Which Is Better: Exercise Bike Or Treadmill?

Exercise bikes and treadmills are two of the most frequent machines purchased for every person who wants to workout from their homes. If you’re planning to take your fitness goals seriously, you might ask yourself, "Which is better: exercise bike or treadmill? The answer depends on your focus.

Both bikes and treadmills possess the capability to give you an excellent cardio workout. They have advanced settings that will allow you to pace your training correctly. These two machines also provide happy hormones or endorphins as they create aerobic exercises.

But it won't be economically right to get two. So, to help you decide, here are some pros and cons based on significant factors of your fitness journey:

Calories Burned

The number of calories burned in a workout session might be one of your top priorities. In this case, you should get a treadmill. This machine flexes almost all muscles in your body and results in a more intensified routine, given the same workout time spent on a bike. There is a seat you can put your weight on for support in an exercise bike while doing a run on the treadmill makes you carry your entire weight.

Your upper body is almost at rest on the bike, too. However, there's an option for you here. Burning calories does mean the intensity of the workout and the length of time you're comfortable exercising in a machine.

If you find yourself more in sync using a bike and can stay there for a two-hour session, you are most likely to burn more calories there than an hour of run on a treadmill.

Injury Rate

Because using a treadmill is a full-body experience, you are more prone to get injuries than an exercise bike. You might lose your balance while running and fall off the treadmill or accidentally step on your foot and sprain your ankle.

Treadmills may have some weight limitations as well. An overweight individual would find it hard to balance on this machine and might cause further harm. If you have rehabilitative injuries, this is also not for you.

It won't mean that you won't ever get injured on a bike, though. You will feel shoulder, back, butt, and knee pains, mostly if you sat there for a long time. Exercise bikes make your lower body strong and firm, but you have to be careful not to overwork them.

Ease Of Use

Both exercise bikes and treadmills have varied workout plans and programs installed on their machines, which will help you achieve your fitness goals progressively. You can’t start with high-intensity programs when it is your first time using it.

Treadmills have safety shut-off features on their newer versions. You won't have to worry about figuring out how to get off the machine with this convenient function. The disadvantage of a treadmill is its size and cost. It will take a significant space in your home and might be a problem if you have a tight area. The structure and specifications of a treadmill make it a bit more expensive than a bike. It would help if you also considered maintenance costs.

Exercise bikes, on the other hand, are pretty easy to use. It helps you develop your balance and is best for toning your lower body. You will a more relaxing workout on the bike, too, because it allows you to multitask. You can read reports or magazines while cycling. Its size fits in tight spaces, making it a convenient choice for small homes.

Conclusion

Now that you know each machine's pros and cons, choosing a better option between an exercise bike or a treadmill will be an easier task. You should check your home logistics, budget, and preferred workout focus first. Both machines will make a healthier person, but it's up to you to plan out your fitness program.