When it comes to weight loss, choosing the right exercise equipment can make a big difference. We’ve compared treadmills and exercise bikes to help you decide which one is better for you.
Treadmill vs Exercise Bike – Both fitness machines have unique features and numerous health benefits like burning extra calories, improving blood circulation, maintaining weight, and strengthening muscles.
The exercise bike is specialized equipment for indoor cycling, and also it possesses saddle paddles and handles bands to avoid any serious injury. Exercise bikes and treadmills both can be placed in home gyms to burn calories.
Cycling benefits aside, if we compare an exercise bike with a treadmill, then a treadmill is best for weight loss as it offers more variability for high intensity, calorie burning workouts.
Keeping this in mind, the bike still has a lot to offer, particularly if you require low impact exercise for your joints. Here’s the full breakdown.
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Calorie Burn – Treadmill
To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. Both treadmills and exercise bikes can help you burn calories, but there are differences in how many calories you can burn in a given time.
For example, jogging or brisk walking on a treadmill can burn 600 to 700 calories per hour, making it a highly effective way to shed pounds quickly. Treadmill workouts also increase demand for energy and help burn fat in the body.
On the other hand, riding an exercise bike burns fewer calories, typically around 400 to 500 per hour. While it may not be as effective for weight loss as a treadmill, an exercise bike can still provide a good cardiovascular workout and is gentler on the joints.
Injury Rate – Exercise Bike
Injuries are always a concern when it comes to exercise, and treadmills and exercise bikes have different risks.
Treadmills have a higher risk of injury due to the moving belt, which can cause ankle sprains or falls. Overuse of a treadmill can also lead to running-related injuries such as knee pain or nerve damage. However, these risks can be minimized by using proper form, taking breaks and using soft deck treadmills for bad knees.
In comparison, exercise bikes have a lower risk of injury, as they are stationary and have less impact on the joints. However, improper bike setup or overuse can cause pains in the knees, shoulders, or hips, which can be relieved with proper rest and stretching.
It’s also worth noting that walking or running on a treadmill is a weight-bearing exercise, which means it helps to build bone density and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Ease Of Use – Exercise Bike
Both treadmills and exercise bikes are user-friendly and require natural movement patterns. However, it’s important to use them with care to avoid injuries.
Treadmills can take some getting used to, as users need to adjust to the moving belt. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s an easy and effective way to exercise.
Exercise bikes are easier to use, as you simply need to hop on and start pedaling. However, it’s important to make sure the bike is properly adjusted to your body to avoid discomfort or injury.
Space – Exercise Bike
If you’re short on space, an exercise bike may be a better option than a treadmill. Exercise bikes take up less space and can be used in a small home gym or even outside in your garden.
Treadmills, on the other hand, require more space to operate and can be difficult to move around. However, folding treadmills are available that can be easily stored when not in use.
Variability Of Workouts – Treadmill
Both treadmills and exercise bikes offer a range of workout options to improve your physical and mental health.
Treadmills offer the best variety of exercises, from jogging and brisk walking to hills and high-intensity interval training. These workouts can help you burn more calories and enhance muscle strength. Many treadmills come with adjustable incline (and decline) settings, which allow you to simulate running uphill. This can help to increase the intensity of your workout and engage different muscle groups.
Exercise bikes also offer variability, allowing you to increase your ride speed and resistance. This can help you build endurance and tone your lower body.
Final Words
Both treadmills and exercise bikes have their advantages and disadvantages. If your primary goal is weight loss and burning calories, a treadmill is likely the better option due to its higher calorie burn rate. However, an exercise bike may be a better choice if you’re concerned about injury risks or have joint pain.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and fitness goals. Consider your space limitations, workout preferences, and any health concerns when deciding to make a purchase.
Eamon is a long time fitness enthusiast with extensive experience in running, weight lifting, and nutritional health. He studies the latest research to find science-backed information about treadmills and cardiovascular health to help our readers transform their body and mind the right way.