Sports Bike VS Cross Trainer: Which is the Better Investment? Ever since the global lockdown in 2020, fitness enthusiasts like everyone else have faced the challenge of staying fit. While some adopted new habits of staying fit, others felt lost with no access to gyms and their favorite trainers. However, the greatest characteristic of humanity is an adaptation to the relentlessly changing world.
Staying fit in the face of COVID19 has become a necessity rather than just a productive way of passing time in the lockdown. This brings us to our next question: is it a good idea to bring the gym home? The answer is simple, yes! Those who have an active routine must continue exercising even if that means investing in gym equipment.
What are the Benefits of Exercising at Home during the Pandemic?
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The biggest benefit of exercising at home is that it is safe. Gyms closed down immediately due to their tendency of spreading the virus quickly and affecting a large population. Moreover, a global lockdown meant new routines that included working from home in addition to new family routines.
Squeezing in time for exercise that fits the “new normal” was an essential step to staying healthy. This was and is only possible if fitness routines were done at home. Additionally, this meant doing something together as a family.
Which Essential Workout Equipment Do I Need for Home Exercise?
If you are looking for something that makes up for your cardio exercises at home, a cross-trainer or a sports bike comes to mind. Both are big investments and therefore, need consideration. Keeping in mind that both pieces are big indoor gym equipment, there can only be a place for one.
While sports bikes are a popular choice because they help with medium-impact cardio exercises without adding pressure on joints. A cross trainer has many benefits that are often unfairly flouted. Let us break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Is Cross Trainer Good for Cardio?
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Cross trainers or elliptical trainers offer low-impact cardio which is great for those individuals with joint problems. This is a great option since it allows you to set variable resistance levels keeping you in control at all times. The controlled motion helps to tone up both the upper and lower body muscles and there is no risk of saddle friction.
However, the motion of a cross-trainer feels unnatural and needs some getting used to. When it comes to burning calories, pushing harder on a sports bike can do that better than exercising on a cross-trainer. On the other hand, it is better for toning shoulders, back and upper arms muscles.
Check out the True Fitness ES700 Elliptical if you feel this is the right choice for you.
Does a Sports Cycling Bike Help Lose Weight?
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A sports bike can help you get medium to high-impact cardio exercise. While this is a prevalent choice among many, it has other benefits. Cycling is a familiar movement that helps in strengthening and toning the muscles of the lower body. The movement also helps in burning a higher number of calories.
As opposed to cycling outside, a gym sports bike comes with features that allow users to increase resistance. Additionally, some models also measure the quality of your exercise. Although a sports bike will not tone the muscles on the upper body, it will improve the overall physique while burning fats.
Take a look at this Hoist LEMOND Sports Cycling Bike which can be adjusted for your family members. The resistance levels, saddle, and handle height are adjustable for people of different heights.
So which one is a better investment?
The answer depends on your workout objectives. If you are looking to tone your upper and lower body muscles then a cross trainer is a better option. However, if you wish to burn fats, stay active during the lockdown and burn fats, a sports bike is perfect.