Treadmill vs Bike for Home Gym: Best Options

Mar 12, 2025

By Spencer Cawley

Treadmill vs Bike for Home Gym: Best Options

Key Takeaways

Treadmills + exercise bikes both bring the heat—but the right pick depends on your goals, space, and budget.
Want max calorie burn + incline training? A treadmill will push you harder + take your workouts to the next level.
Need a joint-friendly, low-impact ride? An exercise bike keeps it smooth while still building endurance.
Treadmills need more space + TLC; bikes are compact, budget-friendly, and easy to maintain.
Our SOLE treadmills + bikes are comfortable, durable, and built for performance.

Treadmill vs Bike—Which Should You Get?

When you’re setting up a home gym, one of the first decisions is choosing the right cardio machine. Treadmills and exercise bikes are two of the best options.

If you want a high-calorie burn, incline training, and a more intense cardio session—go for a treadmill. But if you need a low-impact, space-saving, and endurance-friendly machine, an exercise bike may be the smarter choice.

Let’s look at their key differences so you can find the best option for your fitness journey!

At SOLE, we're proud to offer top-quality exercise equipment designed for home and gym use. Our machines are built to meet the highest standards of durability and performance, making them ideal for fitness enthusiasts at any level.

SOLE Products

SOLE Treadmills: Engineered for durability and performance, these treadmills feature advanced cushioning, quiet motors, and spacious running surfaces for a comfortable workout.
SOLE Ellipticals: Built for smooth, quiet operation, these ellipticals offer adjustable stride lengths, incline options, and heart rate monitoring for a full-body workout.
SOLE Bikes: Designed for comfort and efficiency, these bikes provide a quiet, stable ride with adjustable seating, user-friendly consoles, and heart rate monitor compatibility for all fitness levels.
SOLE SRVO: With a sleek, compact design and motorized resistance system, this innovative weightlifting solution makes strength training effortless and efficient. Built-in transport wheels ensure effortless movement and storage.
SOLE Strength: From adjustable dumbbells to Olympic barbells, these strength products support functional training and progressive muscle growth.
SOLE Rower: With dual magnetic and air resistance, this rower ensures a smooth, quiet experience. Adjustable foot pedals, an ergonomic seat, and a foldable design provide comfort and convenience for a full-body workout.

Treadmill vs Bike: Key Differences

Feature	Treadmill	Exercise Bike
Workout Type	Full-body cardio (walking, jogging, running)	Lower-body endurance (cycling)
Calorie Burn	Higher—running burns more than cycling	Moderate—depends on resistance + intensity
Impact on Joints	High-impact—especially on your knees + ankles	Low-impact—easy on your joints
Space Requirements	Needs more space, but some fold for storage	Compact—fits in small spaces
Versatility	Speed + incline adjustments for varied workouts	Resistance levels to increase intensity
Cost & Maintenance	Higher upfront cost, more maintenance	Generally cheaper, low maintenance

Run, jog, walk, or sprint—whatever your speed, a treadmill keeps you moving toward your goals.

Why Choose a Treadmill?

Crush Calories & Burn Fat—Fast

Burns more calories per minute than cycling—especially with incline.
Full-body engagement—legs, core, stabilizers, and everything else.
Perfect for interval training—mix it up with sprints, jogs, and walks.

Incline Training & Workout Variety

Adjust speed + incline to simulate outdoor running.
Incline training = stronger legs, bigger calorie burn.
Customizable workouts for beginners + advanced users.

SOLE Treadmill Benefits

Cushion Flex Whisper Deck—reduces joint impact by 40% (only for some models).
Commercial-grade durability—steel frames + high-power motors (up to 4.0 HP).
Foldable designs—perfect for space-saving storage.

Big on fitness, small on space. Exercise bikes fit your home and your routine.

Why Choose an Exercise Bike?

Low-Impact & Joint-Friendly

Easy on joints—perfect for injury recovery or long rides.
Suitable for older adults or those with knee/ankle issues.
Go longer, feel stronger—no pounding, just smooth pedaling.

Compact & Space-Efficient

Takes up less space than a treadmill (big +1!).
Some models fold up or roll away for easy storage.

Great for Endurance & Steady-State Cardio

Perfect for long workouts at moderate intensity.
Strengthens your legs + builds endurance without high impact.

SOLE Exercise Bike Benefits

Whisper-quiet magnetic resistance—smooth, silent cycling.
Heavy-duty steel frame—durable for high-intensity rides.
Adjustable seating + handlebars—customizable for comfort.

Treadmills need a little TLC, but the performance is worth it.

Cost & Maintenance Comparison

Treadmills

Higher upfront cost—because premium features come at a price.
More maintenance—belt lubrication, motor upkeep, but worth it for longevity.
Long-term durability—our SOLE treadmills come with lifetime frame + motor warranties.

Exercise Bikes

More budget-friendly—bikes generally cost less than treadmills.
Minimal maintenance—fewer moving parts, fewer headaches.
Built to last—our SOLE bikes feature steel frames + smooth resistance systems.

Choosing What’s Right for Your Home Gym

Go for a Treadmill If…

You want high-calorie burn + full-body movement.
You enjoy running, jogging, or incline training.
You have the space + budget for it.

Go for an Exercise Bike If…

You need a low-impact, joint-friendly workout.
You have limited space + need compact equipment.
You prefer steady-state cardio that builds endurance over time.

Low impact, high intensity. Our SOLE bikes keep you pushing.

Find Your Cardio SOLEMate Today

Our SOLE treadmills + bikes are built to move with you, challenge you, and keep up with every stride and pedal.

The SOLE F80 brings Cushion Flex Whisper Deck comfort, a 10.1” touchscreen, + incline training. Need a machine that reduces wear + friction? The ST90 has a slat belt design for the smoothest run of your life.

Bike fans! 📣 The SOLE LCB packs 40 resistance levels and a gel-cushioned seat for all-day comfort. For a joint-friendly, powerhouse ride, the SOLE LCR is built for support, endurance, and max performance.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting SOLE+ App integration—hundreds of FREE fitness classes anytime, anywhere.

Shop SOLE treadmills + bikes now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better for weight loss: a treadmill or an exercise bike?

A treadmill is better for weight loss as it burns more calories per minute than an exercise bike. Running, jogging, and incline walking use more muscles and increase energy expenditure. But if you need something low-impact, an exercise bike is still an effective calorie-burning option.

Our high-performance treadmills + bikes are built for every fitness goal. Shop our range TODAY!

What are the maintenance requirements for treadmills vs. exercise bikes?

Treadmills need more maintenance (belt lubrication, motor checks, and deck alignment). Exercise bikes have fewer moving parts, so they’re lower maintenance.

Which saves more space for a home gym?

Exercise bikes are more compact and take up less space than treadmills. Many models fold up or have wheels for easy storage. Treadmills need more floor space + clearance for safe use—especially those with larger decks and incline features.

Which is safer for seniors or those with mobility issues?

An exercise bike is safer for seniors + those with mobility issues. Its stable, seated position and low-impact workout reduces fall risks. Treadmills are more high-impact and need more balance—less suitable for those with stability concerns.