Bike or Treadmill

Hi, Everyone. I don't think I have ever posted here before but I had a question.

I currently have an elliptical. It's gotten pretty boring and I am considering purchasing either a stationary bike or a treadmill. Unfortunately, I don't know much about either! Like, motor or no motor, incline or no incline, and what the heck does air powered mean?

So Treadmill and Stationary Bike owners, state your case and let's see who gets the most votes!

Any tips you can provide on what to look for and what to watch out for would be greatly appreciated. Brands, features, all that good stuff.

Thanks!

I have owned an elliptical for over a year now. I love it, BUT it can get a little boring.

I recently had the opportunity to purchase a spin bike. I got the one that mimics a real bike so It has no motor or computer. I love it!! It just has the knobs to adjust the tension. Its like the ones they have in spin class at the gym

NOw I do 15-20 minutes on the bike and then hop on the elliptical for 15-20.

I have never been on a treadmill so I cant give you advice there. Im not much of a runner.

How about a bicycle and an indoor trainer?  That way you can ride outside when the weather is nice but still get an indoor workout when the weather is bad.  Riding outside is never boring.

Original Post by trhawley:

How about a bicycle and an indoor trainer?  That way you can ride outside when the weather is nice but still get an indoor workout when the weather is bad.  Riding outside is never boring.

 no fair... he took my comment!

personally i love the elliptical. I feel like i get abetter workout on that than i do on a bike or treadmill. But if i would have to choose between them i would choose a treadmill cause i enjoy running. on a bike you can only do one thing and that is riding. treadmills you can walk or run!!

Why can't I have enough money to just buy all three?? :)

It's not that I hate the elliptical, I'm just restless and I have found myself doing it less and less. If I have an elliptical and another machine, I can alternate to keep things semi-interesting.

trhawley, I would love, love, love to be able to ride a bike outside. But my kids are so little right now, they really can't keep up if I want a real workout. When they get a bit older though, you bet!

I am leaning more towards the spin bike that kristnie mentioned. I saw one online for a good price. Seems like the bikes run a bit cheaper than the treadmills do, so for now, I think I'm gonna go with the bike.

Thanks for the input and suggestions.

Hi! I've never done this reply thing... and usually just stay quiet reading the questions and  comments and do my calorie thing... but I feel compelled to put in my two cents as a treadmill fan... 

I started out walking last Sept... and now have worked up to a 6.5 mph run... which i hold for half an hour a day...  I have young kids and I love the freedom my treadmill affords me to run and stay at home... while they're playing or what ever...

I have a "True" brand treadmill with a soft adjustable deck that makes it easier on my knees... and I just love this treadmill!!!  I can work with a heart rate monotor, a pre set program, or just do what i want to do on a manual setting...  When i first started, it watched my heart rate based on my personal specifics i'd plugged in... and it didn't let me overexert yet held a level that pushed me to excell and improve ...  I can grab a half hour of good solid exercise and zone into my iPod and just run... good for my mind, good for the body... and makes me a happier mommy all the way around.

All i can say is after 8 months... i've not tired of it... but rather gotten addicted to it... I have been diligent and devoted to my calorie count here - and my exercise... and now find i'm 41 pounds lighter... slimmed down and happy.

What has peeked my interest - like you... is the cycling...  I've been considering a bike... trainer thing... i love that idea of being able to go inside or outside on good days... or on a trainer inside... to add variation... which is good i've heard - when you can change it up and do different things... so... Gosh, i don't know if this helped... but for what it's worth!  Good luck in your decision!  Hope you repost and let us know what you decided!  :)  

 

Thank you for weighing in, warriorprincess!

I love to run, which is one of the major reasons I wanted a treadmill. I have since lost my stamina because I couldn't keep it up because now I don't have anyone to watch the kids for me while I run. I would love to start again.

The only thing that scares me about treadmills is the cost! They seem so expensive. I guess it's boiling down to a "what I can afford now/what I can afford if I save for a couple of months" decision.

I'd really like to get a treadmill, I know that I will use it and my husband will use it too, so it's good for both of us. Maybe I will buy one of the very inexpensive bikes for now and then next month, make the big purchase and get a treadmill. Then I will have my own home gym, basically!

I just want to add my 2 cents in favor of an indoor trainer for the bike.  I got the Cycleops Fluid Trainer for Christmas and it is AWESOME.  Much less expensive than a treadmill or a stationary bike, compact (we have storage issues in my house), and quiet, so I can use it while my husband is watching TV or is on the computer.  With my iPod, clip shoes and my road bike, I can now create my own personal spin class in my basement!!

http://www.saris.com/p-309-fluid.aspx

Good luck in decisioning!

I would buy a treadmill over a BIKE any day! Bikes are not as good of a work out compared to a treadmill!!! 

What about if you buy an outdoor bike and attach one of those fun trailers to the back of it for the kids? That's what I'm gonna do this summer with my 3 year old! I think They would love it.... all that whizzing around with the air in their faces,and they wouldn't get too hot..... just a thought

I love the treadmill.  I get the benefit of jogging without the harsh impact of the street.  I got the Bodyguard T240 from the recommendation of Treadmill Doctor Reviews http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/Treadmill-Revi ews/BestBuyAwards-Treadmil

It fit in my budget and could handle my size and amount of use. Hope this help