When it comes to gym equipment, the popular ones are the cycling machines and treadmills. Both of these are cardio machines, mostly used in fitness gyms and at home workout spaces. Know that both these machines have different roles to play and are used for different purposes, but many people get confused in choosing them. So, let’s have a detailed look at both of these in the blog to see their suitability for different individuals.
Understanding the Cycling Machine
The cycling machine, as the name suggests, is a stationary exercise machine that has a seat and pedals and mimics riding a bicycle. It is one of the low-impact exercise machines that is best for indoor workouts. The cycling machine is best for lower body exercise as it strengthens the legs, calves, and glutes, and burns calories.
The cycling machines come with heavy flywheels that require hard pedaling for their movement, to maintain the speed, and some even come with different difficulty levels for athletes to train on.
Research conducted to understand how effective the cycling machines are found that indoor cycling helped many people improve their stamina, blood pressure, and aerobic capacity. In short, cycling promises multiple benefits and maintains your overall health.
Types of Cycling Machines
The following are the types of cycling machines available for you in the market:
Upright Bike: These bikes are like traditional bikes, with the rider in a slightly leaning position, and offer the choice of being seated or standing. This encourages the upper body and lower body muscles while paddling.
Recumbent Bikes: The upright bike has a seat closer to the ground and a backrest that prevents any muscle strain during the workout. It promises a powerful cardiovascular workout that engages the lower-body muscles.
Semi-Recumbent Bikes: As the name suggests, they are a blend of upright and recumbent bikes. It provides an inclined riding posture with back support. This type of cycling machine is usually opted for by older people or those with joint issues for increased comfort.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cycling Machines
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the cycling machines that you need to know:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Low-impact exercise. | No upper body workout. |
| Suitable for those recovering from injuries. | Low calories burned than the treadmills (in some cases) |
| Fewer chances of falling or injuries as it has a seating space. |
Understanding Treadmill
Unlike a cycling machine that involves pedaling, the treadmill mimics the running, jogging, or walking motions. It is also one of the cardiovascular machines that has a high impact, as it includes an intense body workout.
The treadmill comes with a never-ending belt, on which the user stands and mimics the motions.
Types of Treadmills
If you are thinking of getting a treadmill, know its following different types to make a wise decision:
Manual Treadmills: As the name suggests, the manual treadmills have the powerless self-tuning belts. The movement of the belt completely depends on the strength of your legs.
Motorized: Unlike the manual treadmills, the motorized ones use power for their movements. The motor is responsible for moving the belt and comes with the option of adjusting the speed and incline.
Curved Treadmills: This type of treadmill has a curved surface that is suitable for running or sprinting. The curved surface means more pressure on your legs for moving, which increases the calorie burn.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Treadmill
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the treadmills that you need to know:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Burns calories in less time. | High-impact exercise |
| No storage issues (some are foldable and take up less space) | Might lead to sciatica or back pain |
| Adjustable speed and managed control |
Cycling Machine vs Treadmill – What To Choose?
Those looking for a cardio machine aim to burn calories, which makes people wonder whether to opt for a cycling machine or a treadmill. Both of these machines differ from each other in the following ways:
| Features | Cycling Machine | Treadmill |
| Impact | Less intensive exercise | High-impact exercise, as you bear your own weight |
| Calorie Burn | Requires more time for calorie burn | Burns more calories in less time |
| Muscles Involvement | Lower body | Lower body (but includes upper body muscles too for balancing) |
| Safety | Easy stability and less risk of falling | Requires body stability and has a high chance of falling |
Conclusion
Just like people get confused between the elliptical and treadmills, choosing between the cycling machines and treadmills is another debate. They are cardio gym machines, suitable for losing fat, but might not suit everybody.
For instance, a treadmill offers high-impact exercise, which means there are chances for muscle strains or joint pain. On the other hand, the cycling machine mimics the cyclic activity and has a seat, offering low-impact exercises. Consider all of these factors for making the right decision.
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