Spin bike training machine radar chart with cardio intensity scores.

Spin Bike

What It Is

A seated lower-body cardio machine where you control resistance manually. It's smoother than an air bike, quieter than a treadmill, and perfect for long sessions or power intervals. No fan, no motor — just you, the flywheel, and your legs.

Score Recap

Burn Output: 7/10
Strong calorie burn when you push pace or resistance, but it’s legs-only — so total output isn’t as high as full-body machines.

Sprint/HIIT Use: 7/10
Great for intervals. You can go heavy or fast, but there’s a slight delay to ramp up if you're not already moving.

Training Versatility: 9/10
From easy warm-ups to serious endurance blocks, the spin bike covers a wide range. Great for steady-state, power work, and recovery rides.

Best Used For

Perfect for steady cardio, leg-focused conditioning, and interval training without impact. It’s also a go-to for long Zone 2 rides or recovery days between lifts.
Aviod if ....
  • You want upper-body involvement
  • You hate sitting for long
  • You expect instant intensity — it’s a slow grind without effort
  • Sample Workouts

    • 40-Min Zone 2 Ride
    Low resistance, 80–90 RPM, nasal breathing only.

    • 5x Sprint Rounds
    20 sec standing sprint / 40 sec seated slow pace.

    • 3-Min Climb Blocks × 4
    Crank resistance. Stay seated. Legs only. Rest 60 sec between.
    Gcation free training program popup featuring Ultimate Push Pull Legs preview.Get Free Program