Are you interested in purchasing workout equipment and already have an eye on cycling as your main form exercise? If so, you might have already heard of the spin bike, you may have also heard about bike trainers as well. As a beginner in this field, you might get confused by this two exercise machines that may look similar but can be quite different from each other in terms application and benefits. To help you get a good grasp about these two popular workout equipments we will discuss the differences between the two and the strengths and weaknesses each present.

Bike Trainer Advantages

Affordability – One of the biggest draws of a bike trainer is its low cost. You can purchase secondhand equipment at around $100 while brand new ones are available at $200 to $600 tops. You can also find modern bike trainers which uses computerized controls a little over $1,000. This makes it ideal for those looking to save some cash.

Comfort – As you will be using your own bicycle you can expect the experience of using a trainer to be quite comfortable. Your bike will already be adjusted to fit your seat height, arm length and stem length, Fact of the matter is nothing can compare to the comfort of riding your own bike.

Lightweight and Compact – Compared to an indoor bicycle, a bike trainer is a far more space saving option. You can easily fold it and throw it in the back of your van, in your closet or under your bed and can be just as easily set up.

Bike Trainer Disadvantages

Potential Damage to your Bike – These things will clamp down hard on your bike and the chances of it actually chipping the paint on bike’s frame are quite high. There is also the risk of the trainer breaking your quick release levers.

Wear and Tear – Expect your rear wheels to truly take a pounding whenever you are using a bike trainer. In this regard, we suggest you replace the rear wheel with a cheap one whenever you are going to attach the bike trainer.

Spin Bike Advantages

Higher Resistance during Workouts – If you truly need exercise equipment that offers a great workout experience then this indoor bicycle will give you that in spades. While the bike trainer does a relatively good job in helping you in the fitness department, it lacks the resistance that can really put your body to work. If what you need is optimum results in a short amount of time then the spin bike is your go to equipment.

More Calories Burned – You can expect to burn off at least 600 to 800 calories per one hour workout sessions on a spin bike. That is significantly more than what you can lose by using a bike trainer.

Access to Spin Classes – This is one of the most popular workout machines today and as such you will find that almost all the gyms today have incorporated this machine. You can enroll on special spin classes that will teach you the best way to use this machine or simply watch videos online if you plan on working out in your home.

Spin Bike Disadvantages

Some Requires Power – Some stationary bikes will require it to be plugged in. These are the ones with the digital readouts and controls. In the instance that there is a blackout then you won’t be able to use this machine to its full potential.

It is Easier to Cheat – Since you have full control of the level of resistance you might get tempted to lowering it which practically makes you session all but fruitless in terms of losing weight.

Final Thoughts

Those are the biggest differences between the two. It will all depend on what you hope to gain. Are you looking for cost effective way to train your body for a marathon? Take the trainer bike. If you are looking for an all around machine that will really give your body a great workout then the spin bike is your go to machine.

Using a spin bike to conduct your daily workout makes the process that much more convenient. You can perform your workout routine indoors and you can even choose to exercise standing up or sitting down when using this machine. However, we cannot avoid issues of discomfort when using these types of equipments. But the truth is we do not have to experience such discomforts when working out with a machine. Understanding how to adjust the spin bike properly can and will help eliminate distress entirely. Below are some key factors to remember when setting up the indoor bicycle to prevent problems during workouts.

The Correct Seat Size

Each person will have different body mass. As such, various body types will require different seats. In order to get the utmost comfort with your seat, it is best to choose something that is slightly smaller when compared to your body. A smaller seat will allow your thighs to move freely when pedaling while a large seat may cause friction in your inner thighs which will cause discomfort and might even cause some slight injuries. If you are unsure as to what seat size to choose, ask the seller on what they recommend and then test it out.

Applying a Cream or a Seat Cover

Try to coat the seat with Vaseline or chamois cream. Friction is the number one cause for discomfort when using spin bikes and by applying a thin layer of cream on the seat you can significantly reduce friction and avoid scraping your skin.

If you do not wish to use a cream then your next best alternative is using a gel seat cover. This acts as a cushion to the hard seat which really adds to the comfort level while also allowing your legs ample space to move freely and effortlessly.

Adjust the Seat Height

This is the most important aspect of creating a comfortable experience when using a spin bike. The seat height varies for everyone but here is a vital guideline when adjusting the height; your knees should slightly bend when spinning around the pedals. If you find your legs outstretched then lower it a little, too bent then lift it back up. The key here is your knee, it should only be bent slightly even when the pedal is at the 6 o’clock position. This helps retain some of the resistance while still allowing you some breathing room.

Final Thoughts

Spin bikes are become hugely popular for health buffs and those who simply wish to lose some weight. Its sudden surge in popularity can be attributed to its ease of use while still offering a hefty challenge for those looking for an intense workout. The spin bike is one fantastic machine that can help trim off some of those unwanted fat and improve your cardiovascular system and stamina, this equipment is not just made for beginners but also designed for sports and fitness enthusiast. Remember the guidelines listed above and you will truly benefit from this awesome workout equipment.

Fitness gurus and health buffs will always set aside a certain amount of time everyday to exercise and this should be done religiously if you wish to burn off calories and maintain a fit and healthy body. However, the question in a lot of people’s minds is how long does one need to exercise each day to properly burn off those unwanted fat? Take the spin bike, how long do you need to utilize this great exercise equipment to properly burn the right amount of calories per day?

There are numerous studies out there that state varying results. Some would say you need to spin at least 70 minutes per day to burn 300 calories and above while others state that you really don’t need to put that much time each day. To help you determine the right duration we have listed several factors that you should consider in order to create the best spin bike exercise plan to suit your lifestyle.

 

Having Effort Counts

The amount of calories burned will vary depending on the person. The more effort you give to spinning then the higher the calories burned. For a beginner it is best to simply focus on enhancing the endurance and the flexibility of your body. The calories burned will come naturally after that.

Remember that not everyone will be using the spin bike the same. Athletes will obviously be spinning at a much higher pace while beginners will need to take it slow. The calories burned will fall on three factors: duration, intensity of the exercise and weight.

Do Not Overexert Yourself

One of the most common misconceptions about exercising is pushing the body way over the limit. While pushing yourself past your limits is okay, it should only be done occasionally as you might cause more damage than help towards your body.

Stick to your workout routine and steadily increase the intensity over time. Do not force your body to a workout routine that it is not accustomed to. There are several types of spin bike exercise routines you can choose from and it is best to start from the bottom and work your way up whenever you feel your body is read to ratchet up the heat.

Eat Nutritious Food

Think of this as your body’s fuel before and after a round at the spin bike. Obviously, you will need energy to complete your workout routine and afterwards your body will feel quite drained so refueling with the correct food groups (green vegetables and fruits) will help you regain your strength faster and help build up muscle.

Duration for a Proper Spin Bike Routine

Spin bikes are highly recommended and have gained quite a bit of popularity over the years. You can stick to a 30 minute workout routine and expect to burn about 600 calories. This is if you incorporate a moderate to intense spin bike exercise. We recommend starting out slow during the first week or so and increasing the intensity after. Not only will you be able to burn calories faster per day, your cardio will also get a huge boost in the process.

Simply put, the amount of time allotted to using the spin bike is just one factor of three that will determine how many calories you will burn. It will boil down to how intense the workout plus the duration and weight you are working out on. It is best to think about your safety first and foremost before trying out the more intense spin bike workout routines. They are called advance routines for a reason and should never be tackled by someone who is just starting out.

Spin bikes are extremely convenient when it comes to losing weight and enhancing your stamina. More and more people are using this highly effective exercise machine as it is quite user friendly and convenient to use. You won’t even need to go out of your own home to workout. It is recommended that you set aside an hour each day for spin bikes in order to get the results you are looking for and trim away those unwanted fat.