Stationary Bike vs Treadmill Running
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Treadmill Running burns more per minute than Stationary Bike — MET 9 vs 7.5. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Stationary Bike and Treadmill Running and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Stationary Bike vs Treadmill Running: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Treadmill Running more often — 52,244 sessions compared to 22,212 for Stationary Bike.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Stationary Bike and Treadmill Running differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Stationary Bike and Treadmill Running Differ
| What differs | Stationary Bike | Treadmill Running |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves | quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 22,212 sessions | 52,244 sessions |
How to Do Stationary Bike
Stationary Bike Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Adjust the height of the saddle so that the leg pressing the pedal does not fully extend and can be slightly bent.
- 2. Relax your shoulders and maintain a straight line with your back while shifting your center of gravity backward.
- 3. When pedaling, always keep your knees in a straight line and be careful not to let them drift outward.
- 4. To build thigh muscles, focus on the downward force in a vertical direction, and for smooth legs, apply pulling force to move the pedal before it reaches the bottom.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to let your knees spread apart or come together.
For a full Stationary Bike guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Stationary Bike exercise guide.
How to Do Treadmill Running
Treadmill Running Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Adjust the speed and incline on the treadmill, hold onto the handles, and start slowly.
- 2. Once you reach your desired speed, run while swinging your arms naturally.
- 3. At the end of your workout, reduce the speed, and get off once the treadmill has completely stopped.
Coach's Tips
- If your knees are not good, do not raise the angle, hold onto the handrail, and walk slowly.
For a full Treadmill Running guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Treadmill Running exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Stationary Bike or Treadmill Running?
Planfit users log Treadmill Running more often — 52,244 sessions against 22,212 for Stationary Bike. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Stationary Bike and Treadmill Running work the same muscles?
Not quite. Stationary Bike loads quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, and Treadmill Running loads quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves.
What equipment do Stationary Bike and Treadmill Running need?
Stationary Bike needs a machine, and Treadmill Running needs a machine.
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