Exercise bike vs treadmill – Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between a treadmill or an exercise bike, it can be a difficult decision, but it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the fitness goals that you are working towards, as both machines offer a great cardiovascular workout.

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the advantages of exercise bikes and treadmills, and comparing the two machines, to help you decide which exercise machine is more suited to your needs.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Treadmill?

A treadmill is a highly versatile exercise machine that offers a number of advantages for individuals who are wanting to improve their fitness levels and work towards their goals. As well as providing a high-impact workout that can be great for burning up a sweat, treadmills also allow for a variety of lower impact workouts, including walking, and interval training. The main benefits of using a treadmill for your workouts includes:

• Convenience
• Customisable workouts
• Joint-friendly alternative to road running
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Easily monitor progress (especially on a smart treadmill)

Unlike exercise bikes, treadmills are a weight bearing exercise, whereby you carry your own weight as you run or walk, which is beneficial for building bone density and strengthening your legs and core. Treadmills are also more accessible for individuals who have mobility issues and are unable to mount a bike, and the treadmill settings can be changed to suit all fitness levels.

What Are the Advantages of Using an Indoor Exercise Bike?

An exercise bike is also great at fitness machine for individuals who are wanting to work towards their exercise goals and build their fitness levels from the comfort of their own home. An exercise bike offers a low-impact workout that is easier on your joints, whilst also enabling you to improve your cardiovascular endurance. The main advantages of using an exercise bike include:

• Convenience
• Low-impact exercise
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Adjustable resistance to increase workout intensity
• Strengthens lower body

Unlike treadmills, exercise bikes offer a low-impact workout which is easier on the joints, making this a more suitable fitness machine for those who are suffering with joint pain and injuries. They are also a quitter at home workout option, perfect for someone who lives in an apartment building.

How to Choose Between the Two?

If you are choosing between a treadmill or an exercise bike, then it is important to consider your fitness goals and any injuries or conditions you may have. If you are wanting to build bone density, or are training for a race, then a treadmill may be the better option, but if you are looking for a more low-impact workout option, then an exercise bike may be the better choice. We would also recommend choosing a machine that you enjoy using and that you are more likely to use.

Choosing Echelon

At Echelon, we have a wide range of exercise bikes for you to choose from. Paired with the exclusive Echelon Fit App, you can access live and on-demand classes 24/7, and race your way up the Leaderboard! Find out more about the Echelon Premier Membership here.

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