Recumbent bike vs elliptical

Libby · 03-10-17, 05:19 PM

Which is easier on the knees? The recumbent bike or elliptical? I know it's probably different for most people but I'm just curious about the overall opinion.

Blackadar · 03-10-17, 06:45 PM

Elliptical IMO.

Neither has any impact but I find there's less stress on the knee joint itself with the elliptical.

Vantreesta · 03-10-17, 06:52 PM

I have my bike on a trainer and find that my knees hurt less when I ride it regularly. I can't speak to knees and elliptical. Ellipticals hurt my hips.

ETA: oops, I missed that you said recumbent rather than upright. In that case my comment is not very helpful. Sorry!

Tugger31 · 03-10-17, 10:18 PM

I've never used the elliptical, but I do own a recumbent bike. I have knee issues and the recumbent has never bothered my knees. I feel it uses more hamstring/glute force rather than knee area forces to pedal.

yogapam · 03-10-17, 10:39 PM

It probably depends on what the knee issue is, but I would say recumbent bike because it's non-weight bearing.

bfit · 03-10-17, 10:56 PM

I asked a PT once about the difference between an upright exercise bike and a recumbent, and he said they both have the same effect on the knees, but the recumbent is good for people with back issues. So do you know how well you handle a regular bike? If that hurts your knees the recumbent probably would too.

red1013 · 03-11-17, 11:51 AM

I have both and I use the elliptical a lot more, mostly because I enjoy it more. Neither one bothers my knees.

Softshoe · 03-11-17, 12:42 PM

I have a recumbant. I have a knee problem myself. If I ride the recumbant bike regularly, the knee issue lessens. I have been riding an hour everyday for four months and my knee is so much better.

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03-10-17, 05:19 PM
Libby Join Date: Oct 2002	Recumbent bike vs elliptical Which is easier on the knees? The recumbent bike or elliptical? I know it's probably different for most people but I'm just curious about the overall opinion.

03-10-17, 06:45 PM
Blackadar Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: North Port, FL	Elliptical IMO. Neither has any impact but I find there's less stress on the knee joint itself with the elliptical. __________________ If there's a gym in Hell, they're doing Insanity.

03-10-17, 06:52 PM
Vantreesta Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Snowman Land :)	I have my bike on a trainer and find that my knees hurt less when I ride it regularly. I can't speak to knees and elliptical. Ellipticals hurt my hips. ETA: oops, I missed that you said recumbent rather than upright. In that case my comment is not very helpful. Sorry! __________________ "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch." "God, please help me to be the person my dog thinks I am." "You can't run from your problems. But you'll both feel a little lighter when you get back." ~New Balance shoe ad You don't have to be fast, just keep moving forward. Note to self: You don't get to complain about things you won't work to change! Word for 2024: Accomplished; Word for 2023: Grounded; Word for 2022: Consistency; Word for 2021: Mindfulness

03-10-17, 10:18 PM
Tugger31 Join Date: Feb 2002	I've never used the elliptical, but I do own a recumbent bike. I have knee issues and the recumbent has never bothered my knees. I feel it uses more hamstring/glute force rather than knee area forces to pedal.

03-10-17, 10:39 PM
yogapam VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West coast of Canada, eh. ;)	It probably depends on what the knee issue is, but I would say recumbent bike because it's non-weight bearing. __________________ **~Pam~** Certified Level 4 Essentrics Instructor - March 2021 Hatha YTT - 2011 Your body keeps an accurate journal regardless of what you write down..... "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." Jim Rohn "It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” - Tony Robbins Check out my Instagram account, @fitness.ficti0n.inspirati0n

03-10-17, 10:56 PM
bfit Join Date: Nov 2005	I asked a PT once about the difference between an upright exercise bike and a recumbent, and he said they both have the same effect on the knees, but the recumbent is good for people with back issues. So do you know how well you handle a regular bike? If that hurts your knees the recumbent probably would too.

03-11-17, 11:51 AM
red1013 Join Date: Sep 2005	I have both and I use the elliptical a lot more, mostly because I enjoy it more. Neither one bothers my knees. __________________ ~Lori

03-11-17, 12:42 PM
Softshoe VF Supporter Join Date: Mar 2003	I have a recumbant. I have a knee problem myself. If I ride the recumbant bike regularly, the knee issue lessens. I have been riding an hour everyday for four months and my knee is so much better.