When it comes to getting a good low-impact workout at home, both the recumbent stepper and the recumbent bike are praised for their results.
Many physical therapists and doctors also recommend them for pain-free workouts, which is especially crucial if you are injured or suffer from muscle, joint, or bone issues that can become inflamed by more impactful exercises.
However, they each work your body differently, thus providing you with varying benefits, which will ultimately determine the better machine to help you reach your goals.
So let’s look at a comparison breakdown of both to see what each has to offer to help you find the best recumbent equipment for you.
Recumbent Stepper or Recumbent Bike: Is One Better?
About Recumbent Steppers
A recumbent stepper, also known as a recumbent cross trainer, is a fitness machine that enables you to mimic the natural walking motion, similarly to an elliptical, while seated in a reclined position, which helps take pressure off the knees, hips, joints, back, and ankles.
It also includes a pair of handles, like an elliptical, that enable you to work your arms while stepping for a full-body workout that engages more muscles and burns more calories.
However, you can also work just your arms by removing them from the machine to target your upper muscles, and the same goes for your legs.
Many machines also include various programs, such as strength interval, mountain climb, fat burn, and more, to help challenge you and keep you inspired during your workout.
They also typically include high-tech features, such as a digital screen and heart monitor to track your fitness progress and more.
Some also include cup holders, device holders, and other additional features for added comfort and convenience while you work out.
Pros:
- It makes exercise enjoyable and beneficial via a seated design, which helps reduce impact and body weight pressure on the joints for those with injuries and more.
- The seat also includes a backrest to help relieve pressure on the lumbar area, which is also beneficial for individuals with back issues.
- Its walkthrough design also makes it easy to get on to off the machine, which is great for those with mobility or stability issues and more.
- The dual action of the machine enables users to gain strength and stamina while getting a full-body workout.
- The wide seat also accommodates obese users.
- The machine’s smooth motion makes it also suitable for beginners.
- Users can also adjust the handlebars, pedals, and seat to fit their measurements for less strain while exercising.
- Some models also include wheels for easy placement.
Cons:
- It may be more expansive than other recumbent machines due to its dual action
What to Look for in a Recumbent Stepper
Sturdy Construction
A recumbent stepper needs to be sturdy to withstand the push and pull of the pedals and handlebars as you perform your moves, especially when exercising at high speeds or on more challenging levels.
Otherwise, it could tip over while you’re on it, not to mention as you get off of it, which could cause physical injury.
So, in general, look for equipment made of heavy-duty steel to ensure it is durable enough to withstand even the most vigorous workouts and last for years to come.
Maximum Load Capacity
It is also important to check the weight capacity of the recumbent stepper to ensure it can safely bear your and other users’ load.
Some models can accommodate users up to 300 pounds or more; however, the more weight the machine can handle, the better the stability and strength, so keep this in mind.
360 Degree Rotating Hand Grips
The handlebars should also contain rotating grips to provide a better grip and reduce strain on the wrists.
They should also utilize smooth bearings to ensure an easy motion, thus also helping to reduce strain on the upper body muscles.
Oversized Pedals With Foot Straps
Some recumbent steppers are also designed with oversized pedals to fit different foot sizes, and they also often include foot straps to keep your feet securely in place while you exercise.
Some models also include heel cups to help further stabilize your feet during your workout for added safety.
Size
Recumbent exercisers have a wide build and reclined position that makes them slightly bulkier than traditional exercise machines, which means they take up more space, and recumbent steppers are no exception.
Therefore, be sure to also check the bike’s dimensions before buying it to ensure it can fit comfortably in your home.
Warranty
Most recumbent steppers also include a warranty to cover parts and labor against defects, so you want to be sure your chosen machine also comes with a guarantee.
In general, the more expensive the model, the longer the warranty usually is. However, the coverage for labor typically only lasts about a year or two.
Highly Recommended Recumbent Steppers
| XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 | Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer | Spirit Fitness CRS800S |
 |
 |
  |
| The XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 has a unique feature wit its articulating hand grips that we didn’t find with similar recumbent elliptical trainers. | The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is the perfect blend of high quality and affordability. This recumbent elliptical trainer is perfect for those looking to get the most valuable from their choice. | The Spirit Fitness CRS800S is a recumbent stepper made for those who put a premium on comfort when using home gym equipment. It features a Step-Thru design with padded armrests. |
 |
|
|
About Recumbent Bikes
A recumbent bike, like a recumbent stepper, also enables you to work out from a reclined position, which helps take pressure off your frame.
However, it resembles an upright stationary bike with the seat positioned closer to the ground.
It also has a wider seat than an upright bike, so it is more comfortable to sit on and balance, and the seat also has a backrest like a recumbent stepper to provide back support while you exercise.
It does not include handlebars to simultaneously work your arms with your legs like a recumbent stepper, though.
Instead, it is designed similarly to a typical road bike, which mainly only works the legs, glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Most bikes usually also include a pair of handles on the seat, which enables you to change your arm positioning for added comfort while you exercise.
It also works the legs in a more circular manner as opposed to the gliding motion provided by the recumbent stepper, but it is still proven safe for the joints.
They also enable you to adjust the resistance and include a display to track your calories, speed, and more.
Some also include other accessories, such as a cup holder, device holder, and more for added comfort while you work out.
Pros:
- It also allows you to exercise your thighs, calves, and glute muscles with less strain on the joints.
- Users can also get in a great cardio workout.
- Many models also make it easy to get on to and off of the bike for added safety.
- Users can also adjust the pedals and seat for added stability and comfort.
- It also provides a safe option for those with injuries, joint issues, and more.
- It is also suitable for beginners and obese individuals.
- Some models also include transport wheels to help make them easer to move.
Cons:
- Because a recumbent bike only works the lower body, it burns fewer calories, so you have to workout longer for best results.
- Its circular pedal motion may cause issues in those with arthritis.
What to Look for in a Recumbent Bike
Frame and Build
Like the recumbent stepper, a sturdy, well-built recumbent bike also helps ensure safety and stability as you ride as well as when you get on to and off the machine.
Therefore, when choosing a recumbent bike, you want to also be sure that it has a durable steel frame that can withstand even the most intense workouts for years to come.
You should also check the weight capacity to ensure it can bear the load of any users planning to use the machine.
Adjustable Height, Seat, and Pedals
The recumbent bike’s seat should also adjust to ensure your legs can comfortably reach the pedals for less stress and chance of injury on the knees and more while using it.
It is also important to ensure the foot cage adjusts to fit your feet, which provides added stability while pedaling.
Smooth Flywheel
The smoother the flywheel is on a recumbent bike, the quieter and easier the ride, which also helps protect the joints.
Hence, look for a bike that utilizes magnetic resistance on the flywheel to ensure the most comfortable function.
You should also be sure the flywheel itself is pretty weighty, which helps ensure a more true-to-life biking experience.
Size
A recumbent bike is also a bulky piece of equipment that requires a lot of space in your home, so be sure to check the measurements of the bike before purchasing it to ensure it will fit in your chosen space.
Warranty
Just like purchasing a recumbent stepper can be an expensive investment, so can buying a recumbent bike.
Therefore, you also want to be sure it comes with a warranty to protect against malfunctions in the frame and parts and the labor costs to replace them.
How to Choose Between a Recumbent Stepper and a Recumbent Bike
Overall, no matter whether you choose a recumbent stepper or a recumbent bike, they are designed to be low-impact on the joints during exercise while also providing good back support with a wide, comfortable seat with backrest.
Therefore, they are both good choices for those with injuries or issues with stability or strength, and more.
However, their main difference is their pedaling motion, which may cause you to choose one over the other.
For instance, a recumbent stepper uses a smooth linear motion that closely resembles the feel of natural walking, so some people find it gentler on the joints.
On the other hand, a recumbent bike utilizes a more circular pedaling motion, similar to a traditional bike, which requires a full range of motion, so it can place more stress on the knee joints.
Hence, individuals with arthritis or other knee issues may not find it comfortable to use, especially if it is not used properly.
If you are looking to get both an upper body and lower body workout all from one machine, you may also consider purchasing a recumbent stepper over a recumbent bike because it also includes moving handlebars to enable you to get a full-body workout.
In doing so, you also burn more calories, so it’s also perfect for those looking to shed some pounds in less time.
Lastly, the cost may also play a role in your choice because recumbent steppers typically have more dynamic ergonomics and features that make them more costly than recumbent bikes. However, it is possible to find more affordable models in both categories.
Highly Recommended Recumbent Bikes
| LifeSpan R7000i Commercial Recumbent Bike | XTERRA Fitness SB250 Recumbent Bike | LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike |
 |
 |
 |
| The LifeSpan R7000i Commercial Recumbent Bike simulates an outdoor training session and is completely powered by you – it doesn’t require plugging into a wall and can be used in any part of the home. | The XTERRA Fitness SB250 Recumbent Bike offers one of the more smooth, lower body workout experiences you’ll find on the market. | The LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike is a commercial level recumbent bike for those who are ready to invest in a cardio machine and go all in on their fitness goals. |
|
|
|
Final Thoughts
So, in the end, when it comes to recumbent stepper vs. recumbent bike, it all comes down to your goals or reason for using the machine. In which case, you would choose the best one for you based on its function.
However, it is also important to consider the machine’s additional features, including its weight and height capacity as well as its adjustability when it comes to the pedals, seat, and more to help ensure a safe and comfortable ride while using it.
If you are currently under the care of a doctor or physical therapist, you could also ask them to recommend the best recumbent exerciser for you.
In the meantime, as with any exercise, if you are considering using a recumbent stepper or recumbent bike to help you lose weight, be sure to stay properly hydrated and fuel yourself with the proper nutrition for optimum results.
