What Is A Better Exercise, A Bike Or A Treadmill?

When you pit a treadmill workout against a cycling session, the best you can hope for is a draw, unless you have specific orthopedic issues. Walking and bicycling are both low impact exercise options that provide an effective cardiovascular workout, replete with health benefits ranging from reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels to improved mood and reduced anxiety.

Factors

Whether you're planning an exercise program or shopping for one piece of exercise equipment, you need to consider your preferences as well as specific health concerns and goals. Both an exercise bike and a treadmill offer flexibility when it comes to managing exercise intensity and both can help you manage your weight and improve your fitness. However, a primary difference between riding a bike and walking or running on a treadmill is that the latter uses your body weight as resistance to gravity.

Weight Bearing Issues

Exercises that you perform on your feet, such as walking, running, dancing and hiking, provide an advantage over non-weight bearing activities for individuals who are concerned about maintaining bone density or slowing down mineral loss associated with aging. Because working out on a treadmill is a weight bearing exercise that forces your bones to support your weight, it can protect against osteoporosis while improving your cardiovascular health. On the other hand, bicycling makes a good choice for individuals who are at increased risk for bone fractures, while also helping to counter mineral loss to a lesser degree. A treadmill may put extra stress on your back and knees, which you should consider if you have a history of problems in these areas.

Balancing Act

If you don't have any health restrictions or concerns, try out both the bike and the treadmill, either at a gym or at a fitness equipment store, to see which you enjoy more. Spend enough time on the equipment to break a sweat. Ultimately, you want an exercise option that you can commit to on a regular basis. If you prefer the bike, you don't have to give up the benefits of weight bearing exercise. Incorporate balance into your exercise regimen with walking workouts, yoga or aerobic dancing. If you opt for the treadmill, mix up your cardiovascular routine with swimming, hiking or basically any activities you enjoy.

Considerations

The amount of time you spend exercising is more important than the activity you choose. Spend at least 30 minutes exercising aerobically most days of the week to reap the health benefits of an active lifestyle. Walking at 3.5 mph and riding a bike at less than 10 mph burns around 140 calories in 30 minutes, while running and fast cycling burn roughly 295 calories in the same amount of time. Consult with your doctor to weigh the pros and cons of each option, particularly if you have osteoporosis, back, knee or heart problems.