Biking vs Treadmill: If you are trying to lose weight or get fit, you might ask yourself: “Is biking better than a treadmill for burning calories?”
This is a common question for beginners. Both exercises are great for your heart, help you lose weight, and improve fitness. But which one burns more calories and gives better results?
In this article, we will compare biking and treadmill workouts. You will learn how many calories they burn, what muscles they work, how they affect your joints, and which one may be better for you.
1. Calories Burned While Biking vs Treadmill
The number of calories you burn is influenced by your body weight, the duration of your workout, and the intensity of your physical activity.
Biking:
If you ride a bike at a moderate speed (about 16–20 km/h) for 30 minutes:
- A person weighing 60 kg burns around 240 calories.
- A person weighing 70 kg burns around 280 calories.
- A person weighing 80 kg burns about 320+ calories.
- If you ride faster or go uphill, you burn even more.
Treadmill:
If you walk at 5 km/h for 30 minutes:
- Jogging at 8 km/h for half an hour will result in calorie burn that varies based on your weight and effort.
If you run at 8 km/h for 30 minutes:
- You can burn 300–400 calories or more.
So, running on a treadmill usually burns more calories in less time, but biking can still burn a lot especially if you ride longer or harder.
Checkout your calorie burned by using bike calorie calculator.
2. Muscles Used in Biking and Treadmill
Biking:
Cycling primarily engages your leg muscles, making them do the bulk of the effort. You use your thighs, calves, and glutes (butt muscles). If you sit straight and keep balance, your back and core (stomach area) muscles also help.
Treadmill:
When walking or running on a treadmill, your legs and glutes are active. If you don’t hold the handrails, your core works more. Running also moves your arms, so you get a light upper body workout too.
Both exercises are good for the legs. Treadmill workouts may involve more parts of the body, especially if you run.
Also read: Calorie Burned: Cycling vs Running vs Walking – What’s Best for You?
3. Joint Impact: Which Is Easier on Your Body?
Biking:
Riding a bike is easy on your joints. It is called a “low-impact” workout. Your knees and ankles don’t get much pressure, so it is safe even if you have joint pain or are overweight.
Treadmill:
Walking is not too hard on the joints, but running is a “high-impact” activity. Each time your feet strike the ground, impact travels through your knees, hips, and spine — and without proper care, this repeated stress can lead to discomfort or injury over time.
If you want to protect your joints, biking is usually the better choice.
4. Weight Loss Benefits
Both biking and treadmill workouts can help you lose weight if you do them regularly and eat healthy.
Biking:
You can bike for a long time without getting very tired. That helps you burn more fat. It’s also fun to ride outdoors, which keeps you motivated. You can also use a stationary bike indoors with resistance to make the workout harder.
Treadmill:
Running burns more calories quickly, so it is great for faster weight loss. But it can be tiring. Not everyone can run for 30 minutes daily. Even walking can help with weight loss, if you do it often and eat right.
In both cases, the key is to stay active and be consistent.
5. Convenience and Where You Can Exercise
Biking:
You can ride a bicycle outside, or use a stationary bike at home or the gym. Outdoor biking is fun, but weather and traffic can make it hard sometimes. You’ll also need a good bicycle, helmet, and some space.
Treadmill:
You can use a treadmill at home or in a gym anytime. You don’t need to worry about the weather. However treadmills are expensive to buy, and not everyone has space at home. Going to the gym regularly can also be a challenge for some.
Both are good options. Choose what fits your schedule and budget better.
6. Which Is More Fun and Keeps You Motivated?
Biking:
Riding outdoors feels exciting. You see different places, feel the breeze, and enjoy the ride. It doesn’t feel like exercise, so many people do it longer and more often.
Treadmill:
Running or walking on a treadmill can feel boring. You are in one place and it can get repetitive. But you can watch TV, listen to music, or use fitness apps to make it more interesting.
The more fun your workout is, the easier it is to stick to. So, choose the one that keeps you moving happily.
Final Thoughts – Which Is Better for You?
So, is biking better than a treadmill for burning calories?
Treadmill running burns more calories in less time, but biking is gentler on your joints and often more fun. Both are great for fitness and weight loss.
If you love outdoor activity and want something low-impact, biking is perfect. If you like quick, powerful workouts and have no joint pain, treadmill running is a great option.
You don’t have to choose only one. Many people switch between the two during the week for variety.
The most effective exercise is the one you look forward to and can stick with consistently. Stay active, eat healthy, and track your progress using a calorie calculator – like the one on your website.