Treadmill vs Bike for Weight Loss Compared: Pros & Cons

Key Takeaways

• Treadmills torch calories faster (700-1,000+ per hour!), while bikes let you go longer without crushing your joints.
• Want a full-body burn? Treadmills fire up your legs, core, and arms, while bikes lock in on lower-body endurance.
• Bikes = smooth, low-impact rides that keep your knees and hips happy—perfect for injury-free cardio.
• Exercise bikes are compact and budget-friendly, while treadmills bring max versatility.
• No matter your fitness level, our SOLE treadmills + bikes are built to help you hit your goals—let’s get moving!

Treadmill vs. Bike: Which One Burns More Fat?

Trying to pick between a treadmill and a bike for weight loss? Here’s the deal—both can get you there, but the best one depends on your style.

• Treadmill = Max calorie burn. You’re looking at 700-1,000 calories/hour if you go all in.
• Exercise bike = More endurance. Expect 400-600 calories/hour—but with way less joint stress.

Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can pick your perfect fat-burning machine.

Treadmill vs Bike: Calorie Burn & Weight Loss Efficiency

Calorie Burn Comparison

*Based on weight and intensity.

Bottom Line: If you want max burn fast, go for a treadmill. If you prefer long-haul endurance, hop on a bike. Either way, you’re torching calories.

Less stress, more gains. Our cushioned treadmills absorb shock so your knees don’t have to.

Joint Impact & Injury Risk: Which One’s Safer?

Treadmills: High-Impact but Improved Cushioning

• Running puts strain on your knees, ankles, and hips—especially on hard surfaces.
• Our Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces joint impact by up to 40%—making it easier on your body​.
• Incline walking is a lower-impact alternative to running, but it still exerts force on your joints.

Exercise Bikes: Low-Impact & Joint-Friendly

• Cycling is easy on your joints—a go-to for knee pain and injury recovery.
• The seated position keeps pressure off your lower body—a safer long-term option.

Space & Budget: Which One Fits Your Home & Wallet?

Treadmills: Bigger & Pricier, But More Features

• Space Needed: Larger footprint—not ideal for super small spaces.
• Cost Range: $500-$5,000+ (but you get a powerful motor, incline training, etc.).
• Solution: Choose one of our SOLE foldable treadmills!

Exercise Bikes: Compact & Budget-Friendly

• Space Needed: Smaller footprint—fits in corners, under desks, or against walls.
• Cost Range: $200-$2,000+.
• Our SOLE exercise bikes come with adjustable seats + whisper-quiet resistance.

Like riding outdoors? Our exercise bikes mimic real-road resistance for a serious workout.

Workout Versatility: Which Offers More Training Options?

Treadmill: More Customization, Higher Intensity

• Walking, jogging, sprinting, incline training—you set the pace.
• Full-body engagement—especially with incline walking or sprinting.
• Our SOLE treadmills come with Bluetooth, app integration, and workout programs​.

Exercise Bike: Steady-State & Low-Impact Gains

• Resistance settings mimic outdoor cycling—great for endurance.
• Mostly lower body—but a killer option for longer, joint-friendly rides.
• Our SOLE bikes come with multi-function consoles + Bluetooth tracking​.

Which One’s Better for Weight Loss?

• For max calorie burn + intensity → choose a treadmill.
• For long-term, joint-friendly workouts → choose an exercise bike.
• For versatility + incline training → a treadmill is best.
• For budget + space-saving → an exercise bike wins.

💡 If weight loss is your #1 goal, treadmills burn more calories in less time. But bikes let you work out longer without straining your joints. No wrong choice—just what works best for you.

Treadmill or bike—whatever moves you, our SOLE machines help you get there.

Find Your Perfect Weight Loss Machine at SOLE

At SOLE, our machines keep up with you. Whether it’s chasing PRs, burning calories, or just getting started, we’ve got the gear to make it happen.

• Need incline training? Take a look at our treadmills!
• Want whisper-quiet rides? Done—our bikes are this way!

Prefer a gym that fits in your home? Welcome to SOLE. Check out our collection today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which burns more calories: treadmill running or stationary biking?

Treadmills burn more calories per hour than exercise bikes. Running burns 700-1,000+ calories/hour, while stationary cycling burns 400-600+ calories/hour. These numbers depend on your speed, resistance, and body weight. But bikes are gentler on your joints, so you get to workout longer—which can help balance total calories burned.

Are treadmills or exercise bikes better for joint health?

Exercise bikes are better for your joints. Cycling is low-impact + easier on your knees, hips, and ankles.

At SOLE, select treadmills absorb up to 40% of impact + our bikes offer smooth, low-impact rides—check them out today!

Which machine is better for beginners who want to lose weight?

Both treadmills and exercise bikes work for beginners—but the better option depends on comfort and fitness level. For low-impact, easy-to-maintain workouts, bikes are ideal. For higher calorie burn + full-body engagement, treadmills offer more intensity.

Are exercise bikes or treadmills more cost-effective for home use?

Exercise bikes are more budget-friendly + space-efficient. Treadmills cost from $500-$5,000+, while bikes start at only $200. If budget and space are concerns, go for an exercise bike. If you want versatility, incline training, and higher calorie burn, a treadmill is worth the investment.