Which Gives A Better Workout: The Exercise Bike Or The Treadmill?

Which Gives a Better Workout: the Exercise Bike or the Treadmill?

Jun 14, 2011 | By Chris Dinesen Rogers

Aerobic workouts, whether they include running, biking or other activities, are essential elements of a healthy fitness program. The exercise bike and treadmill are common features in gyms, providing the convenience of a cardio workout year-round. Each varies in the type of workout it offers and the subsequent benefits.

Benefits

Both the exercise bike and the treadmill provide workouts, regardless of the weather. Used models make either piece of equipment affordable for the home gym. Depending on the model, each may include preprogrammed workouts. Most models include other features such as calorie-burn information and distance covered so you can track your progress. You can then tweak your workouts to ensure you are meeting your fitness goals.

Calorie Burn

The differences between the workouts begin with the calorie burn. Biking at a moderate pace will burn about 477 calories an hour for a 150-pound person, compared to 297 calories an hour walking at 3 mph. The difference is in the muscles you engage. Muscles need energy to function, which translates into calorie burn. Biking requires more effort.

Health Considerations

Your fitness level and health will determine which machine suits you best. Recumbent stationary bikes offer a low-impact way to exercise without overtaxing joints. If you are recovering from a knee injury, an exercise bike may be preferable to a treadmill. If that is not a consideration, both types of equipment provide effective cardio workouts. However, a 2010 study by Harvard School of Public Health says you must engage in brisk walking or bicycling most days of the week to avoid weight gain.

Weight-Bearing Activity

One aspect gives the treadmill a clear advantage. Walking or running on a treadmill provides a weight-bearing workout. These types of activities are recommended by the National Osteoporosis Foundation as ways to prevent osteoporosis. Walking builds muscle mass and bone density. The higher the impact, the greater the health benefit.