Indoor Cycle Bike vs. Regular Exercise Bike

The cardio section of the local gym probably has several upright stationary bikes, recumbent bikes and possibly spinning bikes and so you may wonder which one will most effectively help you achieve your physical fitness goals. Some bike variations might be better for you compared to some others.

  1. Things in Common

    • Whether you’re using a spin bike or an upright stationary bike, you’re getting an effective cardiovascular workout while you condition the muscles in your lower body. You're specifically targeting your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hip flexors and the gluteal muscles. Any type of exercise bike will make you work up a sweat and burn a substantial number of calories if you train hard enough.

    The Spinning Difference

    • Spinning bikes are meant to simulate street racing in an indoor environment. You generally have the same freedoms with your range of motion, for example, you can stand up and lean your body forward while pedaling for an extremely intense lower body workout. These bikes are meant for grinding and sprinting, and they can simulate hill climbing and offer a tough workout. This is why spinning classes have become such a popular cardiovascular activity -- they blast major calories.

    Using Stationary Bikes

    • When using regular stationary bikes, you can't get the same range of movement you get with spinning bikes. Though you can’t stand and grind with them, you can still get a great cardiovascular workout with one, and the same goes for the recumbent stationary bikes, which are the ones with a lowered, reclined and cushioned seat. Stationary bikes are easy to use, which make them very user friendly and thus particularly beneficial for beginners.

    Intensity Levels

    • With a spinning bike, the intensity of the workout is controlled with a resistance knob that is attached to the flywheel. On a stationary, an upright or a recumbent bike, you may select from pre-programmed levels that simulate various types of terrains. You may also choose the randomize mode, which allows the machine to alter resistance on its own. Though it may seem limiting to stick with the presets of a stationary bike, you'll nonetheless get an excellent cardiovascular workout that’s easier to stick with on a long-term basis, especially if you’re just starting out. Spinning bikes offer an intensity that beginners may shy away from.