True Fitness knows you’re faced with many different options to try and meet your fitness goals, and sometimes it can be confusing. That’s why we’ve put together this easy-to-use reference guide that will help you choose the training method that’s right for you.
We’ve compiled an extensive comparison of elliptical trainer vs treadmill vs bike training options to show the physiological benefits of each. The information below presents an effective way to decide which is best for your individual needs, and help you get started on the path to fitness.

Treadmills - Maximum opportunity to increase cardiovascular, weight loss and bone density.

- Burn more calories than bike or elliptical
- Build maximum lower extremity bone density
- Customize workout with Decline / Incline features
- Minimal impact with SOFT deck technology

This popular form of weight-bearing exercise offers you the best opportunity to build bone density in the lower extremities and greatly improve overall muscle tone. Unsurpassed for a cardiovascular and fat-burning workout, the treadmill can help you to burn 50 to 250 more calories an hour versus a stationary bike or an elliptical machine.
While running and walking generally create more impact on your bones and joints than exercise bikes or elliptical machines, most high-end treadmills are constructed with surfaces that help to absorb impact and pounding. This provides a big advantage over outdoor workouts on asphalt or concrete.
Most treadmills also include electronic features and settings that allow you to customize your workouts to meet your specific fitness needs. Almost all models include speed and incline settings and can be programmed for individual calorie-burning, speed and mileage goals.
Besides offering all the benefits of an outdoor walk or run (without the hassles of obstacles or the environment) in the comfort of your own home, the treadmill has proven to be the clear training choice for achieving maximum fitness results in the shortest amount of time.

Elliptical Trainers - The benefits of weight-bearing exercise without the impact.

- Low impact workout that's easy on body and joints
- Arm handles allow for a full body workout
- Lower perceived rate of exertion
- Burn less calories per hour than a treadmill

Part treadmill, part stairmaster, and mimicking the pedal movement of an exercise bike, the elliptical trainer offers a unique combination of fitness benefits, without the impact on knees, back, hips or joints. This weight-bearing exercise allows you to burn calories more efficiently than non-weight-bearing workouts, plus effectively builds bone density.
More than just a lower-body exercise, arm handles combine with leg motion to provide a total body workout. In addition, the elliptical helps to create a lower "perceived rate of exertion" - you do more work and burn more calories while feeling like you're producing less effort.
This cross-training-style machine can also typically be programmed through electronic settings to meet your specific goals of calorie burning, speed and distance. One other unique advantage is that the elliptical can also be "pedaled" backwards in addition to forward, to effectively work a full range of leg muscles.
The elliptical has proven popular with those who are looking to receive the benefits of a full-body, weight-bearing workout, without the stress and pounding.

Exercise Bikes - Low impact. High performance.

- Low-No impact workout easiest on body and joints
- Available in upright and recumbent, for virtually every performance level
- Most economically priced piece of equipment
- Lowest calorie burn / hour compared with a treadmill and elliptical

Although they have been in existence for years, exercise bikes have returned to the forefront of the workout scene. This is due in large part to advances in technology, improved designs and the immensely popular "spinning" programs that allow participants to simulate outdoor cycling in the comfort of their own homes or a group classroom setting.
Unlike other forms of "weight-bearing" exercise (such as running or walking), exercise bikes offer participants an opportunity to increase their heart rates without substantial stress on knees, ankles, feet or hips. In addition, built-in resistance features allow you to tailor your workout to your specific goals, by simulating hills, flat ground and rolling terrain. Many models even offer electronic features, which allow you to program the bike for a specific goal or workout. This is very helpful for achieving effective, measurable results.
Generally available in recumbent or upright designs, stationary bikes are designed for practically every level of performance and body design, whether you're an experienced cyclist dedicated to improving your peddle stroke or a weekend warrior simply looking to break a sweat.
Offering all the benefits of cycling, without the obstacles of traffic, bad weather, or even dogs(!), spinning cycles tend to be the most economically priced of all cardio machines. This makes them a smart, cost-efficient choice for people looking to begin an exercise program or to use the exercise bike as part of a cross-training workout regimen. 

Reprinted with permission from truefitness.com