In an ideal scenario, you might have the budget and space for your dream home gym. However, for many, there’s a need to prioritise equipment, leading to the debate of treadmill vs. exercise bike. When it comes to cardio workouts, these two pieces of equipment are commonly used, so which one reigns supreme?
Also, people who aren’t planning to set up a home gym still seek to understand how exercise bikes and treadmills compare in terms of the workouts they offer. We all aim for efficient and effective exercise to achieve fitness gains without sacrificing too much free time.
Depending on your fitness goals and needs, one might be more suitable than the other. Are you eager to see how these fitness equipment titans stack up? Continue reading for our in-depth comparison of exercise bikes versus treadmills.
Treadmill: Explained!
A treadmill is a stationary exercise machine that allows a person to jog, walk, or run in place on a moving surface. It’s a popular piece of cardio fitness equipment commonly used for indoor workouts, providing a controlled environment for walking or running at various speeds and inclines.
Exercise Bike: Explained!
An exercise bike, also known as a stationary bike or exercise cycle, is a piece of exercise equipment designed for indoor use. It simulates the experience of cycling, allowing users to pedal against resistance in a seated position. Exercise bikes provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout and are suitable for people of various fitness levels.
Exercise Bike or Treadmill: Which One Is Better?
When comparing exercise bikes and treadmills to determine the superior exercise equipment, we examine factors such as calories burned, injury risk, workout variation, and muscle targeted for purchase.
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Calories Burned
If your primary goal is to burn calories for weight loss, the treadmill is the preferred choice. Whether walking or jogging on an inclined surface, you can burn up to 600 or even 700 calories per hour. In contrast, even at an intense speed on a stationary bike, you can only burn around 400 calories per hour.
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Injury Risk
To minimise the risk of injury, maintaining correct form is crucial. Whether cycling or running on a treadmill, improper form can lead to injuries. However, the risk is higher on the treadmill due to the high-impact nature of running. There’s a potential for balance loss, stepping on the foot, and resulting injuries. On the other hand, biking carries a lower risk of injury, typically involving manageable discomfort such as buttocks, knees, or shoulder pain.
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Workout Variation
Incorporating variety into your routine is crucial for maintaining motivation and challenging your body. While biking offers options to adjust speed and resistance, the treadmill provides more flexibility. On a treadmill, you can experiment with speed, incline adjustments, and varied workouts, enhancing the overall challenge of your exercise sessions.
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Muscle Targeted
The treadmill offers an effective cardio workout, strengthening bones, promoting belly fat loss, and toning the body. It primarily engages the knees and joints, with additional upper body benefits. On the other hand, an exercise bike targets the thighs, glutes, and calves. It aids in muscle toning, weight loss, and enhances heart and lung capacity. However, a stationary bike doesn’t provide significant upper body benefits.
The Bottom Line
Both the treadmill and exercise bike contribute to fitness. Opt for an exercise bike if you prefer low-impact or are a beginner. However, if you enjoy running and are less concerned about injury, the treadmill is a better choice. For maximum weight loss, the treadmill proves to be an ideal option.