reclining bike vs. treadmill

[aussiechik]

I prefer to do my cardio on a reclining bike rather than a treadmill as i feel like im working harder on the bike. I can really feel it in the buttocks and thighs and it really raises my heart rate. I usually do about 30 mins on the bike and then ten minutes on the treadmill to loosen the muslces back up a bit, as they get really tight using the bike. Is this ok? Is the treamill better for cardio? I personally like the bike also because i can read a book wile im doing it, which makes the time seem to go faster and lets me ignore the burning muscles.

 

[JJFigure]

I've actually been offered a club grade recumbent bike at a very low price, so I'm thinking about picking it up. If your heart rate is elevated and the muscles are burning, it's a good form of cardio.

 

[wilson6]

Either one is fine. I tell clients to do what they like. I think you'll find less impact related problems (foot, knee and hip) with the bike than with the treadmill. Easier on the lower back as well.

W6

 

[aussiechik]

Thankyou for the feedback.
Just one more question. Ive been told that i wont burn as much fat on the bike as i will on the treadmill because my body weight is being supported., But i really feel it is a harder workout for me. Is this true about not burning as much fat? Or cals even.

 

[Sassy69]

I switch between regular bike, stair master & step mill for cardio.

I don't know that one is really better than the other - except that the point is to get your heart rate increased.

 

[b fold the truth]

I wish that they could turn a love seat into a cardio machine....

B True

 

[wilson6]

"Ive been told that i wont burn as much fat on the bike as i will on the treadmill because my body weight is being supported."

Depends on what level of intensity you have the bike set at. Monitor your heart rate.

People that tell you this have no clue.

For someone that weighs 300 lbs, I'd start them on a bike because just walking for some of them on a treadmill is too much to begin because of their weight. For a normal person, either is fine. So yes, their bodyweight dictates intensity, but it can be matched on the bike by adjusting the workload.

W6