As the name implies, Used stationary bikes look and function like regular bikes except that it stays put in one place and it has controls to vary the workouts. It has many advantages that make it as popular as ever despite the presence of other exercise machines. These bikes are low-impact exercise machines, which mean that there is little to no armful impact on the feet, ankles and knees. As such, people with joint problems prefer it to the treadmill.
You will also enjoy fat burning and muscle building benefits on a bike. Just make sure to vary the resistance, incline and speed while riding it so as to get the best of both worlds. Plus, Used stationary bikes definitely is a good exercise in lieu of biking outdoors during inclement weather. It also helps that the stationary bike takes up lesser space and requires lesser money to purchase than the elliptical machines.
However, it has its disadvantages. For one thing, Used stationary bikes are incomplete in that it does not offer bone-strengthening benefits and it only engages the lower body. This can be a liability for many athletes wanting to develop both upper and lower body on one exercise machine. For another thing, you may just end up with higher risks for impotence from extended use of the stationary bike, not to mention sore butt.
Elliptical Trainers
Like the Used stationary bikes, the elliptical trainer provides for low-impact exercises, thus, making it the preferred choice amongst people with joint problems and/or knee injuries. Also, since stress is not placed on the lower back by the strain of walking and running, it is also preferred by individuals with lower back problems.
For many athletes, the elliptical trainer is the preferred means for cardiovascular training because of its property to provide an all-in-one workout for the upper and lower body. During elliptical trainer workouts, your upper body is required to contribute 30 percent of the effort while the lower body logs in at 70 percent. This is with the assumptions that proper posture is adopted throughout the whole exercise and that speed, duration and intensity are varied.
Furthermore, since the elliptical trainer is also a weight-bearing machine, unlike the stationary bike, you can develop denser and stronger bone from regular use. Thus, you are better protected from bone diseases like osteoporosis.
Probably the most important benefit with an elliptical trainer is that it allows you to burn fat with lesser effort. This is called perceived effort, which the stationary bike does not offer its users.
Conclusion
All other things being equal, you are better of with an elliptical trainer than with a stationary bike. The benefits of the former outweigh the latter so much so that the fact that the elliptical machine costs more and takes up greater space quickly becomes irrelevant.
Labels: Used stationary bikes