When it comes to cardio, comparing the stationary bike vs treadmill is one of the most controversial topics. That is mostly because they are probably the most popular choice for exercise machines, whether ‘it’s in a gym or for use at home. The workout they can provide is effective, and there are several resistance levels on either to give you a better sense of progress.
Both machines do a great job of providing aerobic exercise, which is good for your body. And exercise also helps reduce pain since it allows your body to release endorphins. Endorphins are a type of hormone that inhibits pain signals, not to mention it makes you feel better. Aerobic exercises are useful in improving the symptoms of depressive disorders.
Stationary Bike or Treadmill?
Since these two machines can both provide intense aerobic exercises, which are proven to be useful, ‘it’s now time to decide on which one to get. But before you choose, you need to know the factors you need to consider. To get us started, here are the benefits as well as the possible downsides that you need to know about each machine.
Stationary Bike
Pros
- Helps in improving the flexibility of various leg muscles as well as ligaments.
- Lessens pressure on the lower back.
- Good for people that have a poor sense of balance.
- Multitude of workout plans or programs to choose from.
- You can multitask while working out.
Cons
- Fewer benefits for bone-building.
- It burns fewer calories compared to a treadmill or other workouts with similar intensity.
- Low weight limit
Treadmill
Pros
- Can burn more calories.
- Multitude of workout plans or programs to choose from.
- Better for the joints compared to running outside.
- Has shut-off features for safety.
Cons
- It puts more pressure on the lower back and the joints.
- You have fewer options for multitasking.
- Might be dangerous for people with a low sense of balance.
Which Machine Burns More Calories Between the Treadmill and Stationary Bike?
When it comes to burning calories, a treadmill will let you burn far more than the stationary bike. This difference is because a treadmill workout forces you to engage your entire body, which in turn burns more energy. The main reason is due to the difference in the operating position while exercising. As on the treadmill, you will be standing up, which forces you to carry your entire weight and propel it forward.
On the other hand, you will be sitting down on a stationary bike so the seat will support most of your weight. Additionally, there is less upper body movement when using the exercise bike.
However, this ‘doesn’t mean that treadmills are always better. If ‘you’re using a stationary exercise bike, there will be less pressure on the joints, allowing for more comfort and thus, longer workouts. The workouts available to stationary bikes are also more varied.
In short, if ‘you’re looking to burn calories, treadmills are better if you want fast, intense workouts in short periods. On the other hand, exercise bikes are better if you have more time. With the stationary bike, you will need about three times the amount of time to burn the same calories as on the treadmill.
Is the Stationary Bike or Treadmill Better for Dealing with Belly Fat?
One of the most effective ways to get rid of abdominal fat while maintaining muscle mass is through high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Luckily, there are HIIT programs that are available for both stationary bikes and treadmills. Specific models of both might also come with the programs built-in, which can be a great help in your training. So in general neither solution is better than the other as they can both be as effective in getting rid of belly fat.
Is the Exercise bike or Treadmill better for dealing with Belly Fat?
The aerobic exercises that you can get from either an exercise bike or a treadmill are great for shredding off unwanted weight. According to the CDC, even a little weight decrease of 5-10% can already have substantial health benefits.
They also mentioned that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping it up is the secret to keeping your weight low. Because of this, make sure that the exercise machine you chose is something ‘you’ll enjoy, so ‘you’re still likely to continue using even in the future. However, do keep in mind that treadmills burn more calories compared to exercise bikes. But to combat that you can exercise longer on the exercise bike to compensate.
In this regard, it is crucial to choose the one that will provide you with exercises that ‘you’ll enjoy the most. While bearing in mind the time, it will take to burn enough calories. So if you have little time, then the treadmill is best. Otherwise, either solution will work adequately to help you lose weight.
How Does a Treadmill or Stationary Bike Compare to Other Fitness Machines?
There are several other machines capable of providing intense workouts for cardio. Elliptical machines, for example, simulate the movement involved in running while simultaneously reduces the strain on the joints to allow for longer, more intense workouts. However, the action is less dynamic, so the workouts are less varied.
Meanwhile, exercising with rowing machines is more thorough. Just like exercise bikes, the cardio workout is low impact with minimal joint pain. However, proper posture is necessary for rowing, so a certain degree of proficiency is necessary. Additionally, a rowing machine takes up much more space compared to other equipment, and it can also be noisy.
In the end, having a variety is always a plus, so using various types of equipment is the best choice. However, if you only wish to keep one exercise machine, then ‘it’s better to go for one with more variety and several settings. We also recommend identifying what your goals are, as that will help you select the right machine for you. For cardio, we recommend the treadmill or elliptical. If you want a low-intensity workout, then a stationary bike or rower machine is excellent.
Also, consider whether or not a machine has programs built into it; these will help make your workouts easier but still enjoyable.
Which is The Better Solution for Exercising With Bad Knees?
The motion of running is inherently bad for your knees, regardless of whether you do it on a treadmill or outdoors. The jarring motion produced on the knees every time you land on a hard surface will further damage your knees.
On the other hand, the exercises you can do on a stationary bike are low-impact. As a result, they will put less strain on the joints while still working out your leg muscles. We’ve recently compiled a list of the best exercise for bad knees and reviewed the top models. Exercise bikes are especially suitable for bad knees if you are recovering from knee injuries.
Conclusion
The bottom line after comparing the stationary bike vs. treadmill is that the solution for you all depends on your personal preferences. For most people, a treadmill is perfect, as it helps you burn calories quickly. However, if you suffer from any physical injury, then the exercise bike is the better solution.