Home > Blog > Treadmill or Exercise Bike: A Comparison Guide

Treadmill or Exercise Bike: A Comparison Guide

Written by Jessica Parker
Updated on Feb 24, 2022
Treadmill or Exercise Bike

A treadmill or an exercise bike is a conflict that every user faces when they try to decide between home fitness equipment. Treadmills and exercise bikes are both the best equipment for indoor exercising and getting quick results. Some models offer effective cardio workouts coupled with resistance levels that help you achieve your health targets. This blog aims to simplify your process of buying workout equipment by comparing both machines. We also have a blog that details the benefits of exercise bikes. Browse through to know them better.

Treadmill or Exercise Bike- A Comparison

Calorie Burn

The key to losing weight is burning more calories than you consume. A treadmill helps you to burn anywhere around six to seven hundred calories in an hour. This happens only if you are jogging at an inclined position. Exercise bikes allow you to lose about four to five hundred calories in an hour. So, in this comparison between treadmill vs. exercise bike, the winner is the treadmill.

Injury Rate

Looking at this aspect is important. The injuries from the treadmill are often severe and nasty. It is a high-impact machine, so you are more likely to lose your balance and get an injury. Exercise bikes reduce the risk of such injuries. The constant hunching over of the body can cause minor issues like back pain.

Workout Variability

Make sure to include different techniques and plans in your exercise routine. This will allow you to make maximum progress. If you stick to doing one form of exercise, your body will get adapted to it. The body then stops responding to the same workout.

A treadmill allows you to experiment with the speed and the incline while the exercise bikes offer just variable resistance. Automatic treadmill models allow you to customize your workout intensity. Comparing treadmill exercise with exercise bike exercise, the treadmill has greater workout variability.

Ease of Use

Treadmills and exercise bikes are user-friendly and ideal for fitness. In an exercise bike, you can hop on and start, but a treadmill takes longer to gain speed. The body also takes time to adapt to the momentum. Treadmills come with many controls, which sometimes may confuse the user too. In this struggle between treadmills and exercise bikes, exercise bikes are perceived to be easier.

Durability

Exercise bikes have minimal electrical components associated with them. They hardly need any servicing and works well for years. Treadmills have belts and motors that can break down, depending on how they are handled. The repair costs make the treadmill an expensive deal as compared to exercise bikes.

Space

Exercise bikes take up less room, so if you are short on space, you can pick this one. Some treadmill models can be folded for better storage. It's best to go for such models if you have less space.

Compact treadmills are also a great workout device. They are small in size and allow for easy storage. Read our blog on compact treadmills to learn more about them.

Treadmill or Exercise Bike- Which Is Better for Knees?

A bike is a better exercise option than a treadmill if you want less impact on your joints. Running puts pressure on the knees, spine, and ankles. The bike is an ideal exercise machine for people who have bad knees. You can sit on them and exercise your knees at a suitable speed.

Treadmill or Exercise Bike- Which Is Better for Weight Loss?

The treadmill is better for weight loss as compared to an exercise bike. A treadmill burns high calories and gives you a good session. The indoor cycling bike burns fewer calories. It is a low-impact workout machine and has a lower risk of injury.

Buy the Best Exercise Bike

The models below are efficient, effective and come with advanced features for maximum results. We have a dedicated exercise bike buying guide to help you choose the right equipment.

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike has a manually adjustable resistance that offers various degrees of exercise. It has eight preset levels of magnetic resistance control that you can set to simulate various types of workouts. This model is designed to fold compactly with its advanced frame design that allows for easier storage and portability.

pooboo Magnetic Exercise Bikes Indoor Cycling Bikes

The customer reviews of pooboo Magnetic Exercise Bikes Indoor Cycling Bikes claim that it comes with a digital monitor that can track and record exercise time, speed, distance, and calories. It comes with fully adjustable 2-ways handlebars making it easy to use. The stable structure monitor holder of this model supports the tablet and phones.

DMASUN Exercise Bike

DMASUN Exercise Bike comes in an ergonomic triangular structure that makes exercise easier. It is made of high-quality steel that ensures durability and stability. This bike features a digital monitor that can record exercise time, speed, distance, and calories.

NordicTrack T Series Treadmills

NordicTrack T Series Treadmill comes in a compact and space-saving design.  You can easily fold this treadmill up and out of the way for compact storage that maximizes your living space. The SMART-Response motor of this treadmill is designed to support all types of cardio training, from HIIT workouts to endurance runs.

OMA Treadmills for Home 5108EB

OMA Treadmills for Home 5108EB's reviews show that it is made of heavy-duty alloy steel material that holds up to 300lbs weight capacity. It comes with a fast control handle that offers convenient adjustment. The built-in LCD screen of this model tracks the speed, distance, pulse, time and calories covered.

UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill

UREVO 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill comes with a remote control that offers a speed adjustment facility. The built-in powerful 2.5HP motor of this treadmill offers a load-bearing ability of up to 265lbs. The silica gel column of this model absorbs shock and cushions the knees, muscles, and joints.

Treadmill or Exercise Bike: What to Go For?

Your fitness goals and health condition will determine whether you should invest in a treadmill or exercise bike. These are both efficient machines that allow you to keep a tab on your physical fitness. Go for automatic treadmills if you have the space and money. They are of high intensity but come with controls to work as per your requirement.

In this conflict between treadmill and exercise bike, the exercise bike is a suitable choice for low-intensity workouts. As exercise bikes are comfortable and easy to use, they may be a better choice for seniors.

BestViewsReviews rates and reviews hundreds of treadmills and exercise bikes on the basis of their performance, controls, and size.

Rank #1 in Exercise Bikes

TFD The Pivot for Peloton Bikes
Check price at
9.9
9.9010

Rank #2 in Exercise Bikes

pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike, Belt Drive Indoor Exercise Bike,
Check price at
9.8
9.8010

< Previous Post

Next Post >