Stationary Bike vs. Outdoor Cycling

Deadberri
Deadberri Posts: 38 Member
edited December 12 in Fitness and Exercise
When I originally lost a lot of weight I was bicycling outside for around 20+ miles a week, working two jobs, and not eating a lot. I know it wasn't the healthy way of going about it and I was unintentionally doing so, but I lost 30lbs. by biking like I was to get to work, eating protein bars, and drinking 4-6 sugar free energy drinks a week. I also ate though and drank sodas; so, I wasn't really limiting my diet.

I've gained all the weight back over time of course and was thinking of increasing my daily biking back up to the 20+ to try and loose the weight again. And to hopefully keep it off with proper eating habits. Would using a stationary bike possibly give me the same result as outdoor? Or is using something like the elliptical probably better?

Replies

  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    Biking indoors would give you very similar results yes. That said, know that miles indoors don't really translate to those outside. I suspect the only way you can get them to do so is if you're using a power meter and a program like Rouvy. All that is to say, don't try to compare indoor miles to outdoor miles.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    For some people, it's harder to put in the same intensity (power) indoors versus out. That's probably because riding outdoors makes a breeze, so to get the best results indoors make sure you have a fan and good ventilation.

    Losing and gaining weight is 100% about calories. You can lose weight without any exercise at all, and you can lose weight eating nothing but McDonald's. Exercise has lots of benefits like you get to eat more and still lose weight, it makes you healthy, sounds like you use it for transportation which is awesome. :smile: But it's only part of the picture.

    Use the indoor bike instead of the elliptical because that way when spring rolls around you'll still have your bike fitness.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    My winter bike training is mostly done inside as I don't tolerate cold well....

    As regards calories my overall burns outside are far higher as I really enjoy my riding and go for far longer duration. My rate of calorie burn is higher indoors though as most of my training is done at higher intensity levels. So not the same (calorie) results for me but I'm not you and I'm training not exercising if you see the distinction.

    I endure not enjoy indoor training to maintain my bike fitness through the winter and for the performance benefits from the more technical and precise training you can do indoors without the variables of traffic and terrain. I find it dreadfully dull though.

    If you intend to ride outside again then make cycling indoors the majority of your exercise, if not then as far as calories go there's not much to choose between a bike and an elliptical. If the elliptical works your arms too that's a bit of an advantage for it.

    Did you mean weekly or daily 20+ miles as you used both in different parts of your post? 20 miles a week would make a minimal difference to your calorie balance, an hour a day could make a significant difference.
    Indoors miles aren't equivalent to outdoor miles as there's no wind resistance to overcome - I set average speeds indoors that I can only dream of, better to think in terms of time and power.
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    Ultimately, it will all come down to your energy balance (cals in vs cals out). In that sense, there is no difference between biking indoors, biking outdoors, treadmills, ellipticals, etc. They all burn calories. IMO, which ever one you are most apt to do is probably your best bet.
  • makkimakki2018
    makkimakki2018 Posts: 414 Member
    edited December 2018
    I have both indoor trainer and bikes for outdoors. I typically ride outdoors unless it's a rainy day and i don't feel like i want to wash the bike and that's where the indoor trainer comes in handy. If you're simply looking to drop weight and don't care too much about being outdoors the indoor trainer is absolutely fine and will help you lose weight along side proper nutrition. As other people stated it doesn't exactly translate to actual riding though. You could be on Zwift in a controlled enviorment riding up Alpe D'Huez getting a good workout, but the real outdoor Alpe D'Huez will be a nightmare due to the elements. If translating the effort to the real world matters then you should just hop on a bike and enjoy the outdoors and make your efforts there.
  • Deadberri
    Deadberri Posts: 38 Member
    Thanks everyone. Everything was quite insightful and helpful. I use my bike to ride to work (mostly since I do not have a vehicle) and most days are very nice outside except the summer. Previous at my old job it was 2 miles to get there and 2 miles to get back home, of course. I also used it to bike to the grocery store or the post office, all of which are within 1.5-2 miles of my home.
    I figured there would be a slight difference since with outdoor biking you're using more muscles and not always the same ones. I was thinking of the stationary bike as the arches of my feet start to hurt or my toes go slightly numb when using the elliptical. I think those are due to a past injury causing me to not balance my weight on both of my feet equally.
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