Treadmills vs. Exercise Bikes
Aerobic exercise is very important to your overall
health. Not only does it strengthen your heart, but it is one of the best
ways to burn calories as well as tone many of your muscles to give them
extra endurance. Even if you do not play any sports, simply by performing
aerobic exercises every day you will find that you do not get physically
exhausted as easily, as you are able to maintain a healthy overall weight.
Two of the most common choices for your in-home
exercise equipment are the treadmill and the exercise bike. Both are
designed to take your aerobic exercise indoors so that you can do them while
entertaining yourself with the TV or music and avoiding some of the harsh
weather conditions and terrain that occur all throughout the year.
So when you are ready to get aerobic exercise
equipment, you need to make a decision. Which one is best for you – a
treadmill or an exercise bike?
1.
Calories Burned
Treadmills are known to burn more calories than
exercise bikes, simply due to the constant motion of your entire body as you
run. Exercise bikes do provide you with a very good amount of calorie burn,
but it pales in comparison to the degree provided by treadmills.
2.
Heart Rate
Treadmills are also able to increase your heart
rate faster and for longer than exercise bikes. Due to the seated motion of
bikes, you need to pedal very hard to get a decent heart rate out of your
bike, while with treadmills, your heartbeat will rise simply due to the
constant running motion.
3.
Discomfort
Discomfort is one of the few areas that exercise
bikes have a slight advantage. Exercise bikes are hard on your knees, but
fairly easy on your hips. Treadmills (as with all running) do place more
pressure on your hips and back, which may be hard for some users. Still,
with treadmills, the more you run the less discomfort you will feel, so as
long as you are willing to commit to the experience that discomfort will go
away in time.
4.
Athletic Gain
Treadmills provide you with more real life
preparation than exercise bikes. That is, if you play sports or want to
enjoy running outdoors, you are going to be far more prepared with the
treadmill than you will be with an exercise bike. The bike may be able to
give you a boost in your heart strength, but it will not provide you with
the physical preparation for athletic activities that a treadmill will, nor
will it train you in how to pace yourself correctly.
Which is Better Overall?
Both treadmills and exercise bikes have similar
costs, yet it is clear that treadmills are generally better for your body.
Though they do cause a little more discomfort in the beginning, they also
provide you with greater cardiovascular benefits and burn more calories than
you get with an exercise bike. Overall the treadmill is a better option,
provided you are ready to commit yourself to using it.
Return to Treadmills Guide Home
