Mobility and physical activity are better than a sedentary lifestyle. It keeps us fit and slows down the process of aging.
Cycling is one form of physical workout which offers two folds benefits. It keeps us in shape and it is fun. Cycling is excellent for cardio and recommended for people with chronic stroke to recover their heart rate.
But should you go for old-fashioned outdoor cycling or opt for indoor spinning? We have compared stationary biking and outdoor cycling to discuss their health benefits.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to decide which one is right for you. We have also included some stationary bike recommendations that will give you the same level of health benefits as traditional outdoor cycling.
Cycling vs. Spinning
Any form of cardio is indubitably good for your health. One research studying the impact of indoor and outdoor cycling showed no difference when it comes to weight loss. That being said, indoor spinning did have a greater impact on body fat percentage, body mass index and physical fitness.
Another research shows that the reason some people prefer outdoor cycling is that they feel they’re enjoying the experience instead of only exerting force. However, the evidence has been quite low.
Most studies recommend indoor cycling to avoid the effects of pollution, poor air quality and bad weather.
The Benefits of A Stationary Bike
Stress-free, intense and ultra-fast workout is what you get from riding a stationary bike – something you can’t expect from an outdoor cycling experience.
Besides its physical benefits, riding an indoor bike is a convenient option when you’re running low on time. There’s no need to sweat over traffic laws and changing a flat tire.
One of the reasons for rising stationary bikes’ rising popularity is that it offers a liberating experience. You can just close your eyes, zone out and let your feet and legs do the magic. This you can’t even think about doing outdoors.Indoor cycling is equivalent to meditating. You sit on the bike with your eyes shut and as you take up pace your breathing becomes heavy.
Another reason these bikes are a better alternative to outdoor cycling is their weighted flywheel which makes it easier to cycle instead of pushing your body weight up a hill or on a road. However, you can adjust and control the difficulty of the spin to make your workout intense.
What Does The Research Say?
Granted, a stationary bike is a safer and more practical option but is it really beneficial for your health?
Studies have shown that combining indoor cycling with strength training improves strength, reduces bad cholesterol levels and increases endurance. That too without needing any significant readjustments to your diet.Only 12 weeks of indoor cycling can drop cholesterol levels which eventually contributes to weight loss.
Another way to look at the benefits of indoor cycling is in the form of calories. How many calories can indoor cycling burn? Harvard Medical School study notes that indoor cycling is the best calorie burner. What matters is the intensity of the workout and the body weight of the rider.
Why Indoor Cycling Rock?
Despite their differences, you get ample workout and calorie burnout with cycling and spinning. However, indoor cycling offers certain benefits that outdoor cycling cannot such as:
Ultra-Efficiency
An indoor cycling session that lasts about 45 to 60 minutes burns guaranteed calories and you can tick off a workout from your to-do list.
Indoor cycling is weather-independent so you can’t make excuses about a snow blizzard or a storm. There’s no need to sign up for a gym membership which you often fail to commit to due to tight schedules.
Killer Workout
Indoor cycling is your best bet if you’re looking for a quick but killer workout. Only a few exercises can hit the same level of calorie burn rate as indoor cycling.
Given its benefits, more fitness centers also offer indoor cycling classes so if you struggle with discipline, you can join one too. Stationary cycling gives an insane amount of workouts.
Tone Body, Train Brain
Indoor cycling isn’t just acardioworkout, it also challenges your brain. Though you can zone out, you also need to keep your brain active throughout the workout. Some stationary bikes allow you to move up and down difficulty levels to keep your brain and body active.
Stationary Bikes: Our Best Picks For You!
Although outdoor cycling lets you breathe in the fresh air, indoor cycling offers your convenience, a faster workout and quick ways to burn calories. The workout pays off and meets your tight routine.
The following stationary bikes are equipped with the best features for cardio at affordable rates:
1. Eulumap Exercise Bike
Eulumap’s exercise bike is perfect for a home gym. With its LCD monitor and tablet holder, this stationary indoor bike ensures an ultimate indoor spinning experience.
Sturdy Frame
The heavy-duty steel frame and flywheel guarantee a stable cycling routine whereas its Drive System offers a quieter and smoother atmosphere throughout the ride so it doesn’t disturb others in the house.
LCD Display
The multifunctional display comes with table brackets to hold your tablet devices. The digital display tracks speed, distance, exercise time and calories burned during the workout so the user can keep tabs on their performance. The machine also allows the user to adjust the workout plan. You can listen to a podcast or music on your tablet device to enjoy the workout.
Adjustable Seat
The handlebar and seat are fully-adjustable to adapt to different users. The seats can adjust in all four ways to ensure a comfortable riding experience for different heights.
Excellent Resistance
The resistance and brake feature is easy-to-use. A simple turn on the knob can decrease or increase the workout difficulty level. Users can push the knob to stop the ride safely and quickly. These convenient operations especially make the Eulumap Exercise Bike an efficient indoor bike.
2. RENPHO Auto Resistance Exercise Bike
A perfectly smart stationary bike, the RENPHO Auto resistance exercise bike features wireless connectivity and is compatible with different cycling apps.
Auto Resistance
This machine comes with auto resistance to mimic pedaling resistance in real-time without making constant adjustments to the bike – something that otherwise breaks the momentum.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The auto resistance function works in conjunction with Bluetooth connectivity to make indoor cycling worthwhile. Users can connect with cycling apps such as Kinomap, Zwift, XERT, AI Gym, and Peloton. Users can stream cycling classes from the comfort of their homes or compete with other bikers worldwide directly.
There are over 70 AI Gym App free classes that don’t require membership. These include 9 scenic rides, 15 professional coach classes, 45 riding challenges, and 5 map rides – just what you need to break a sweat and burn calories.
AI-based Workout
RENPHO auto resistance exercise bike is an AI-optimized machine to customize training and calibrate workouts based on the fitness goals of each user. Riders can train in real-time and keep track of their progress to optimize their cycling efforts.
Quieter Motor
The machine is built with a smart and quieter motor damping design to ensure a smoother rider. No need to worry about waking the family up if you’re riding early in the morning or late at night.
RENPHO auto resistance exercise bike has won the 2022 Good Housekeeping Fitness Award for its intelligently and automatically adjustable resistance levels.
3. ECHANFIT Recumbent Exercise Bike
ECHANFIT recumbent exercise bike comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and a pulse rate monitor – a perfect stationary bike for older people.
LCD Monitor
The large monitor tracks the progress and lets you see pulse rate, calories burned, time, distance, and speed in real-time. Users can connect their devices via Bluetooth to check workout stats and activity reports for their personalized programs.
Seat Adjustment
ECHANFIT recumbent exercise bike features a rail slide system so users can adjust the seats for multiple positions. The quick-release level allows you to adjust the seat without getting off the machine.
The two front-transport wheels make it perfect for indoor storage. You can move the bike easily and store it away when you’re not using it.
8-Magnetic Resistance
This recumbent bike includes eight levels of magnetic resistance for a diverse range of workouts and intensity options. Users can move up and down the resistance levels for a smooth and quiet ride experience.
4. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike
Another exercise bike for adults and seniors, JEEKEE recumbent exercise bike, is a compact stationary cycle for cardio.
Cost-Effective Workouts
If you’re looking for a low-cost home workout machine, JEEKEE recumbent exercise bike is the right option. The machine is designed with the help of rehabilitation professionals to tend to the workout needs of the elderly, pregnant women, obese individuals, and those struggling with waist and knee injuries.
Adjustable Bike
JEEKEE recumbent exercise bike features nine position-adjusted seats for seniors and adults between 4’9 and 6’5 height with 300 lbs and 27” to 39” inseam length.
Bottom Line
Indoor cycling can help burn calories, offer excellent cardio workouts and save time. The aforementioned stationary bikes are all affordable, with modern and smart features to improve the riding experience.
