Both treadmills and stationary bikes offer many health and fitness benefits. They are great at keeping you physically active without leaving home. But which one is better - a treadmill or a stationary bike?
A treadmill is a better choice if you want to boost your stamina and running technique while engaging muscles throughout your whole body. A bike is better if you value safety while working out. Cycling is a good option if you struggle with knee or ankle problems.
Factors | Treadmill | Stationary Bike |
Calories Burned | 600 to 800 calories per hour | 500 calories or more per hour |
Risk of injury | High | Low |
Muscles involved | Calves, glutes, and hamstrings | Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves |
Cost | Between $200 and $2,500 | Between $200 and $800 |
Stationary bikes and treadmills are the most popular cardiovascular exercise equipment today because they are convenient. Also, they provide a controlled indoor environment unaffected by outside weather conditions, allowing you to work out at any time of the day. Depending on your fitness goals, one of these machines may be better for you than the other.
This article will discuss some factors you need to consider when looking for the right exercise equipment for your requirements. Let's have a look at them.
Adjustability
Most stationary bikes have an adjustable seat to adjust according to your requirement and preferences. They also offer different resistance levels to work out at high, medium, or low intensities. And when you're on a treadmill, you can adjust the level of speed and incline.
Running or walking on an incline is a simple way to boost your exercise intensity, which can help you burn more fat. Walking or jogging on an incline burns more calories than running or walking on flat ground. Incline training offers a more effective way of achieving your fitness and health goals.
However, most basic treadmills often lack an incline function.
Calorie Burn
It's a simple equation: you need to use more calories than you consume to lose body fat and weight.
Both types of cardio exercise equipment are great for muscle strengthening and burning calories, but working out on a treadmill will burn more calories than riding an exercise bike.
Depending on your weight, you can burn from 600 to 800 calories per hour using a treadmill. One hour of cycling can help you burn 500 calories or more, depending on your weight and exercise intensity.
Risk of Injury
Working out on a treadmill is not without risks.
Jogging on a treadmill is regarded as a high-impact exercise. There are advantages to high-impact workouts, but a poor form can cause injury to your back and knees.
A treadmill can be risky if you do not follow safety precautions or misuse the equipment. Here are some safety tips to help decrease the risk of treadmill injury.
Don't hold on to handrails for an extended period because they can stress your elbows and shoulders.
Always look forward. Looking at your feet may cause you to lose your balance.
Don't step off while the treadmill is in motion.
Keep your body upright. Leaning forward on the treadmill could cause neck pain.
An exercise bike workout is a low-impact exercise that uses smooth movement to keep joints strong. Low impact makes a stationary cycle a great workout option for individuals with joint problems.
But riding a stationary bike is also not without risks because simple mistakes while using a bike can cause back, neck, and knee injuries.
Poor form while cycling can lead to muscle soreness. And if you don't balance yourself properly, you could fall off the cycle and injure yourself.
Here is how you can avoid exercise bike injuries:
Avoid low handlebars as they put more stress on your back, neck, and shoulders.
Leaning too far back can cause back issues after some time.
Ensure your bike seat is at the correct height for you. It should not be too far back, too low, or too high - all can cause knee injuries and lower back issues.
Muscles Involved
Exercising on a treadmill leans/tones up lower body muscles, such as the calves, glutes, and hamstrings.
Hamstrings are the three muscles located at the back of your thighs. They get worked up when you exercise on a treadmill, which strengthens them up. Calves are the muscles located on the back of your leg.
A treadmill is a good option if you're training for a long run. Aerobic exercises such as treadmill running can strengthen your muscles and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Riding an exercise bike can strengthen your lower body and legs without stressing your joints. The pedaling action can help build strength in your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Plus, you will be able to work your shoulders, triceps, and biceps if you use a stationary bike with handles.
A stationary cycle is a perfect choice to get in shape without putting too much stress on your knees and feet.
Cost
Treadmills usually cost more than stationary bikes and take up more space. They usually range from $200 to $2,500, while stationary bikes cost between $200 and $800.
The Sole Fitness F80 is an affordable treadmill with great features. This treadmill offers ten different workout programs to help users reach their fitness goals, whether strength building or improved cardio. Other key features include 15 levels of power incline and a 3.5 CHP motor.
The SF-B1714 Evolution Pro Indoor Cycling Bike from Sunny Health & Fitness will cost you around $500. It features a 44 lb heavy front flywheel, which gives the feel of riding an actual cycle.
Recap: Bike vs. Treadmill
Both treadmills and stationary bikes offer an excellent aerobic workout.
Choose a bike if you want to lose body fat, strengthen your muscles, and reduce weight while being easy on your joints.
Choose a treadmill if you're trying to get fit or are training for a race. A treadmill allows you to walk or jog from the comfort and security of your home.
If you're still unsure, choose a stationary bike because it's cheaper and takes up less space. Good luck choosing!