorie Burn: burns more calories than a bike, as it involves your upper bodyComfortable Calorie Burn: sitting position is ideal if you want longer workouts or have balance concerns
Low Impact and Weight Bearing: helps your heart and bones stay strongJoint Friendly: good choice if you’re recovering from injury or need rehab
Exercise Variety: pedal forward or backward to work different musclesExercise Variety: pedal forward or backward, or use weights to work arms on a stationary bike

Both machines help you get fit. However, elliptical training offers a more comprehensive experience, while the cycling sessions encourage targeted workouts.

Elliptical vs Stationary Bike Comparison

2. Calorie Burn and Intensity

If your goal is to burn lots of calories, both the elliptical machine and the stationary bike are solid picks.

However, the elliptical usually takes the lead. Because you’re moving your arms and legs during elliptical training, you use more energy and burn more calories overall. Also, it allows you to burn more energy in less time.

 Elliptical MachineExercise Bike
Calories Burned in 30 Minutes270 to 378 calories at moderate intensity*210 to 294 calories at moderate intensity*
Burns Calories ByEngaging more muscle groupsFocusing on the lower body
How to Boost Calorie BurnPump the handles while pedallingFaster pedalling with more resistance
*Data based on Harvard Health Publishing.

Keep in mind that your total calorie burn depends on how hard you work, how long you exercise, and your fitness level. That means both machines can give you a great workout if you use them right!

3. Space, Cost, and Practical Considerations

Besides workout experience and calorie burn, an elliptical and a stationary bike differ in space, cost, and ease of use.

Ellipticals are exceptional for full-body workouts, but they usually cost more and often require a dedicated space. They also need a bit more balance and coordination, which can be tricky if you’re a beginner.

 Elliptical MachineExercise Bike
SpaceLarger footprint requiring more spaceMore compact and fits in tighter spaces
CostMore expensive than most bikesOften more affordable
Ease of UseRequires balance and coordination; may feel awkward or unfamiliarTougher on the legs, especially at higher resistance

If space and price are important to you, or if you’re new to working out, an exercise bike might be a better pick. However, if you’re looking for a full-body workout and have the space, the elliptical is a good choice.

Think about what matters most to you when making your decision.

Which Is Better for You: Elliptical or Exercise Bike?

Choosing between an elliptical cross trainer and an exercise bike really comes down to what you need and enjoy.

If you’re aiming for a full-body workout, want to burn more calories, and don’t have major joint issues, the elliptical is a strong pick. However, if you’re dealing with joint pain, prefer a more comfortable, low-impact option, or want to focus on lower body strength, the stationary bike might be a better choice.

Here’s a quick recap:

  • Elliptical: full-body workout, higher calorie burn, requires balance
  • Exercise Bike: lower-body workout, easier on joints, compact and budget-friendly

Ready to find the perfect machine? Check out our reviews of the best ellipticals and exercise bikes in Australia here:

A row of exercise equipment in the gym

1. Is an elliptical better than an exercise bike for weight loss?

Ellipticals and exercise bikes can help you lose weight. However, an elliptical trainer burns more calories because of its full-body engagement, making it a slightly more effective cardio workout machine. Read this article to learn how long your elliptical workouts should be to see results.

2. Is an elliptical better than an exercise bike for seniors?

Both ellipticals and exercise bikes provide a low-impact, full-body workout that suits senior users. However, exercise bikes, especially recumbent ones, offer a comfortable seated position that lessens lower back strain. Be sure to consider balance, mobility, and specific joint issues when choosing an elliptical or bike model.

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