Our simple workout routines can be amped up with spinning on an exercise bike or even running a treadmill. However, not all workout equipment is created equal! So, you have to look at your needs, goals, and budget wisely. Are you planning to create your home gym and finally buy equipment? We got you covered! In this Stationary Bike vs Treadmill article, we’ll help you choose between the star equipment of budding home gyms!
Stationary Bike vs Treadmill: Pros vs Cons
If you don’t have that much time, we’ve jotted down the Pros and Cons of exercise bikes and treadmills.
Exercise Bike
Pros
- Good for general muscle toning, weight loss, addressing cardiovascular and respiratory issues.
- Good for people with mobility issues because of the geriatric position.
- Great for casual, beginner-level workouts.
- Usually cheaper and less costly to maintain.
- More lightweight and tends to take up less room.
- Suitable for multitasking while working out.
Cons
- It burns fewer calories as only the lower body is worked out.
- A little less dynamic because of the seated position, the upper body does not benefit much.
- The number of styles and workouts one can do also has less variety.
- Can cause butt and/or back pain due to prolonged hours of sitting down and/or incorrect posture while working out.
Treadmill
Pros
- Good for trimming down belly fat, toning muscles, improving cardiovascular endurance, and strengthening bones.
- Good for high-intensity/pro-level workout, training for other sports and competitions.
- It burns a higher number of calories as it uses the entire body.
- Offers multiple variations in speed and incline; dynamic enough for both upper and lower body workout.
Cons
- Has a relatively high injury risk, especially on its faster modes.
- Might be unsuitable for people with mobility issues or those recovering from injuries.
- Usually more expensive and more costly to maintain.
- Not so suitable for smaller living spaces because it’s heavier-built and bigger in size.
Stationary Bike vs Treadmill: Factors to Look Out For
Health and Fitness Goals
A lot of people get excited when piecing together their home gym and buying workout equipment, but you need to set your goals first!
A treadmill is good for trimming down belly fat, toning muscles, improving cardiovascular endurance, and strengthening bones. Running on a treadmill is a full-body, high-impact exercise, so it places more strain on your lower body and your joints. It also offers some upper body benefits too. However, there are many ways to get creative on a treadmill! You can get your dancing shoes on and prance on a treadmill. You can also throw some punches while running on a treadmill to really get yourself going like MMA fighters.
It’s also good if you have pro-level goals in mind. The use of treadmills to train for other competitive sports such as triathlons, swimming and track-and-field is pretty common.
On the other hand, the exercise bike is good for general muscle toning, weight loss, and addressing cardiovascular and respiratory issues. However, an exercise bike doesn’t do much for the upper body. If you have more leeway to reach your fitness goals, the exercise bike’s for you.
With exercise vs treadmill, both are great starter equipment to boost your workout program and give you beneficial results.
Calorie burn
Calorie burn is a factor many people consider highly when buying workout equipment. You need to shed more calories than you eat to lose body weight. This is not to say that losing bodyweight = automatically a healthier body, but it is one of the first steps to toning and strengthening our muscles.
In this category, the treadmill rises above. If you are jogging or walking at a higher incline using a brisk pace, you can burn up to 600 or even 700 calories per hour. For intermediate-advanced level workouts, treadmill training is the one for you.
Even if you push it to the extremes with exercise bikes, you’ll burn just around 400-500 calories per hour. Still, not bad. This can be good for those with slower, low-intensity workout routines.
Risk of injury
Sometimes, we tend to overestimate our bodies during workouts. When exercising, it’s very important to check how certain machines affect your body to the point of injuries. In this scenario, it’s the treadmill that can be pretty dangerous.
On a treadmill, you can lose your balance and fall straight off the machine. Other times, you can also get sprained ankles or damaged bones and ribs in case of more severe accidents. Running on the treadmill is a full-body workout, so there is added risk as you add more variations to your routine.
Meanwhile, there is also some risk in using an exercise bike, albeit highly reduced. Samples of these are butt pain from prolonged hours of sitting down; knee pain from constant pedaling and back pain from a crooked posture.
In totality, all of these possible scenarios should be manageable enough. However, injuries on the treadmill are usually more severe and less avoidable. So, when it comes to fewer injuries, the exercise bike is your friend.
Current Mobility
Another factor to consider is your own ability to use particular gym equipment. For example, if you have knee arthritis, riding a bike might be better than walking on a treadmill because you’re seated and there is less strain from carrying your body weight. However, if you have back issues like scoliosis, walking or running with support on a treadmill might be better for you than the hunched-over position on an exercise bike.
Price and Cost
Costs can vary, but exercise bikes still tend to be a little less expensive than treadmills on average. Exercise bikes can cost around $200 up to $800 on average. Meanwhile, treadmills can set you back anywhere from $200 up to $2,500.
Durability and maintenance also come to play. Between the exercise bike vs treadmill, the treadmill is more costly as it’ll have issues with motors, belts, and incline. Exercise bikes may also require some checkups throughout the years, but maintenance is still simpler and cheaper.
Space
Finally, if you look at the space taken up by the machine, the exercise bike just takes up less room than a treadmill does. If you have a smaller space, the exercise bike is definitely for you. Otherwise, the treadmill will work if you have space and you want to level up your home gym.
If you still want a treadmill in a tiny space, finding a folding treadmill can also be your option.
Exercise Bikes: Riding and Spinning to Fitness!
If you’ve set your sights on buying an exercise bike, then here are some products that might suit your routine!
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary
- Brand: YOSUDA
- Color: Gray
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 270 pounds
- Item Weight: 33 kilos
- Dimensions: 40.16 x 21.65 x 46.06 inches
Description:
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike has a heavy-duty steel frame that guarantees stability during cycling. The belt-driven system provides a smoother and quieter ride. This is best for condos and other neighborhood spaces that are very noise-sensitive! The YOSUDA bike also features a 4-way padded seat that helps with back and butt pain for long hours of usage. The entire product is baby-proof and childproof, so you won’t have to worry about kids meddling with your bike!
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De.Pommeyeux Stationary Bike
- Brand: De.Pommeyeux
- Color: Blue and Black
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 265 pounds
- Item Weight: 28 kilos
- Dimensions: 36 x 18.5 x 38.2 inches
Description:
De.Pommeyeux boasts of being lightweight and easy to use while maintaining strong structural integrity. De.Pommeyeux is also fairly adjustable and movable, with wheels and easy knob configurations. It also has aluminum pedals with foot cages to secure your feet from slipping during intense spinning sessions. De.Pommeyeux also offers a 1-year warranty for free parts replacement. Made with light-alloy steel, this exercise bike is ergonomic with a sleek appearance.
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SOVNIA Indoor Cycling Bike
- Brand: Sovnia
- Color: Black
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
- Item Weight: 73 kilos
- Dimensions: 40.16 x 21.65 x 46.06 inches
Description:
SOVNIA Indoor Cycling Bike has a thickened triangular steel frame that guarantees both durability and stability during cycling. The high-end belt-driven system provides a smoother and quieter ride. This is really good for noise-reduction and quieter workout sessions! The SOVNIA Indoor Cycling Bike also features a 2-way adjustable non-slip handlebar and a 4-way padded seat that helps with back and butt pain issues. SOVNIA also provides a two-year warranty for components replacement service, so you can test the waters with your exercise bike. With a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds, this sturdy exercise bike is great for your weight-loss journey!
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Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Brand: Marcy
- Color: Black/Gray/Copper
- Material: Plastic, Steel
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Item Weight: 27 kilos
- Dimensions: 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches
Description:
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike boasts heavy-duty construction 14-gauge steel tubing with a sleek, powder-coated finish. It also has its innovative step-through design that allows maximum mobility during training for quick mounting and dismounting. The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike uses a magnetic resistance mechanism with 8 adjustable levels. It also has a saddle furnished with comfortable high-density foam. Back and knee issues are fully addressed, making working out for people with or without mobility issues a breeze!
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FitDesk Bike Desk 3.0, Folding Stationary Exercise Bicycle Desk
- Brand: FitDesk
- Color: White
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Item Weight: 20 kilos
- Dimensions: 28 x 16 x 45 inches
Description:
FitDesk Bike Desk 3.0 is equipped with resistance bands just underneath its seat. You can even perform a light upper body workout while pedaling the bike desk. Talk about multi-tasking! It also features the improved FitDesk Tabletop with adjustable forearm supports that also act as arm massage rollers. The FitDesk Table Top boasts a non-slip table surface that safely secures laptops, tablets, and documents. The structure is made of heavy-duty powder-coated steel and has a 300-pound capacity that’ll surely jumpstart your fitness goals!
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Treadmill: Just Walk It Out!
If you’ve set your sights on purchasing a treadmill, then here are some brands that might suit your lifestyle!
NordicTrack T 6.5s Treadmill
- Brand: NordicTrack
- Color: Black
- Material: Steel, Plastic
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Max Horsepower: 3 horsepower
- Maximum Speed: 10 mph
- Item Weight: 92 kilos
- Dimensions: 73.5 x 36 x 54 inches
Description:
The NordicTrack T 6.5s Treadmill is equipped with state-of-the-art features such as Interactive Personal Training powered by iFit, OneTouch incline control, 10 MPH SMART OneTouch speed control, and SMART-Response Motor for effective speed, interval, and endurance training. It also has a 20” x 55” tread belt that offers plenty of leg and elbow space for walking, running, and jumping. Most importantly, this NordicTrack staple is protected by a 10-year frame warranty, 1-year labor warranty, and 2-year parts warranty. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty addition to your home gym, the NordicTrack T 6.5s Treadmill is for you!
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Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill
- Brand: Sunny Health & Fitness
- Color: Gray
- Material: Steel
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
- Max Horsepower: Unspecified
- Maximum Speed: 9 mph
- Item Weight: 18 kg
- Dimensions: 62 x 25.5 x 50 inches
Description:
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 Folding Treadmill is the equipment for big goals! Why? This treadmill has a big walking surface, big control buttons, and big handrails. It’s convenient and movable since it has transportation wheels for portability. It’s also shock-absorbent, so it won’t stress your knees and joints as much! It also features safe folding-and-unfolding motion with its innovative soft drop mechanism, making it kid-friendly and babyproof.
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XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Brand: XTERRA Fitness
- Color: Black
- Material: Plastic
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Max Horsepower: 2.25 horsepower
- Maximum Speed: 10 mph
- Item Weight: 49 kilos
- Dimensions: 63.4 x 28.75 x 51.4 inches
Description:
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is one of the top-rated treadmills you can buy online! Why? Because it has heavy-duty performance paired with lightweight convenience. It has an XTRA Soft Cushioned Deck technology which provides maximum impact absorption, minimizing the stress on your joints for a more comfortable workout. For both high and low-intensity workouts, XTERRA Fitness TR150 comes through with its customizable manual program and 12 preset programs. No matter your size or your goals, this treadmill will surely help you to become the best version of yourself!
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WalkingPad C1 Foldable Treadmill
- Brand: WalkingPad
- Color: Black, White
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
- Maxi Horsepower: N/A
- Maximum Speed: 4 mph
- Item Weight: 28 kilos
- Dimensions: 33.7 x 20.8 x 5.5 inches
Description:
The WalkingPad C1 Foldable Treadmill is one of the most convenient and space-saving treadmills available on the market. The WalkingPad can be folded halfway—its Foldable Patent Technology even won the 2019 Red Dot Design Award for its innovation! For instance, it has a minimum height of only 2.2 inches and a length of only 32.3 inches. So thin and sleek, right? It can be moved gently around the house and stored under sofas, desks, beds, tables, and cabinets because of its minuscule size and its 2 wheels underneath.
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WalkingPad P1 UltraSlim Foldable Treadmill
- Brand: KINGSMITH WalkingPad
- Color: Gray
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
- Max Horsepower: N/A
- Maximum Speed: 3 mph
- Item Weight: 30 kilos
- Dimensions: 57 x 21.5 x 5.5 inches
Description:
The WalkingPad P1 UltraSlim Foldable Treadmill is one of the most portable treadmills to ever exist on the market. It can easily be stored under sofas, beds, desks, and tables. To avoid injuries, the WalkingPad P1 UltraSlim Foldable Treadmill is built with gravity sensors to navigate speed control. The whole workout process is then controlled by your foot position for your safety and convenience. With its ergonomic design, this treadmill is perfect for those who want to start working out in a jiffy!
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Stationary Bike vs Treadmill: So which should I get?
Besides the obvious differences between exercise bikes vs treadmills, it’s important to look at the similarities between the two workout equipment. Only through consideration of these factors will you make the best choice for yourself.
Worried about doing a ‘proper’ workout? Both exercise bikes and treadmills offer great ease of use, that’s why they’re good for beginners and starting home gyms. These machines require natural movement patterns everyone’s pretty much used to, so there are no real differences. Both machines may look pretty intimidating at first, but there’s not much of a learning curve. With any of the two, you are guaranteed to quickly get on your feet and sweat it out!
Online and hassle-free shopping? You can buy both exercise bikes and treadmills online and are available for purchase on Amazon.
Here are the reasons to help you choose between the Stationary Bike vs Treadmill:
You should get an exercise bike if:
- You’ve got a tight budget.
- You have a smaller space in your home for working out.
- You want to multitask while working out.
- You’re geriatric but you want to work out while you have some mobility issues.
- You’re looking for a beginner-friendly workout program.
- You have more time and leeway to achieve your health and fitness goals.
You should get a treadmill if:
- You’ve got a little more budget to spare.
- You’re seriously considering a home gym and you have space for it.
- You have advanced-level workouts and other gym materials such as weights and barbells for variety.
- You’re training for pro-level goals and/or competitive sports.
- You want faster results in your health and fitness goals.
Conclusion
While there are multiple differences between these two workout equipment, it is still up to you. Check out all the info we’ve listed down for you, and make the ultimate decision between what you want and what you need!
Aside from cardio through exercise bike and treadmill, there are so many other ways to get in tiptop shape! From Crossfit, Zumba, yoga, and parkour, don’t forget to check out our other links and workout tidbits for more information!