Stationary bike vs Regular bike?

In general and very broadly riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes or any length of time for that matter is a more consistent workout than riding a bike on the road for the same period. For the simple fact that the number of variables that can affect the outcome are either eliminated or controlled.

As far as productive, the stationary set up is more efficient from a purely time perspective. You can do more exercise in less total time taken. There is far less preparation required. Since weather is not a factor you don't have to worry about what to wear, e.g. putting on layers. You don't have to clean the equipment from mud, rain, snow, etc. You also don't have to plan as much with the stationary, you can hop on it when the spirit moves you any time, day or night, practicality aside.

I find that riding the stationary bike exercises me mentally because I use it to force myself beyond where I just want to quit. I can push the envelope a bit to where I don't have to be worried about being too tired or hurt to get home. It's obviously easier to quit on a stationary bike than on a regular bike. (My wife wouldn't come get me 30 miles from home just because I was tired from riding.)

In the bike on the road or wood's favor you have to consider the fun factor in the "better" part of your question. Riding a stationary bike can be most definitely and excruciatingly boring causing motivation to be a problem. If you don't like the exercise you may end up not doing it which makes it "not better".

While I use both types of equipment, I much prefer the regular bike. I do not like being forced to use the stationary set up, mostly because of the fun factor. However, I do use it when I need or want to work on something specifically even if I could ride my regular bikes (because of the controlled variables).

Regular Bike

The regular bike would probably be a better workout because you can do hill climbs and sprints if you want to. The stationary bike can simulate these, but it's not quite the same. Plus with a regular bike, you can pick and vary your route and enjoy the outdoors; a stationary bike tends to get monotonous. Even with a TV hooked up since there's nothing but garbage on TV!

It depends on your area. If you live in a place that's has nice weather all of the time, I would say a regular bike. If it's cold or rainy a lot, I would say get a stationary bike to stay out of the elements. Plus you could set a TV in front of the stationary bike and watch TV while exercising. I found that while watching TV while exercising, I get distracted and, for a little while I forget that I'm actually exercising.

I believe your answer is as easy as this (dang, I would love to have SoCal weather right now).

Regular bike is the better overall exercise because it is entertaining along with the exercise. You are more likely to not become bored with riding a real bike and therefore stick with it. In fact, if you are merely average, you will increase your work out on a regular bike because of enjoyment.

Most people get bored easily with a stationary bike, proved by the high number of resales of that piece of dusty equipment.

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RE:

Stationary bike vs Regular bike?

I am wondering which is better overall exercise, riding a stationary bike or riding a regular bike. I'm not looking to train for any biking event or anything, just in general which is more productive exercise for you. Thanks

I personally think that riding a regular bike would be better excercise as you'd probably get more of a work out with riding along different roads eg up hills or winding roads. But I think if you've got the opportuinity to do both then you could always mix it up a bit to make it more enjoyable/interesting.

I guess it depends on what you want to get out of it. If you like being outdoors then a regular bike would be best and you can get something called a roller which is used indoors and provides more of a workout since you have to maintain balance. They also have resistance trainers for your bike if you don't want to deal with balance while indoors. See the URL below to see examples. Overall, more cost effective if you wish to be in both worlds.

I would go with the regular bike because it is more challenging and also if there are hills inn your area it would be able to make you adapt to the hills easier than on a stationary bike when there is resistance only. Also, cycling outside because the weather can be different everyday.

I'm certain a real bike. During a real ride you are required to balance and handle the bike this adds to the exercise more than you might think. Real biking will burn more calories.

Others have mentioned the mental aspects. Indoor = boring. The more fun it is the more you will do it. Also, outdoor riding keeps you much cooler with the wind blowing on you, this allows you to exercise more and harder without overheating.