Treadmill vs. stationary bike

[valeriek]

Shape Magazine had a reader poll and most respondents said the treadmill was their favorite cardio workout device. The stationary bike came in dead last. I love the bike, but now I'm wondering if I'm not getting the best cardio workout. I always ride the hill profile, and never ride for less than 30 minutes every other day. Am I missing out on something? Would I burn more calories or get a better workout on the treadmill? I was just interested in all of your thoughts on this subject.

[RunnerKim]

The significant difference between bike riding and walking/running is that the latter is a "weight bearing" exercise. Meaning when you walk or run you have to move your body. With a bike - it carries some of the weight and makes it easier for you - burning less calories/mile as Jewel mentioned. Activities where you have to move your body will burn the calories the fastest (running, walking, cross-country skiing, aerobics, stair climbing) but they're also harder on the body/joints. If you enjoy the bike, I certainly wouldn't give it up because its not as good as something else - if you want to see more/faster results perhaps trying subbing the treadmill once or twice a week.

Kim

[makedah]

I want to second all the good advice here. The best machine is the one that doesn't hurt you, allows you to work at your best potential, and is pleasurable for you to use.

When it was icy outside, I did the treadmill and bike at the gym. I liked them both, but believe that the treadmill was more demanding. The elliptical trainer is now my fave, however! But it is time to go outside and run again, and get use to the "real" bike that I bought a couple of weeks ago.

[hka]

I agree with a lot of what people are saying. I love the treadmill because I love to walk. I don't have a walking partner, as my DH loves to run, and running tends to give me side aches. So, I'll walk on our treadmill at home. The only thing that sucks about that is when the weather is beautiful out. Unfortunately, I don't like walking by myself because of scary things I hear about all the time. Yes, I'm a big chicken. Besides, I don't mind walking on my treadmill. I also love the Precor Elliptical trainer. That's becoming another of my favorites! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[JillS4996]

One more note on the "weight bearing" point: To prevent osteoporosis, it is important to do some type of weight bearing exercise. If you are unable to do this (due to medical conditions), the next best thing is to combine the stationary bike workout with strength training, which has also been shown to help maintain bone density.

Happy trails!

[valeriek]

Thanks for all the advice! You have all brought up points I never thought about before. I think I will start mixing my workout a little. I love the bike, but I should try something different at least once a week - like the treadmill. Thanks again for the advice!

[lindrusso]

I personally don't like the stationery bike because the seat just plain hurts my butt! I find the treadmill or elliptical machines more comfortable.

I think you can get just as good a work-out from the bike, but actually the best thing is probably to vary which equipment you use so that your body and muscles don't get used to one routine. However, as long as you are working in your target heart range, it shouldn't really matter which equipment you use.

That said, I'm not an expert, so maybe there are contradictory opinions out there?

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 03-26-2001).]

[aggie94]

I have to admit, that when I'm feeling crappy and not really motivated to work out, I will choose the stationary bike at the gym over the treadmill, stair climber, or EFX (which I use when I'm motivated to get in a good, intense workout). Partly I dislike it because it does nothing for an upper body workout, and partly because I would rather be out riding my REAL bike than the "fake" one at the gym. Cycling can be an awesome cardio workout, but I find that I can't recreate the feeling that I get when I'm out cycling on the street in the gym on a stationary bike.

[Jewel]

In my opinion it depends on your physical situation before you start. Personally, I have a herniated disk in my lower-lower back, and tendonitis in my knees and arms. Impact workouts such as treadmills and even brisk outside walking, tend to hurt me after 5 or 6 minutes at a good pace. Non-impact like the Stationary Bike or Elliptical Trainers are much better for me because the foot never leaves the pedal, so there is no 'jarring' of the knee or back when you put that food down again.

When I was going to the gym (before I started home exercise) I worked out on those three pieces of equipment just to look at the digital calorie counters and heart-rate monitors on them. Elliptical burned the most, followed by treadmill (walking at 3.5 mph or above) and bike was last. This is in the same amount of time, like say 10 minutes on each.

I then realized that 5 minutes on the treadmill won't do me any good if that's all I can do! If I can do 30 minutes on the bike or the Elliptical at a slower pace, that's doing my heart AND my muscles more good than that painful 5 minutes on the treadmill. I'll stick with a longer ride on the non-impact stuff. I'm more inclined to use a piece of equipment if I know that it's not going to hurt! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[KellyD]

Valerie - I think the MOST important thing is to find something you enjoy and will stick with. If the bike does that for you - then stick with it. If you're concerned about how good of a workout you're getting, monitor your heart rate. Theoretically, you should be able to burn just as many calories on the bike as a treadmill, but depending on your intensity, it may take longer on the bike.

That said, even though I love my stationary bike - and it doesn't hurt my butt!! - I personally like the treadmill better. I can't get the same endorphin rush on the bike that I can on the treadmill - and the reader poll may have reflected some of that attitude. Bottom line, just do it!!

[McSix]

Valerie, I love my stationary bike. I enjoy treadmills as well, so I use those whenever I travel or have the opportunity. I can't afford a good one, that's for sure! However, I ride my bike 30 to 45 minutes every day, train with free weights 2-3 times a week, and do ab work everyday. All I know is I work up a huge sweat on that bicycle--I'm working hard. Besides, mine has a rack to hold a book and I'm a fanatic reader. Weekends I often lose track of how long I've ridden and just read on and on.....

[valeriek]

I did try the treadmill, and it was nice to change, but I think my workout on the bike was more intense. I certainly work up a bigger sweat on the bike (lovely thought - sorry if I'm grossing somebody out!). I could have used the treadmill at too low a setting though. I think the real key is to alternate some. On the plus side, I had enough energy after doing the treadmill that I extended my work-out and did my wieght regimen (usually I alternate days - my long bike work-out one day, the weights the next). I really want to try an aerobics class, but I have a coordination issue (I have none!). Like I said, I really think what I took out of this discussion was the idea to switch things up and try something new. Do you think people would laugh if I tried the step aerobics class and tripped over the step?!!!