A treadmill and a stationary bike both provide the chance to get an aerobic workout. But when you go to the gym, you may not know which piece of equipment to use. Depending on your workout goals, each piece of equipment has its advantages.
Calorie Burn
Stationary bikes burn 850 calories for a 135-pound woman in a one-hour class, according to Fitness magazine. The calorie burn increases if you weigh more or if you're a man. A treadmill allows a runner who weighs 165 pounds to burn 986 calories in one hour at an 8-mph pace. If you run slower, at a pace of 5 mph, you burn 584 calories in that same hour, the Mayo Clinic says. In this respect, both options are good. The more intense your workout, the more calories you burn.
What You Work
On a stationary bike, you use your lower body exclusively. Your hamstrings, quadriceps, calves and gluteal muscles all get a good workout. On a treadmill, you engage your arms and core more fully in addition to using your lower body, especially if you use your arms to power your run. If you're looking for a more comprehensive, full-body workout, the treadmill is the better option.
Injury Potential
A treadmill can be somewhat tricky. The process of starting the belt, stepping on, stopping and stepping off are fraught with potential to fall or guess wrong and slip. Although a treadmill includes an emergency stop, you can still twist an ankle or lose your balance, especially if you get distracted. A stationary bike is relatively stable. Once you're in the saddle, you need only adjust the height distance to comfortably fit your legs. If you're looking for a less injury-prone workout, a stationary bike is better.
Bone Density Benefit
A stationary bike doesn't affect the joints. As a result, you don't build bone when working out on a stationary bike. A treadmill does provide impact, whether running or jogging. This impact helps your skeleton rebuild itself after working out, making the treadmill a better choice from a bone density perspective.
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