It would probably not be wrong to say that treadmills and exercise bikes are among the most common and popular exercise equipment. They can be seen everywhere, from commercial gyms and fitness studios to even home workout spaces. And why not? Both are excellent ways to train indoors if stepping out to exercise does not please you much, especially in the sweltering heat.
However, there are some important differences between the two pieces of equipment that you must know about in order to make an informed choice in case you plan to invest in one. So, we talked to an expert to understand which might be better for you.
According to Utsav Agrawal, fitness coach, FITTR, treadmill workouts provide an effective form of aerobic exercise, which can improve heart health, strengthen the cardiovascular system and increase endurance. “They offer adjustable speed and incline settings, allowing you to customise your workout intensity and target different muscle groups. Treadmills usually come equipped with features such as heart rate monitors, calorie counters, and distance trackers, enabling you to monitor and track your progress over time,” he told indianexpress.com.
On the other hand, exercise bikes provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout, reducing stress on joints while still improving heart health and endurance. “Cycling engages the muscles of the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes, helping to strengthen and tone these muscle groups. They offer adjustable resistance levels, allowing you to customise the intensity of your workout and progressively challenge yourself. Moreover, the seated position on an exercise bike reduces stress on the joints, making it a suitable option for individuals with joint problems or those recovering from injuries,” he informed.
But which is better for weight loss?
The fitness expert said that both treadmill workouts and exercise bike sessions can contribute to weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. “However, working out on the treadmills tend to help burn more calories per hour compared to exercise bikes as they engage more muscle groups, including the upper body if you choose to use the handrails. The impact on weight loss ultimately depends on the intensity, duration and consistency of the workout rather than the specific equipment,” he continued.
Here are some tips that you should keep in mind while exercising on a treadmill and exercise bike:
- Warm-up: Begin each workout with a 5-10 minute warm-up to prepare your muscles and increase blood flow.
- Proper form: Maintain good posture and alignment during both workouts. On a treadmill, keep your head up, shoulders relaxed, and arms swinging naturally. When using an exercise bike, adjust the seat height and position to ensure a slight bend in your knees when the pedal is at its lowest point.
- Gradual progression: Start at a comfortable intensity and gradually increase the speed, incline, or resistance as your fitness level improves. Avoid sudden or excessive increases to prevent injury.
- Cooling down: End each workout with a 5–10-minute cool down period, gradually reducing the intensity to allow your heart rate and breathing to return to normal.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated before, during and after your workouts.
Concluding, the expert noted that the choice between the two depends on personal preference, fitness level and individual circumstances. “It’s important to choose an exercise modality that you enjoy and can stick to in the long run.”
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Credit: indianexpress.com
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