which one gets your heart rate higher?

J

jdoll

Cathlete
I am trying to decide whether to buy a stationary bike or stairclimber.......The stupid guy at the store wouldn't let me "use" the equipment long enough to see which works better! Fool! (yes, i know you will all be stunned to know that i brought my heart rate monitor and wanted to do each machine at max capacity for 5 mins to see.......apparently, the "Test drive" theory isn't applicable to all purchases due to liability reasons. SO! for those of you who have done both or own both, which is the bigger calorie burner?


jes:7
 
I would find somewhere else to spend my money. With what they cost, they can surely let you try it out for five minutes to make an educated purchase.

Is there a gym you could go to that would let you just compare? My guess though, is the stairclimber burns more.
 
I'd bet the stair climber for sure for raising your heart rate.

If you wanted to try it out, you could always get a one-day pass at a gym (around here in NoCA, $5-10 for the day) and see which one works for you. If you have a particular model in mind, call the manufacturer and see where the nearest model is, and ask them what they recommend for trying it out before making a purchase.

Have fun! I'd buy a treadmill if I had the space and money, but my husband wants a hot tub first... and since we're renters in a duplex with no yard, I guess we'll both have to wait! ;)

Amy G
 
Stair climbers get my heart rate up faster and higher than stationary bikes, but I prefer bikes. Stair climbers don't do my asthma any favors.

Here's the other thing to consider: I think stair climbers would give your calves a better workout, while the stationary bike would work your quadriceps, hamstrings, and inner thighs more (if you do it like you're supposed to - by holding your knees in toward the bike and by using the footstraps to "pull" the pedals rather than "push" them. I used to ride a trail when I lived in Florida, and my legs got a great workout when I used the "pull" technique and held my legs in toward the bike like cyclists are supposed to do.
 
If you have the money to spend, i'd definately go with a spin bike. You'll never outgrow it. Your heart rate will depend how how much YOU put into the workout, and if you're anything like me, you need motivation (video workout). There are so many great spinning videos that will kick your booty seriously.

My close second choice would be a treadmill, cause you can run sprints etc.. on it.

Don't think that answered your question so i'll shut up now;-)
 
I think for maximum cardio burning, you might want to consider something that uses both your arms and your legs. Plus, stairclimbing is a weight-bearing exercise, which is better for you as you get older. Cycling is not. But then again, if you're lifting weights too...who cares? Do whichever one you enjoy more. I'd rather just get a good bike and ride outside. A stationary bike or a stair climber just bores the heck out of me. Zzzzzzzzz.....

Funny email about the frog, btw. I passed it along to a few of my girlfriends.
 
Jes,

Hey girl!!

Have you ever considered an Ellipticall machine??? I have an Ellipticall and a spin bike and the Ellipticall gets my HR up higher than my spin bike...I love mine..I bought mine at K's Merchadise for like $300.00...mine has a shorter base so that it fits in a smaller space..plus it is easy to move whenever I need to move it..Here is a link to what I have..

http://www.fitnessquest.com/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=fq/itemdetl.html?item=ET1100HRA

:)
 
Jes,

You know i'm going to tell you to buy a bike;-) . I burn a ton of calories on the bike. You pop in a Spinervals workout and see how fast that hr gets up there. Of course I don't own an eliptical or stairclimber, but have been on them and prefer the bike.

Aila
 
yes aila, i knew what you would say! the thing is, i have done spinning classes before, and i went to the link and saw the bike you got...i think that sitting like that would kill my back, so i tried the recumbant bike the other day, and i felt like i was on the couch or something!:p i can see how yours would be a great workout, but i have doubts about the recumbant. i had an elliptical and i just can't dig those. i think i will go the gym out here and try each one. thanks for all the input ladies!


jes:7
 
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