Priya Rai
Every cardio equipment is different and has a separate impact on the body structure. Exercise bikes and treadmills are the most preferred gym equipment, whether at home or the gym. While both provide an effective cardio workout, there exists a continuous question about which one is better.
EXERCISE BIKES
Pros
- It helps to improve the flexibility of ligaments and muscles
- Suitable for people with poor balance
- Less pressure on the lower back
- Various workout plans
- Strengthens muscles of the lower body
- One can multitask while working out.
Cons
- Burns fewer calories even while working out with the same intensity
- No involvement of the upper body during the exercise
- Lesser bone-building benefits
TREADMILL
Pros
- Most of them have safety-shut off features
- Availability of variation in speed and inclination
- Burns higher amount of calories
- Less pressure on joints than compared to running outside
- Various workout programs
Cons
- Limited multitasking options
- It puts pressure on the lower back and joints
- Higher probability of missing foot grips.
- Higher probability of knee injury or back pain
Choosing between exercise bikes and treadmills
Losing Calories
If you are brisk walking or jogging on a treadmill at a higher inclination, you can burn up to 600-700 calories in an hour. While in the case of an exercise bike, even if you go at an intense rate, you can only burn around 400-500 calories in an hour. So if we compare between bike and treadmill keeping weight loss in mind, treadmills are the clear winner.
Injury Rate
One can get injured on a treadmill if one loses balance and fall off, resulting in a sprained ankle. In the case of an exercise bike, one can have
Butt pain for sitting for long hours on the bike
Back or shoulder pain for hovering over the cycle for long hours
Knee pain for constant circular motions made with the leg.
Even here, the treadmill wins between bike and treadmill since the risk of getting injured is lower.
Machine Durability
If we look at the two machines’ durability, then the treadmill’s probability to break down earlier is higher in between the bike and treadmill. The belt, the motor, or the treadmill’s inclined plane has a higher chance of breaking down than the exercise cycle, so the exercise cycle is the clear winner here. Stationary bikes break down very rarely.
Space occupancy
If we compare based on space occupied, then exercise bikes are a clear winner here between bike and treadmill. They occupy much less space than compared treadmills. So if you have a space crunch, stationary bikes will be a better machine for exercising. If you consider buying a foldable treadmill, you can open it up while exercising. That will reduce your problem of space.
So we have compared the exercise bike and treadmill on various parameters. While the treadmill burns a more significant amount of calories, provides intense working-out sessions, an exercise bike offers strengthening benefits and lower injuries. So choose your parameters first, and then select your exercise machine. So you will be able to make an informed decision.
