Pedaling a stationary bike is exercise, but it is not considered strength training. Your reasons for using an exercise bike may include improving your cardiovascular system, aiding in weight loss or increasing your endurance, and those benefits are all a result of aerobic exercise. Your body uses two different energy sources for aerobic exercise and strength training, and the benefits to your body are different as well.
Aerobic
When you cycle, your body produces energy aerobically. Aerobic activities require that oxygen is present to transport the fuel to your working muscles. Your breathing rate increases and your heart pumps faster in response to cycling to keep oxygen flowing for the duration of your workout. Aerobic activities are primarily endurance exercises that you can maintain for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Anaerobic
Strength training workouts are considered anaerobic. Anaerobic energy production takes place without oxygen. Your body uses stored energy within your muscles when you strength train. This storage is limited, which is why you cannot perform resistance exercises such as pushups for 20 to 30 minutes straight. The limited oxygen supply and the reduced fuel system in your muscles results in the burning sensation you feel as your muscles tire when strength training.
Cycling
Your use of an exercise bike burns calories and helps to aid in weight loss. An exercise bike should be used for at least 30 minutes five days a week to maintain health. If your goal is weight loss, increase your cycling time to 60 to 90 minutes.
Strength Training
You can use strength training exercises off the bike to improve your cycling performance. Lower body strength training improves the muscles in your legs so you can apply more force to the pedal. An increase in pedal force results in a faster ride. Strength training for your legs can help avoid overuse injuries in your legs from the repetitive cycling motion, as strength training also improves your tendons and ligaments.
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