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Original poster

Spin bike or treadmill?

26 replies

Lovemusic33 · 20/12/2020 15:26

So, I haven’t been to the gym since March, I usually exercise a lot outside, mainly walking and paddleboarding but now the weathers not so great I am exercising less and gaining weight, usually I would be going at the gym 4/5 times a week at this time of year.

My house is quite small but I have space for one piece of gym equipment. So if you could only chose one what would it be? I’m thinking spin bike or treadmill but leaning towards the bike?

OP posts:
nbee84 · 20/12/2020 20:40

Depends which you would enjoy more and keep up the use of. Spin bikes are quieter - the motor of the treadmill is okay but your feet will make a lot of noise pounding.
I have a spin bike and use the LMOD app and have also used a free trial of the Peleton app. Headphones in and off I go Grin I really enjoy it and love the variety of workouts you can do.

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 20/12/2020 20:51

I think the bike will get used more, I’m not great at running on a treadmill mill so will quickly get fed up with it. I use a bike at the gym with a app/VR and it seems much more fun that the treadmill, I think the bike will take up slightly less space too? I will look at the apps I can use with it.

Can’t wait to get Christmas out the way and swap the tree for a bike 🤣

OP posts:
Parker231 · 20/12/2020 20:53

We have both but the bike is used the most often and seems to give a better cardio workout.

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 20/12/2020 20:59

I’m thinking the bike is going to burn more calories especially when I’m useless at running on the treadmill, I only really use the treadmill at the gym for working on my muscles by walking on a steep gradient. The bike seems much more exciting.

OP posts:
blowinahoolie · 20/12/2020 21:05

I have an exercise bike, and used it a lot during lockdown as I could only exercise in the evenings once kids were in bed.

I have been doing more walking outdoors and stair climbing indoors recently, but will get back on the bike after Christmas Day is over with.

Good luck whichever you chooseSmile

Figgyboa · 20/12/2020 21:08

Bike!

DillonPanthersTexas · 20/12/2020 21:16

Neither, if you have the space for a running machine then get a concept 2 rowing machine. It's a a superb piece of kit for both cardio vascular and muscle resistance training.

DianaT1969 · 20/12/2020 21:42

I'm not sure if it's an economical way of doing it, or if they are delivering in your area, but you can hire equipment. So a bike for 2 months then swap to a treadmill for 2 months, so that you don't get bored. Back to the gym as soon as this is over.

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 20/12/2020 21:55

@DianaT1969

I'm not sure if it's an economical way of doing it, or if they are delivering in your area, but you can hire equipment. So a bike for 2 months then swap to a treadmill for 2 months, so that you don't get bored. Back to the gym as soon as this is over.
Thank you, I was wondering if I could hire, I will look into it and see if they do it in my area.

I have had a rowing machine before but I don’t think I really have space for one now, they are much longer than a bike.

OP posts:
Ynwa12345 · 04/01/2021 14:41

@Lovemusic33 hiya did you have any luck getting any equipment? I'm not sure whether to get a folding exercise bike or cross trainer (something else!)

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 04/01/2021 15:23

I have ordered a spin bike from Groupon hopefully being delivered this week just in time for lockdown.

OP posts:
Ynwa12345 · 04/01/2021 17:06

@Lovemusic33 thanks for the reply enjoy it. I'm not sure I'll get anything I want in time!

nbee84 · 04/01/2021 21:04

@Ynwa12345 - just in case you weren't aware, spin bikes and exercise bikes are different. I think the folding one will be the latter. You can't stand up to peddle on an exercise bike so it wouldn't be suitable for following a spin class on if that was your intention.
I love the cross trainer at the gym but they do tend to be bigger and need more space than a bike, so I have a bike at home.

Ynwa12345 · 05/01/2021 07:36

Hi @nbee84 thank you so much! Yes I've been all over the place recently between a cross trainer exercise bike and spin bike! Initially my H said to get a folding cross trainer but it was so expensive. Then I thought OK cheap folding exercise bike but again H said no good so now. I'm onto a spin bike but with the new lockdown and even before not much available and I don't always trust reviews...

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 05/01/2021 08:46

Rowing machine is another option if you have floor space (they do fold up/rest against the wall), rowing is something I enjoy and works a lot of muscles whilst burning fat?

Yes, spin bikes you can stand up on to peddle exercise bike you can't as will tip over. Another option (if you have a bycyle) is a bike trainer to put your bike onto?

My bikes due for delivery tomorrow, I will let you know what its like when it comes as it was cheap ish and from Groupon I couldn't afford top of tue range and this one didn't look as huge as some of the others.

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Ynwa12345 · 05/01/2021 15:53

Thanks @Lovemusic33 would be great for feedback. I did look that one up and you are right looks OK so let me know! Would love a rower actually and I didn't think it would lean up against a wall which could work. I don't have a bike unfortunately (husband and kids do!) husband was looking for a bike for ages etc but the search stopped. And because now home schooling and lockdown..

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 05/01/2021 16:49

My bike came this morning putting ot together was a workout in itself 🤣. It seems ok for the money obviously not gym quality but for the price it does the job, its pretty small which is ideal as I don't have much space, both dd's have been using it. The only bad bit about it is the display, its pretty basic and i haven't worked out how to reset it so it's adding up all the calories and km that we have all burnt off and rode during today 🤔. I would say its ok for the price, there are similar looking bikes on Amazon for a lot more. Ideally I would have liked a peneton bike but at £1000+ thats wasn't a option.

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Ynwa12345 · 05/01/2021 17:57

Ah glad you have already started using it @Lovemusic33!
Shame about the display I think most of those type. Of displays are a bit funny but hopefully you can work out a reset soon on you tube or Google etc?
Yes to peleton but that was over the budget wayyyyy also you have to subscribe too don't you monthly...
Ah the search continues I'm interested in the rower too now as someone said it can stand up. We do have space around but I don't want a big thing just to be sat there. Lol

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 05/01/2021 20:04

I love rowing but the issue with any equipment at home is it’s never going to be good as what I use at the gym, the quality doesn’t feel as good or as sturdy. God I miss the gym and the selection of equipment, I’m used to rowing for ten minutes, jumping on to the treadmill for 20 minutes and then the bike. It’s going to be hard just having the bike.

OP posts:
nbee84 · 05/01/2021 21:00

@Lovemusic33 - I totally get what you mean about home equipment after using gym quality machines. This worried me too so I ended up looking for a 2nd hand spin bike on ebay and managed to buy myself a bargain - a technogym spin bike the same as we had at our gym for £260! However, this was 2 years ago now and secondhand gym equipment goes for silly money since lockdown.

PaddyF0dder · 07/01/2021 22:17

Spin bike, definitely. It’s low impact on joints, so you’ll be able to use it more frequently. It’s a more varied, interesting exercise than treadmill.

Don’t go cheap - cheap spin bikes are always awful. Get a decent brand. And use it with an app like Peloton (or buy a peloton if you can afford it).

Ynwa12345 · 12/01/2021 06:56

Hi @Lovemusic33 how's the bike? I've ended up getting a Nordic track rower on finance... It wont arrive until the end of the month/possibly start of next. I am really desperate for it to come now so can start exercising!!! We were looking at water ones but they were very pricey.

Original poster
Lovemusic33 · 12/01/2021 08:00

It’s going ok but I think I need some padded cycling shorts or a gel seat cover 🤣 it’s not comfortable. My dd has spent more time using it than me as I have been unwell with anaemia but I’m going to try and stay on it longer today.

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Dizzy1234 · 12/01/2021 08:53

I love my spin bike, bought from Groupon too.
Does yours have a phone holder on the handle bars?
I use my phone and started with Rowan Ellis spin intervals on YouTube, he does beginner's workouts and you can progress, I really enjoyed them and you feel like you've worked out

Ynwa12345 · 12/01/2021 09:12

Yes try getting the gelled seat cover on amazon @Lovemusic33. Sorry you weren't feeling up to it take it easy too and I heard spinach is good for iron? X