Heelp! EFX Elliptical VRS Bike/Cycling!?

[MissMicronomic]

Heeelp, I need people's opinion who know about exercise when it comes to a standard bike or efx/elliptical. I wanted to buy an indoor/at home bike, and start cycling, one where i can sit up then sit down, like HIT training / superpower cycling class on my own to get rid of my bubble butt, and inner thighs, and maybe improve my tummy. Ive heard a bike is great, but then i also heard getting an EFX/Elliptical machine is better. So im now debating on to which would benefit me more!?/ Im 5'2 125lbs.. id like to lose 10 lbs but my concern is just toning and/or getting rid of some of the extra jiggle i have in my rear (im 27 and feel i already need a lift in my butt!), inner thighs, and maybe my stomach (which i can do at home crunches/situps) Can anyone give me any insight on to which would be better.. Efx/Elliptical or getting a Bike and cycling at home? And also, i dont want a piece of junk equipment but then again i dont have tons of money, so if anyone knows of reliable brands?? im hoping to get lucky & find something decent for 200-250 max?

Thank you!!!

 

[OneBreath]

Welcome to EF! Congrats on getting a head start on this. I bet a lot of women in their mid 30s wish they started when they were only 125 lbs.

It sounds like you don't want to just loose weight. You mentioned toned. You've probably seen skinny girls in a bikini that still have that cottage cheese on their thighs. Some call this skinny fat. No matter how skinny you get, if you don't have muscle tone underneath that skin, it's going to be jiggly and saggy.

If this is what you want, then stength training would be a better option than purchasing a piece of cardio equipment. Big movements like squats burn fat and keep those thighs and glutes tight.

Overall you want to develop a regiment of better nutrition, strength training, and cardio. Unless you have some phenominal genetics, achieving the results you want with just cardio equipment is unlikely.

 

[ironwings]

Welcome to EF! I hear what you are saying and OneBreath gave some great advice. For what you are wanting to do you'll need to incorporate a great lifting routine into the mix. It sounds like you could probably use tweaking in your diet (don't we all?!). Those inner thighs and butt will respond nicely to weights and a solid diet! Promise! Matter of fact, even though some swear you can't, you can eliminate or at least greatly reduce any cellulite with a great intense leg routine. And most of all your butt will sit up nice and firm. I'm sure we could get you started on something, even if you don't belong to a gym.

Anywho, if you must have something at home (I personally like the atmosphere and collective energy at a gym) either a bike or elliptical will be just as good. It really comes down to which one you enjoy most. People that do not cycle outdoors have a hard time getting used to the seat on a spin bike like you refer to. They make your rear terribly soar unless you are used to the seat. I also find that at home you just don't go as intense on a bike as you would in a spin class. Elliptical is better on your joints but at your age you probably don't have to worry about that. On an elliptical you can set it to different programs and really challenge yourself by watching your pace. Either way the best investment you could make is on a heart rate monitor - either a strap with a watch or just the watch. You'll want to keep your heart rate at 60 - 70% of your max.

There is much debate on high intensity exercise such a spinning (see the new thread on the matter) but I will share my experience. I cycle outdoors when I can and for about two years straight I took spin 2x a week for an hour (sometimes 2) each time in a room with no air conditioning and going all out. I had the best butt EVER. Better than when I was 18. Tight, tucked, and nice and small. The key was the resistance (keeping the pads touching the front wheels at all times) and alternating between standing straight up and leaning forward to cycle.

About brands - there are some very good ones out there but anything that carries a professional name is going to be in the upwards of $2000. A Spin bike would be much less. I would try and find a used sporting goods place and go test some out. For an elliptical you want to have smooth motion all the way through - you also shouldn't hear any rubbing or clicking noises. The less expensive ones will make noises and feel a bit rough when using. You'll also want one with several different routines preprogrammed. For a spin bike you really want the same - a smooth ride with no noises. Check the resistance gear and ensure it turns easily with no clicking and that the pads that resist againsts the front wheel look nice and thick - not worn. At the highest resistance you should be able to stand on the bike and barely move the petals. The petals should have straps on them to hold your feet into place or clips that you would wear cycling shoes for. I personally don't recommend a recumbant or regular stationary bike to anyone unless they are severly overweight. You just can't pedal fast enough on them. They are made more for resistance training.

Let us know what you find!

 

[MissMicronomic]

Thank you guys so much for your prompt responses.. I researched an elliptical.. I found this one at a decent price, and i read the reviews(all i can find) and they are pretty good.

let me know what you guys think?
Body Flex BRM 3670 Dual Trainer - Both an Elliptical & Bike
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3233496

 

[slat1]

Everyone above is right on the money about lifting.
Remember that how you eat drives all your results too.
If you do not have a log here I would recomend starting one. The ladies here have a wealth of knowledge and can help you with a meal plan for your goals. Tracking everything daily will give you more accountability too. You will find the other members are a great support system on top of that.
Best of luck!