Fitness, Which is better? (Update with back problems)

Based solely on the pictures, the big difference I see is that the top one would give you an upper body workout as well possibly if the arms move, but the bottom one doesn't appear to move.  My suggestion, and rule of thumb when buying anything is to search for that specific item on any website I can find it and read reviews.  There will always be some good and some bad, but it gives you a feel for what people think as well as things you may not have considered.

The top one is better.

My trainer hates the bikes you sit down on because you're not getting a good workout- even though you feel like it. You're only working your leg muscles about 60% (she said), you're not even working your butt muscles. The ones you sit up on you're working your core sitting up, arms, butt, and legs- a 100% workout (= more calories burned and more toning).

Just be aware that with fitness equipment, you get what you pay for.  The main issue with these types of trainers on the cheap is that they don't provide the same full range of motion or encourage incorrect posture/motion.  I've seen so many ellipticals that are really cheap (and some have sit-down/bike style options very similar to the first thing posted) but the stride length is so short that you aren't really working out to your full potential.

Other than that, what you work or don't work depends on your goals.  Generally when I'm working out consistently my goal is weight loss or maintaining weight loss.  I don't care what gets toned or not.  Losing weight is burning calories; you cannot spot reduce so basically I do whatever cardio work out burns the most calories without bothering my trouble spots (I use an elliptical b/c there's no impact and I have joint issues in my foot).  So if you had a back problem or poor posture and don't care about working certain muscles, then the second bike might be better.

Liesje

Just be aware that with fitness equipment, you get what you pay for.

So true. Quality exercise equipment is expensive, but, you can find a decent piece of equipment on the cheap on ebay or craigslist, just make sure you do your homework.

We bought a treadmill over the summer from a gym that was relocating and updating their equipment. It's nice and functional, but it's used and an older model with no warranty. But my Mom, who primarily uses it (it's at their house right now), loves it.

I totally agree about finding reviews before buying. You'd be surprised at what you can learn.

I've used both types of bikes shown and I find it really hard to pedal against resistance on the recumbant bike. I do find it really comfortable for a long workout though. When I was taking classes, I could study while on the bike. Granted, it probably wasn't the most rigorous workout but it was better than nothing. I think you'll be able to get your money's worth and more out of it.

 I have the sit down bike. I'm not concerned about a great workout because fortunately I am blessed with a ridiculously fast metabolism. As long as I get some kind of workout I'm happy. Really, all I'm even concerned about are my legs.

I do have back problems had an mri done last month I have bulging discs and also in my report says apart from schmorls node formation and endplate irregularities consistent with chronic degenertive change, also says anterior osteophytosis is noted also there is alot of mild chronic degenerative change in the report. Says impression Spondylosis apprears greatest on the left at L4-L5.

When I went to my doctor so he can read me the report he say's to me how old are you again? I tell him 31 almost 32 he has I'm reading this and if I didn't know it was for you I would think I was looking at a report for an old man's back.

I then told him well I guess my back matches my knee's and eyes because knee doctor told me I have knee's of an 68 yr old lady and the eye doctor told me I have eyes of an 65 yr old lady. I then told the doctor so basically I'm about 70yrs old inside he said from the looks of things I would say so as well.

If the recumbent bike wasn't on clearance for $42 I wouldn't of gotten it. I also figured that this one would be a little easier on my knee's. Never thought about my back but I guess with all the problems with my back I should be thinking of it.

Thanks again for the advise. 

ETA: Once you had a strong base of knowledge and good form, you would be able to do it on your own, but start with a trainer.

The best form of fitness for you in that condition I'd say would be swim and aqua classes.  I also have same back problems and spinal stenosis, I swim 4 days a week and do three aqua classes.

I agree with Candace.  If you have known health problems, definitely get advice from a personal trainer or sports therapist or whoever is qualified (I'm not really sure).  I'd be skeptical of the really cheap machines.  At the very least you'll want someone qualified to make sure the positioning, posture, and range of motion is correct for what you want to achieve without causing more damage.

Depending on your insurance and/or HSA, could you get a few sessions of physical therapy and see what they suggest for working out at home?

This is a very important topic for me. Fitness, sports, training - all this strengthens the body and keeps the body in good shape. Moreover, it is about health.

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