How are an exercise bike and a spinning bike different?

They are similar but not the same and each one is designed for a specific type of training and to achieve very specific objectives . Discover the differences between a stationary bike and a spinning bike and get the most out of each one.

The two machines make possible an intense aerobic exercise, although with important nuances . In reality, they share the fact that they are two stationary bikes, that is, those that you do not advance while pedaling, but their technical differences make possible very different training sessions.

For a test day, almost anything goes, but, on a regular basis, it is not advisable to spin on a stationary bike and vice versa because each of them has been designed to meet the needs of well-differentiated sports practices.

Stationary bike vs spinning bike

It is not a matter of comparing because there is no one better than the other, they are simply designed for different purposes. Although at first glance they look very similar, their structure and operating mechanism have nothing to do with it. There are a number of key points that make the difference between a stationary bike and a spinning bike :

1. The inertia wheel

It is the key that marks the distance between both bikes and the one that makes the work on each one different. The flywheel or flywheel, which carries the spinning bike, allows the mechanism to keep turning even when you stop giving impulse to pedal.

2. pedaling

Don't think the fact that inertia keeps the wheel moving means smoother and more comfortable pedaling. On the contrary, the second great difference between a traditional stationary bike and a spinning one is that, in the second, moving the pedal involves not only pushing it down but also "pulling" it to get it up and complete the movement. . Spinning is, therefore, a maximum intensity exercise.

3. The distance between the handlebar and the saddle

In both types of bikes, its two essential elements, the saddle and the handlebar, are adjustable in height to be able to adapt to the characteristics of each athlete, but in one of spinning you can also regulate the distance between the saddle and the handlebar, something that it does not occur in static. It is this greater adaptability that makes it possible to carry out a more varied training on a spinning bike , even pedaling standing up or moving the pedestal to achieve a slight lateral balance. The possibility of adopting different postures when pedaling is another important nuance that allows more work options on an indoor cycling bike than on a traditional stationary bike, which is designed solely for you to pedal seated.

4. Triathlon handlebar

Regardless of the design of both machines, another basic difference between a stationary bike and a spinning bike is in the triathlon handlebar that the second one has. This type of handlebar allows a greater range of movement to facilitate torsion of the trunk and the ability to turn the entire body with each pedaling. With these possibilities, in a spinning session you can not only perform intense cardio training but also work in depth on the development of large muscle groups.

Differences in training on a stationary bike or a spinning bike

The technical and functional characteristics of these two bicycles available in the gym are what make a difference when training with one or the other. On the one hand, the spinning sessions are usually collective trainings , with an average duration of around 40 minutes, in which you will not stop for a second and in which you will not only pedal to the rhythm of the music, but will also make changes to the rhythm , and different exercises, arms and trunk, on the bike.

On the other hand, on the stationary bike the rhythm is set by you. It is true that you can also pedal at different speeds and with more or less resistance but, in general, it is a less dynamic training, focused mainly on gaining strength and power in the lower body.

Knowing a little more about the differences between a stationary bike and a spinning bike, you can decide which is the most suitable to achieve your goals.