Difference between Treadmill and Cycling

Key Difference: Treadmills and stationary cycles or bikes are two important exercise machines used in gyms. Treadmills simulate a running or walking motion while being stationary in one place. Cycling refers to a workout exercise on stationary bikes. Treadmills burn more calories per hour than in comparison to a stationary bike. On the other hand, cycling is preferred for convenience and low eqipment cost.

Treadmills and stationary cycles or bikes are two important exercise machines used in gyms. Treadmills simulate a running or walking motion while being stationary in one place. They are often recommended for cardiovascular exercise. It consists of a moving pavement on which one walks or runs.

Treadmills are recommended for losing weight, toning and fighting cellulite, keeping heart and joints in shape, etc. It provides the same kind of experience as one is walking or running on a road. According to Wikipedia “the first consumer treadmill for home use was developed by William Staub, a mechanical engineer”.

Generally, treadmills are equipped with a monitor to keep a check on the heart or pulse rate. It also provides the information about the calories burned, distance covered and even total speed. The biggest advantage of treadmills is that one does not require worrying about walking or running in a bad weather outside. The similar kind of exercise can be done on a treadmill. One can also increase the incline in order to train in cardiovascular effectiveness and muscular durability.

Cycling in a gym refers to cycling in a stationary bike. Cycling is already recommended for a variety of health benefits. It helps in increasing flexibility and muscle strength. It is also known to strengthen bones. Apart from these, there are several health advantages of cycling. The bikes that are used for cycling in gyms are different from the ones that are used normally. These bikes are equipped with a fly wheel. It has been included in the bike to provide the resistance as one pedals.

Treadmill and exercise bikes have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Treadmills burn more calories per hour than in comparison to a stationary bike, at the same intensity. A treadmill sometimes gives a challenging edge over the stationary bikes while dealing with the variable speeds. Exercise bikes can be considered to be more safer than exercise bikes as there is no danger of keeping the pace with the belt. Exercise bikes are also cheaper than treadmills.

Comparison between Treadmill and Cycling:

	Treadmill	Cycling
General Definition	Treadmills simulate a running or walking motion while being stationary in one place	Cycling refers to a workout exercise on stationary bikes.
Cost	Comparatively expensive	Comparatively cheap
Advantages	Workouts in treadmill help in toning and strengthening the lower body Provide a feature for incline or variable speeds One can watch TV or movie while exercising on a treadmill Burn more calories per hour than cycling on the same intensity	Least impact on joints; therefore people with knee problems can use them Good exerciser of the upper thigh muscles One can easily read a book or magazine during cycling Strengthens the quadriceps and hamstrings, and involves the use of the gastrocnemius, anterior tibialis, and ankle joints People with special spine or lower extremity conditions prefer a bike
Types	Types of treadmills – Manual – they do not run on electricity Motorised – possess a rotating belt driven by an electric motor Hybrids	Types of exercise bikes include – Upright Stationary Exercise Bike Recumbent Stationary Exercise Bike Dual-Action Stationary Bike Exercise Indoor cycles Interactive exercise bikes
Impact	Low or high Impact	Non-impact