Let's face it, walking on a treadmill or sitting on a stationary bike for long periods of time can be quite dull. At least on a stationary bike you can multi-task while you work out by talking on the phone or reading, lifting hand weights, or standing or sitting on the bike. Even though there's less room for variety on a treadmill, treadmills, like stationary bikes, have several cardiovascular benefits. So when choosing between a stationary bike or treadmill, consider your physical, as well as your personal preferences.
Benefits
The weight-bearing exercises done on a treadmill--walking and running--offer you the best opportunity to build bone density and greatly improve overall muscle tone. Exercise bikes, however, improve flexibility of the leg muscles and lower body.
Weight Loss
The possibility of losing weight is greater on a treadmill than on a stationary bike. Most people burn, on average, about 750 calories per hour on a treadmill, compared with the 550 calories or so you are likely to burn per hour on an exercise bike.
Coordination
Stationary exercise bikes require less coordination than a treadmill. If you get distracted while running on a treadmill, you run the risk of losing your balance or falling off. It's very hard, however, to fall off of a stationary bike.
Safety
Stationary bikes are considered the safest home exercise equipment to use, according to exercise-with-treadmill.com. The cycling motion of a stationary bike is easy on the joints and back. Less stress on your joints means a decreased risk of injury. Running on a treadmill, on the other hand, puts strain on your ankles, hips and knees, which can cause damage to your joints.
Workouts
Treadmills have been around longer than most stationary bikes, and on a treadmill, you can run, walk or, on some models, climb for a complete, full-body workout. On an exercise bike, however, you can only work your quads, hamstrings, thighs and core muscles.
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