Treadmill vs Bike: Explore Tips On Picking The Best For You
If you are having difficulty deciding which one is better for you then this article on treadmill vs bike will give the information you need to decide which one of these two pieces of exercise equipment will best meet your needs and exercise goals.
If you are having difficulty deciding which one is better for you then this article on treadmill vs bike will give the information you need to decide which one of these two pieces of exercise equipment will best meet your needs and exercise goals.
The two most common pieces of largeexercise equipment most people purchase for home use are treadmills and exercise bikes. However, unless you have a healthy budget and a large space in your home (or garage) to make a dedicated home gym then you are going to have to decide whether to purchase atreadmill or exercise bike.
So let’s dig deeper and explore the differences between the two, the sub-categories that fall within each major category and benefits of each as workout machine.
Types Of Treadmills
There are basically three different types of treadmills, although there are several different feature options available for each type. Here is a look at the three basic types of treadmills available for home use.
Manual Treadmill
Manual treadmills are made using a roller type belt and the belt of the treadmill only turns as you walk or run. The good thing about a manual treadmill is that it will only go as fast as your feet can go giving you full control of the speed at which you exercise. Manual treadmills are normally lighter and the least expensive of the three types of treadmills. However, they normally have narrow belts and are more flimsy than electrical treadmills. They are better suited for walking than running.
Motorized Treadmills
A Motorized treadmill has a belt that is driven by an electric motor. You normally have a choice of speeds you can select for walking, jogging and running. Motorized treadmills are normally heavier and more durable than manual treadmills, provide a smoother walking/running experience, offer more features, have wider belts and cost a good deal more than manuals although prices can vary a good deal.
Folding Treadmills
Folding treadmills many either be manual or motorized are designed so that the base of the treadmill raises vertically so that the treadmill takes up less space when not being used. Most folding treadmills have wheels so that you easily wheel the treadmill into a corner and wheel it out again when you want to exercise.
Like Treadmills there are also different types ofexercise bikesmade for home use.
The different types of bikes include:
Upright Bikes
An upright bike looks a lot like an outdoor bike and is normally used for people who want light cardio exercise and tolose weight.
Upright exercise bikes normally come with a few options and are fairly inexpensive to purchase although prices can vary considerably when consider the quality of each bike.
Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes are built closer to the floor than other types of exercise bikes and they have a more comfortable seat with a back and the pedals are in front of the seat instead of directly below. Recumbent exercise bikes are best suited to older individuals, and those with back and knee problems. They can give you a lightcardio workoutand help you to lose weight.
Fan Bikes
Fan bikes are a type of indoor cycling bike. They have a large fan in place of a front wheel and resistance is controlled by how fast you pedal. Fan bikes are great for losing weight, building stamina, cardio workouts (they work the entire body because the handlebars move back and forth as your pedal) and can be use for High Intensity interval training
Spin Bikes
Spin bikes are a brand name for a specific type of indoor cycling bikes made by Mad Dogg Athletics. Spin bikes are perfect for getting a high intensity workout and really bring your heart rate up.
Folding Bikes
A folding bike is an upright bike that is made to be folded and easily stored when not in use. Folding exercise bikes aren’t as durable as bikes with one piece frames.
Now that you know the different types of treadmills and exercise bikes you have to choose from in the treadmill vs bike debate lets take a look at some of some the main features of each.
The Case For Choosing Treadmills: Important Workout Features To Watch
While treadmills may come with a variety of optional features depending on how much you want to pay, but here are some standard features you can expect to find on any treadmill.
Motor
Except for manual treadmills, all treadmills come with a motor. The more powerful the motor the faster the belt can move allowing for full out running.
Incline
Most treadmills have an incline setting that is like walking up hill. In most cases you can set the incline level from 0.5% up to around 12%.
Deck
The deck is the hard surface on which you run. Some decks are quite small measuring only 16 inches wide and 52 inches long. If you plan on running you want a deck that is at least 18 inches wide and 58 inches long.
Belt
The belt is the actual rubber surface on which you run. The rubber should be strong and not have a slippery surface.
Capacity
This is the amount of weight a treadmill should be able to bear without breaking.
Storage
With the exception of fold up treadmills, this type of exercise equipment needs a lot of space to be stored unless you plan on dissembling it.
The Case For Exercise Bikes: Important Features To Watch
Comparing the features of treadmills vs bikes is like comparing apples and oranges. However you do need to the features of both to decide which piece of exercise equipment will be most suited to your needs.
Here are the main features to look for in exercise bikes:
Frame
Most exercise bike’s frames are a modified version of a road bike’s frame.
Seat
Saddle seats are the most common seats found on exercise bikes, although recumbent bikes have seat more like a chair than a bicycle seat.
Handlebars
Handlebars on exercise bikes are like the seats in that they mostly resemble the handlebars found on road bikes or beach cruisers. However, fan bikes have long handles that move back and forth as you pedal.
Pedals
There are normally two types of pedals found on exercise bikes those that have toe straps and allow you to wear any type of athletic shoes and those that require special shoes with spikes.
Storage
Most exercise bikes take up a good deal of room, but can usually be store in a corner of a room or left out.
Benefits & Disadvantages Pros of Treadmill vs Bike at a glance:
When considering a treadmill vs exercise bike you will find that both types of exercise equipment have their pros and cons. Here is a look at the pros and cons of both treadmills and exercise bikes.
Benefits of Treadmill vs Bike
Can walk, job, or run allowing some variety in workouts
Easy to use
Can use in all types of weather
Burns more calories that some exercise bikes
Easier on joints than running out of doors
Demerits of Treadmill vs Bike
Require more storage space
Boring to use after a while
While you can increase incline there is no decline
When it comes to treadmill vs bike which should you choose. The answer is simple, choose the one you most likely to use on a regular basis and that you have space for in your home.
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