Which Is Better: A Stationary Bike or a Stair Climber?

Regular exercise such as stationary cycling or stair climbing is an effective way to stay healthy, MayoClinic.com notes. Stationary cycling or using a stair climber for just 30 minutes daily increases stamina, strengthens the heart and lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke. Although both forms of exercise are effective, they do have some subtle differences that make them better suited for some people than others.

  1. Weight Loss and Calories Burned

    • The stationary bike and stair climber are effective exercise machines for weight loss. However, they burn calories at different rates. People who weigh between 125 and 185 pounds who use the stair climber for 30 minutes burn between 180 to 266 calories, Harvard Health Publications notes. They would burn between 210 to 311 calories if they use a stationary bike for the same time. This makes the stationary bike more appealing to people who need to get the most out of a 30-minute exercise routine.

    Convenience and Space

    • Both the stationary bike and stair climber are convenient and easy to use. However, they also take up considerable space, depending on their make and build, CanadianLiving.com notes. People who have a small living space should consider getting a machine that is compact and easy to store when not in use. The stair climber is probably the more convenient of the two, because models are available that take up less space than most stationary bikes.

    Low Impact

    • Stationary cycling and stair climbing provide rigorous exercise that is also low impact, CanadianLiving.com notes. This makes both machines ideal for people concerned about injuring their joints. They allow the exerciser to work muscle groups without stressing the joints through repeated high impact movements such as with jogging. However, stationary bikes tend to work the lower body and legs more than the upper body, WeightLossForAll.com notes. Supplementing stationary cycling with other exercises that work out the rest of the body is a good way to offset this deficiency.

    Price

    • Regardless of pros and cons, when it comes right down to it, price is a major deciding factor when choosing exercise equipment. Stair climbers are relatively pricier. A basic model will cost about $1,000, BigFitness.com notes. A higher-end model can set someone back over $4,000. Stationary bikes are cheaper. A basic stationary bike costs about $250, GaltTech.com notes. A more expensive model can approach $3,000. Consider models that fit both your exercise needs and your budget.