Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Which one to Use?

Spin bikes and stationary bikes are the most popular indoor cycling equipment. They provide an excellent choice for a low-impact cardio workout as they are kinder to your joints, connective tissues, and bones. Plus, they are an excellent alternative when the outside surroundings aren’t appropriate for cycling or the weather isn’t agreeable.

If you’re trying to figure out which one to buy or use in your next gym session, you’ve come to the right place. This article will compare a spin bike vs. stationary bike so you can know which one best fits your exercise needs and is worthy of an investment. Keep reading to find out more.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: The Primary Difference

A spin bike and a stationary bike are terms often interchanged, but they don’t mean the same thing. The significant difference between the two is the design of the flywheel. A spin bike, for instance, is characterized by an exposed and heavy flywheel.

On the other hand, a stationary bike has a flywheel that’s not as heavy. The bike also comes with a console and preloaded programs, features that are not found on a spin bike.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Primary Use

Both bikes are pretty popular but for different purposes. A stationary bike is predominantly used in fitness programs by people looking to shed a few pounds, build stronger bones and muscles, improve their cardiovascular health, and boost their general fitness.

Spin bikes, however, more closely mimic the outside bike. As such, they can be used to improve cycling skills and provide the same benefits as cycling when the weather is bad. But remember, this is just the primary use. Many people still use spin bikes to improve their general health or fitness levels and hasten their weight loss.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Price

Spin bikes and stationary bikes span a wide range of prices depending on the quality, brand, integrated technology, level of resistance, whistles, and bells. In general, spin bikes are pricier than stationary bikes. However, you can easily come by affordable spin bikes, but they won’t have a touchscreen for statistics, management, and entertainment.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Calories Burned During a Workout

The number of calories you burn highly depends on the intensity of your workout and your position (since a spin bike allows you to also stand). Other factors that determine the calories you burn include your weight, age, fitness levels, and gender.

Overall, you’ll burn most calories while standing during spin bike exercise. When you stand on a spin bike, you activate more muscle groups than you would when sitting.

If you sit during the whole session, the difference in the number of calories you’ll burn on either bike will be small and will depend on the resistance setting. In that case, choose the bike with a higher resistance rating.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Intensity of the Workout

Generally, spin bikes offer a more intense workout than stationary bikes. Spin bikes are designed for a more vigorous exercise. Spin bikes activate a larger muscle group, including the core, arms, hamstrings, and quads.

On the other hand, the workouts on a stationary bike are predominantly restricted to legs, making them a bit less intense.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Similarity to Outdoor Cycling

If you want an experience that resembles outdoor cycling, then spin bikes are a perfect choice. Spin bikes make you lean forward, mimicking the natural biking pose. On the other hand, stationary bikes are upright and don’t require you to lean during the exercise.

In addition, the pedal stroke on a spin bike is quite similar to the one you get on an outdoor bike. For that reason, spin bikes are an excellent choice for athletes looking for a cycling experience while staying indoors.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Risk of Injury

If you’re recovering from surgery or recently suffered an injury, then the risk factor of a particular exercise machine is essential. Spin bikes bear a larger risk of injury because the flywheel is heavier and requires more energy to get it to move. The risk of suffering an injury also increases when you stand up. On the flip side, a stationary bike has less risk of injury because you sit most of the time.

Consult a physical therapist or a doctor to give you the go-ahead before you start using either of the bikes. Additionally, speak to your spin class instructor or physical trainer to customize your workout. The workout plan should be based on your fitness goals and preexisting conditions.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Progression Model

Spin bikes and stationary bikes offer pretty similar progression. Both bikes allow you to increase the resistance levels, thus providing you with a more intense workout. This way, you work the muscles harder, get the most out of the exercise, and burn more calories. Both bikes also allow you to increase the speed at which you’re peddling.

The only difference comes in the ability to stand. A stationary bike doesn’t allow you to stand during a workout. With a spin bike, however, you can stand and vary your exercise a bit. Standing also allows you to activate many muscle groups, thus burning more calories.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Comfort

If you value comfort during your workout session, then a stationary bike is what you should be eying. The bikes have larger and more comfortable seats, which allow you to sit for long periods. As a result, you can work out for extended periods without sacrificing comfort.

On the other hand, spin bikes are designed with way smaller and harder seats making them uncomfortable for long use. Fundamentally, spin bikes are designed for short but vigorous exercise sessions. Sitting on the bike for a long time can result in discomfort and sometimes back pain.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Ease of Use

Indoor bikes are generally easy to use. Suppose you’ve ever ridden a bike before; you can just hop onto the equipment and start your exercise session. While the bikes might seem a bit different from what you get on an outdoor bike when you’re still new to them, they are not too dissimilar to prevent you from finishing your exercise.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: The Console

A lot of indoor bicycles come with consoles and integrated technology. Unfortunately, many spin bikes don’t come with a console. On the other hand, the traditional stationary bike has an integrated console that tracks various exercise metrics such as heart rate, calories burned, cycling duration, and so on.

However, modern spin bikes such as the Peloton have an interactive touch screen that provides access to different applications. They also allow you to stream content during the workout, including motivational spin classes to keep you going.

Spin Bike vs. Stationary Bike: Part of the Body Worked

Both the spin bike and a stationary bike work the glutes, the hamstrings, the quads, and the calves. However, if you decide to stand on a spin bike, you can go a notch higher and work the arms, shoulders, the back, and the area around the core. If you’re looking for a bike that offers a full-body workout, then a spin bike is your best bet.

If you’re solely looking for an indoor bike to help you work out the lower parts of your body, you should be eying a stationary bike.

FAQs

Can You Use a Stationary Bike for Spinning?

While it’s possible to use a stationary bike for spinning, the experience is just odd. You can’t get that perfect spinning experience because they’re not designed for spinning. The bikes have a lighter wheel and it’s hard to stand on the bicycle as the seat is too low. It also depends on the bike you want to spin on. For example, the recumbent is totally unusable and can’t be used for spinning.

Is a Peloton a Stationary Bike or a Spin Bike?

By design, a Peloton is considered a spin bike. But you can also use it for other exercises.

Can I Spin Every Day?

It’s totally fine to spin every day. However, it’s essential to vary the intensity of the workouts because it’s so easy to reach a plateau. A plateau occurs when your body gets accustomed to a certain exercise. When this happens, your body doesn’t burn as many calories as it used to, and generally, you don’t make the most out of the exercise activity anymore.

Happy Indoor Cycling!

Indoor cycling is a fun and exciting way to stay fit without having to worry about the inconveniences caused by outdoor surroundings. But when it comes to choosing between a spin bike vs. stationary bike, it all boils down to the intensity of workout you’re looking for and your overall fitness goals.

For instance, if you’re looking for a more intense workout, then a spin bike might be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a cardio machine to kickstart your fitness journey, a stationary bike might be the right equipment for you.