Stationary Bike vs Treadmill?

[Anonymous]

Can any of the more experienced out there help me choose between these two pieces of exercise equipment? I older and just trying to stay active (not really buff, TBH). I would use the treadmill for walks, not running. Like maybe a few times a week, a few miles per day. Is there a big difference in prize or space needed? Do you find one is easier to stick with? Thanks. (And if there are brands that you prefer, again not for running, please share). Thx!

[Anonymous]

A treadmill is easily double or triple the space needs of a stationary bike. There's also the issue of locating it where you want if you get a good one. My Peloton weighs 70 pounds, the treadmill I want is 300 pounds.

[Anonymous]

Thank you. Sorry for not knowing what maybe should have been obvious. But thanks to DCUM for letting me pick your brain.

Since I live in an upper floor condo (with no elevator!), weight is an issue, as is size.

[Anonymous]

I feel like walking is a better overall activity if you can only pick one. I would get the treadmill if I could only pick one thing, although I do enjoy my bike.

[Anonymous]

Runner here. I think you should consider the bike. Walking outside (running outside) is really great on the days that it's temperate enough to get out, and the bike fills the gap on those days and works different muscles. This way you can do both, but also have a built in reason for that fresh air on good days.

[Anonymous]

Interesting question here.

We have a bike (non-Peteton) and a treadmill. As I just hit 50, I have a hard time running consistently due to the pounding on my knees and hips (lifelong athlete with a number of old knee injuries). Let me throw a few observations/thoughts out here and I welcome others' feedback.

Pro-Treadmill: I "feel" like I can get a more well-rounded workout even by walking at a brisk pace (I try to go at 4.2 MPH). As I get older, I anticipate walking will better help avoid balance issues. I assume it will work more muscles -- back, arms, and shoulders -- than bike.

Pro-Bike: Insightful comment above at always being able to walk outside, so bike can be a good change of pace. Even at what I consider a moderate pace -- 20 MPH at 4 out of 10 tension -- my heart rate gets higher than walking at 4.2 mph (though I suppose inclining the treadmill will increase strain/effort, I might try that). But I just don't "feel" like I get as much of a workout on the bike.

Con-Bike: The repetitive motion of the bike is tougher on my knees than brisk walk.

[Anonymous]

I am not 50, I am 35, but I have feet issues and I don't know if this is an issue for you but for my personal brand of foot and pelvic issues (thanks pregnancy!) the bike is far easier to stick with because it doesn't aggravate those issues. If your issues are knee based like pp then maybe the opposite holds true.

I would say though if you're just walking on a treadmill you do not need a super fancy one so from a weight perspective you should be able to manage with either choice. Many smaller ones fold up as well so take up less space.

[Anonymous]

I’m in my 50’s and own both. If I had to choose one, I’d choose bike in your situation (living in a condo). You can always walk outside as long as you’re dressed for the weather. I run outside down into the 20’s F. Biking outside is more dangerous due to cars and ice.

[Anonymous]

In a condo I definitely say bike. Much less space and I agree that you can walk outside when the weather is nice.

[Anonymous]

I had a treadmill a few years ago and would never buy one again. Too bulky and too noisy. As PPs have said, walking outside is so much better. If you want a better full-body workout, get a rowing machine.

[Anonymous]

I have a non-peloton bike but use the peloton app while I ride. I am 50 and have the beginnings of foot/toe arthritis, so the bike is the perfect thing for me because I can use the clip-in shoes which help immensely.

In the past, I had a manual Nordic Track "Walk Fit" which I loved (my ILs still have one) - you could look for one of those on ebay if you like. Not noisy and very compact.

But I do agree with the other posters that walking outside is pretty easy, so probably not worth getting a treadmill for that.

[Anonymous]

If you have someone who lives below you, I would NOT get a treadmill.

[Anonymous]

Treadmills are impossible to resell or move. Get a cheap exercise bike. They’re great. (I’m not an athlete.) I agree with above. Go outside for walks.