What Is Better Peloton Or Elliptical For Weight Loss?

Written by David Curran in Peloton

If you want to lose weight, you might be debating between purchasing a Peloton or an elliptical for your home exercise equipment. They might be roughly priced, but they are very different when it comes to functionality and possible energy expenditure. 

So, what will provide you with the highest opportunity to lose weight the fastest? And most importantly, can one of them make exercising enjoyable, whereby it’s an activity you look forward to instead of dreading?

In general, a Peloton is better for losing weight and fat because it can help you target more muscles than an elliptical. On average, you will burn 660 calories on a Peloton in 45 minutes but only 380 calories on an elliptical for the same time and effort period.  

Peloton comes with thousands of videos and workout options so that you can keep yourself motivated, lose weight and return each day. (Here’s why Pelotons are good for weight loss). One of the most challenging things in a weight loss journey is being inspired and encouraged to exercise regularly, which sets Peloton apart from any other home workout program. 

Ellipticals are fantastic for individuals looking for a low impact exercise option, particularly if they have severe knee and joint problems, are heavily overweight or returning from a major injury. An elliptical takes a lot of your body weight, making it easier to move and exercise in these situations.

However, a Peloton spin bike is better than an elliptical for weight loss because you are using more of your muscles to power the bike. Find out exactly what muscles here. The more you increase the resistance and cadence (speed), the more calories you burn, which is nearly 50% more than on an elliptical.

How Much Weight Do You Lose on a Peloton vs Elliptical?

On average, a 30-minute Peloton workout will burn approximately 452 calories, and an elliptical will burn 258 calories for the same workout. Suggesting a Peloton is 40% better at burning calories and losing weight than an elliptical.

Pelotons can burn anywhere from 250 to 1000 calories in one 60 minute session. How much you can burn depends on your effort. If you use the Peloton bike at 30 to 50 watts, which is a light effort, you will only burn 250 calories. If you kick the Peloton bike up to its highest setting, you can burn up to 1000 calories.

In comparison, the range of potential calories burned for an elliptical is not as wide as it is with the Peloton. You can burn anywhere from 330 calories to 400 calories on an elliptical. You can burn 330 calories at a light effort, or up to 400 calories with a vigorous effort.

For example, a person weighing between 190-200 pounds and rides a Peloton for 60 minutes at a moderate intensity will burn around 600 calories. The same individual hops on the elliptical for 60 minutes at the exact same intensity. They will only burn 430 calories. So you will burn 170 more calories for the exact same effort on a Peloton than elliptical. 

*Important Note:

The key to losing weight is a calorie deficit. A calorie deficit means that you are burning more calories than you consume during the day. If you want to lose weight, you have to create a calorie deficit as a result. The best way to create this calorie deficit is to eat healthier and to work out. Both the Peloton and elliptical can help you exercise and burn calories, but they won’t burn equal amounts of calories.

What Burns More Fat Elliptical or Peloton?

To lose 1 pound of body fat, you must burn 3500 calories. A Peloton burns approximately 600 calories for a 60-minute workout, meaning you would need 6 Peloton sessions to burn fat. However, an elliptical burns 430 calories per hour, indicating you need 8 sessions to burn fat.

Therefore, if you want to lose 10 pounds of body fat, you need approximately 60 one hour Peloton workouts to achieve the goal. But if you select an elliptical, it’s 80 workouts for the same weight loss goal.

Fat is only burned whenever there is a calorie deficit. Based on the numbers above, Peloton is actually better for burning more fat. Since you can burn more calories with a Peloton, you can create a larger calorie deficit, resulting in more fat loss. Something else to consider when thinking about fat burning on an elliptical or a Peloton is the different workouts. 

Peloton offers a lot of different workout styles so that you can target many muscle groups. The more muscle groups you target, the more fat you can burn overall. In comparison, there are very few options on an elliptical. Though you can change resistance and difficulty, you can’t target completely different muscle groups or try a new workout. 

Of course, you also have to pay attention to your diet while working out. If you continue eating more than you are burning, you will not burn any fat, no matter how long you spend on the Peloton. So, it’s essential to eat right in addition to working out. Find out how long it takes to lose weight on a Peloton.

What Is Better Peloton or Ellipticals for Losing Belly Fat?

Everyone knows that belly fat is one of the most difficult parts of the body to tone and get rid of. One reason for this is that you can’t actually target specific parts of the body for fat loss. In other words, doing crunches isn’t going to get rid of your belly fat. Instead, you need to create a calorie deficit that will lean your entire body, not just your belly. But find out how spinning works your core and abs.

The key to removing belly fat is to have a calorie deficit. The Peloton is better for losing belly fat. The Peloton won’t directly target the belly fat, but it will help you to burn the maximum number of calories so that your body will naturally slim down, including around the belly.

Additionally, Peloton offers Pilates, yoga, and other workout options. These workout options can help strengthen your core. When you pair core strengthening with cardio and weight loss, it can make the belly look slimmer and more toned than it would if you only worked out on an elliptical.

If you want to lose your belly fat, the Peloton is the best way to do it. Not only will it help you burn calories and fat, but it has tools to help you tone your core so that you can ultimately reach all of your fitness goals, not just your weight goals. Here’s a complete article on reducing belly fat, does Peloton burn belly fat.

Other Peloton Articles You Might Find Helpful

Final Thoughts  

If you are deciding between a Peloton or an elliptical for weight loss, I recommend the Peloton. The Peloton can help you burn more calories at the higher settings so that you can create a larger calorie deficit. Through this calorie deficit, you can lose weight. At the same time, the various workout routines can help you strengthen your muscles to create an even leaner appearance.

That is not to say that ellipticals are bad. Ellipticals are advantageous because they are more affordable and result in fewer injuries. An elliptical is an excellent option if you are on a budget, but you will need to be more dedicated to your calorie counting when you eat.

No matter which workout machine you select, the secret to reaching your goal weight is consistency and a healthy diet. If you are not consistent or eat worse than before, neither a Peloton nor an elliptical will help you. So, select a Peloton, but don’t forget about your diet and routine either.

Recent Posts