Which is the better gym machine for sculpted legs and better cardio: spin bikes vs. stair climbers?
Fitness experts share their answer ahead.
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Thats true even if youre working toward a very specific goal, like sculpted legs.
a certified personal trainer and CEO ofWorkoutHealthy.com, a gym equipment company
However, being low-impact doesnt mean a spin bike wont sculpt muscles.
This workout still targets a number of muscles that will define your legs.
Theyre ideal for those looking to improve heart health and endurance.
Theyre also easy to individualize your spin workout.
The adjustable resistance allows for easy customization of intensity, Pruitt says.
That said, spinning doesnt have to be your main workout.
And of course, spinning is a great option for building your strength and endurance with a low-impact workout.
Theres also potential for overuse injuries, because the repetitive motion can lead to issues if not varied.
The position youre in when cycling on a spin bike might also cause pain.
a certified personal trainer and CEO ofWorkoutHealthy.com, a gym equipment company
you’re able to experience discomfortor saddle sorenessand pelvic floor tension, Orsborn says.
Finally, some people find adjusting spin bikes (the seat, handlebars, etc.)
If you dont like fiddling around with equipment, this may not be the best workout for you.
Adjust the resistance to increase or decrease workout intensity, Pruitt says.
you might incorporate high-intensity intervals for a more challenging workout.
you’re able to also customize your spin workout by shifting through different speeds.
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Its also important to confirm your bike is properly adjusted for your body to prevent injury.
The seat should be about level with your hip bone when youre standing, per theHospital for Special Surgery.
Spin bikes are excellent for all fitness levelsoffering a low-impact, cardio-focused workout.
Theyre ideal for those looking to improve heart health and endurance.
It burns a high number of calories due to the intensity of the workout, Pruitt says.
It also mimics real-life movements, improving overallfunctional fitness.
Its simple to use and can engage multiple muscle groups all at once, Orsborn says.
It builds lean leg muscle and improves heart health.
Like the spin bike, its also a low-impact workout with minimal impact on your joints.
Plus, stair climbers can exacerbate certain underlying issues.
While stair climbers may be lower impact than jumping or jogging, theyre not as low-impact as cycling.
Finally, because theyre a higher-calorie workout, they may be less accessible for beginners than spin bikes.
Stair climbers are better suited for those with a baseline level of fitness, Pruitt says.
Many climbers allow you to change the step height to mimic an uphill or downhill climb.
Incorporating this into your workout can help activate more muscles and build endurance.
Slowly work these into your workout to avoid injury or overstraining yourself, Orsborn says.
Be sure to slow down or rest between high intensity cycles.
Beyond adjusting the machine itself, you might also carefully change how you step.
Switch the step position during different intervals, like skipping a step or side stepping, Pruitt says.
Side stepping involves leading with the same foot (i.e.
leading with your right foot for each step, then repeating on the left).
Progressive overload also speeds up your metabolism over time, helping you lose fat.
Spin bikes are excellent for all fitness levels, offering a low-impact, cardio-focused workout.
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