Exercise bikes and treadmills are two of the more popular pieces of exercise equipment. Many chain gyms even set up their layouts so that members can run or pedal on the equipment in front of the main windows, allowing people passing by the gym to see workouts. Several factors can help you choose which machine to use.
Exercise Bike Advantages
Exercising on a stationary bike provides advantages over other pieces of equipment. For example, they are very convenient. You can have one in your home and ride while watching TV or talking on the phone. Weather is never a factor. Stationary bikes provide a relatively easy way to start working out. Stationary bikes are also easy on the knees.
Treadmill Advantages
Treadmills provide you with some of the same advantages as exercise bikes. They are used indoors and can be used while watching TV. Many treadmills also have programs you can select that change the speed and incline during your run to make the workout more difficult. According to Spine-Health, a Milwaukee VA Hospital study showed that people actually burned 25 percent more calories on a treadmill when they felt they had exercised equally as hard on a bike and on a treadmill.
Work Hard
Studies show that running burns more calories than biking. However, you can get more out of an exercise bike depending on how you work. Interval workouts where you go up and down in levels and speeds are challenging and burn the most calories. You can also try endurance workouts and sprints to increase your conditioning and get more out of your bike.
Are Bikes Better?
If you are just taking up exercise, then bikes may be exactly what you are looking for. They are easier on your body, do not require your legs to carry your full body weight the way that a treadmill will and you can make the workouts more difficult as you get in better condition. Treadmills are better for people who are already exercising regularly and ready for the challenge these machines present.
References
- Healthreform.biz: Recumbent Exercise Bike - Recumbent Bike Advantages & Buying Tips; Kate Fox; Jan. 2010
- Treadmills: Advantages and Disadvantages of Treadmill Use for Exercise and Pain Relief; Megan Tyner, ACE; May 2007
- Consumersearch.com: Exercise bike 101: Workouts, fit, form and motivation; Carey Ross; March 2011
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