Exercise Bike vs Treadmill. Which is Right for you?

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When you buy a big piece of equipment, the last thing you want to do is regret your decision later on. You want to get the best workout you can get from your home. The two most popular pieces of cardio exercise equipment are the treadmill and the exercise bike.

We’ve taken the liberty of pairing the Exercise Bike vs Treadmill- so that you can determine which is best for you.

Exercise Bikes

Benefits

Nothing beats saddling down and cycling your heart out. The cool part is: because you are indoors, you can enjoy the comfort of the AC and a Netflix show. Here is a short list of the key benefits to an exercise bike:

 

• Safety

Cycling is an enjoyable sport, but road cycling has its risks. Busy roads and lack of daylight can compromise your positive experience.

Cycling indoors, however, on an exercise bike is entirely safe, removing all the risks of road cycling, putting you in an entirely safe environment so you can concentrate purely on your fitness.

 

• Non-Impact Conditioning

Exercise bikes provide low and no impact workouts. You are in just the right position to put little to no pressure on your spine. A properly positioned exercise bike supports your weight so that your knees and ankles are not stressed.

In case you have a back issue, a recumbent exercise bike will make it more than possible to get your cardio workout.

 

• Effective Cardio Training

Cycling is a great cardiovascular workout. It doesn’t put excess strain on your joints, but it does allow you to build stamina and muscle strength.

You can train and strengthen your heart and respiratory system without overloading it with excessive activity.

 

• Easy and Convenient

Cycling is easy and convenient. All levels of “exercisers” can do it. You can multitask when cycling on an exercise bike. You can read watch TV, and so on. It is much harder to maintain focus on reading or watching a show while running on a treadmill.

 

Disadvantages

Exercise bikes are not without flaws. There are a few downsides to these popular products that deter some fitness enthusiasts from working out on these.

 

• Longer Workout Intervals

The lower impact and recumbent features make it, so you have to go for more extended periods of time to burn the same number of calories. It is not that big of an issue for most people, but it does require you to block out more extended periods of time for exercise.

 

• Awkward Storage

One of the downsides of having an exercise bike is where to put it and where to store it. Treadmills typically can be stored in a corner or folded up. However, there are foldable exercise bikes that can reduce this problem. Click Here to check out foldable exercise bikes that can help with this.

 

Treadmills

Benefits

The treadmill is one of the most popular types of home exercise equipment. It provides a straightforward, efficient aerobic workout. Like the exercise bike, it takes care of your cardio-fitness when you can’t hit the gym.

 

• Improves Heart Health

The treadmill is an excellent cardiovascular exercise machine. It improves heart health and improves your blood pressure levels.

Aerobic exercise can also help reduce your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol. With heart disease being the leading cause of health-related deaths, treadmill workouts can’t be a bad option.

 

• Ease of Use

You can walk or run (if not, you probably wouldn’t be reading this article). Treadmills don’t require rocket science. You don’t have to worry about uneven terrain, inconsistent sidewalks, or “daredevil drivers” that don’t respect pedestrian crosswalks.

Treadmills are flat, smooth, and predictable.

 

• Convenient

You can customize your exercise program to suit the time you want to devote to exercising. You can choose the speed, incline, and other variables. You can also multitask while on the treadmill, but unlike the exercise bike, it is not as easy to watch TV, listen to music, read. Audible is a great option for this one.

 

• Burn calories and Tracking Progress

Most treadmill machines have a heart rate monitor, pedometer, and other statistics so you can check your progress. Tracking your progress is essential, especially if you’re working towards a weight loss goal.

 

Disadvantages

Treadmills have ups and downs (pun intended). You should check with your doctor before using any new equipment, but some obvious disadvantages make treadmills an unwise choice for some.

 

• Higher Impact

  

Although you can lose more weight faster in less time, you sacrifice the added benefits of “lower impact

and recumbent stability.” If you are in your 20s 30s or even 40s, and in decent condition, you should have no problem. However, if you are 50+ and are concerned about future issues with arthritis etc, you should probably consider an exercise bike and just go for longer periods of time. The last thing you want is an injury.

• Hard to Store

Everyone knows someone who now uses a treadmill as a coat-hanger.

A lot of people like the idea of having a treadmill but then leave it dormant for long periods of time. Because it is so bulky, it gets in the way of your most basic daily activities. However, there are foldable treadmills that can reduce this problem. Click Here to check out a review of foldable treadmills that can help with this.

 

Which is Right for you? Exercise Bike vs Treadmill

Main Differences

Keep in mind that in order to compare the exercise bike to the treadmill, we are looking at mid-higher end machines like the Joroto Belt drive bike vs the Nordic Track T series treadmill.

• Impact

Using an exercise bike is a low-impact activity. Because you are in a seated position while using an exercise bike, there will not be much exertion on the ankles, knee, hips, or spine.

Exercise bikes are excellent for people who want to exercise their leg muscles and get their heart rates elevated, but don’t want to aggravate conditions such as arthritis, or back or knee problems.

If you don’t have a problem walking or running, then a treadmill is a good option because it simulates being on a flat or inclined surface.

Treadmills provide a full-body workout (not just for your legs). However, if you wish to focus on your lower muscles, including quadriceps and calf muscles, an exercise bike is right for you. Exercising on a stationary bike is perfect for toning your legs, thighs, buttocks, abdominal, and back muscles.

 

• Calorie Burn

  

Both exercise bikes and treadmills give you an excellent, vigorous aerobic exercise, and therefore can both be highly effective at helping you shed the pounds.

Treadmills typically burn 600-1200 calories per hour versus 500-1000 calories on an exercise bike.  If weight loss is your goal, both a treadmill and exercise bike will do.

Both types of equipment can be useful in losing belly fat.

 

• Cost / Value

Exercise bikes are generally cheaper than treadmills and are easier to store. However, there are more affordable options for both if you go through websites like Amazon. I’ll include a few links at the bottom for all price ranges.

 

Conclusion

 

If your aim is just to get that taunting fat from your body, then you can go for any equipment as long as you enjoy your workout. Both types of equipment are effective in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If you are going for a more safe and laid-back workout, the exercise bike will be perfect for you.

If you are looking for intensity so that you can burn more calories and increase your endurance through HIIT dashes, a treadmill is the best option for you.

If you are looking to purchase one, be sure to see are review articles of the best treadmills and thebest exercise bikes on the market.

 

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