There are so many exercise
bikes available that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action
bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you’ve heard. It’s almost as though you have to be a
fitness equipment engineer to understand the differences! Here’s a quick summary of these confusing
terms.
You’ve probably heard about
the spin craze that has become so popular in health clubs. Spinning bikes usually have at least a front
wheel that spins (which is why they are so brilliantly named spinning
bikes). These bikes might be the current
fad, but they aren’t very comfortable.
The seats are small and hard. The
classes make these boring bikes more interesting, but as home exercise bikes,
they quickly become tedious.
Stationary bikes (or upright
bikes) are the exercise bikes that most people can identify. It’s the same basic model as in the
1980’s. Once again, it’s fairly
uncomfortable. You can’t really do
anything like read or watch TV because you’re leaning left and right and
bouncing, so it, too, quickly gets boring.
Dual action bikes are aptly
named, as they give you both an upper and lower body workout. There are handles that move independently -
much like an elliptical machine. It’s a
good workout, but a bit tough for beginners, and as usual, the time on the bike
will eventually get boring.
You can also get dual action
bikes that allow you to adjust the machine to create an arm-pedaling
workout. It’s usually fairly difficult
to make the adjustments. It’s also two
separate exercises, which create a longer workout. Most people aren’t as likely to keep up such
a routine.
Recumbent bikes are the
exercise bikes with the comfortable bucket seats. You sit back and lower to the ground as you
pedal. These exercise bikes are easy
enough for even the most sedentary beginners, and they usually offer workout
programs to keep the workouts from becoming mundane.
The Experts Recognize
the Advantages of Recumbent Bikes
Most physicians and personal
trainers recommend recumbent bikes.
Recumbent bikes are better for people of all different fitness
levels. You are more likely to keep up a
recumbent bike routine over time, the bikes are safer, and there are different
benefits for both men and women.
- Recumbent
Bikes for All Fitness Levels
Even the most sedentary
person will find a recumbent exercise bike easy to use. You can adjust the settings to offer little
or no resistance as you pedal. People
who are overweight will definitely find the seat much larger and more
comfortable than other exercise bikes.
Athletes will find the
recumbent exercise bike a challenge. The
resistance can become incredibly difficult.
The bike can simulate pedaling up hills.
Most recumbent bikes offer various programs that will require you to
sprint and tackle hills. If you want an
upper body workout as you pedal, you can easily add weights and do repetitions
as you sit back in the recumbent bike seat.
- Recumbent
Bikes Offer a Sustainable Workout
The programs offered by most
recumbent exercise bikes definitely keep the workout from becoming boring. You can simulate a course that is easy or
difficult, flat or hilly. When shopping
for exercise bikes, it’s better to get a bike with as many variations as
possible.
The fact that a recumbent
bike is suitable for all levels will keep you getting back on the bike. If you’re feeling particularly tired or lazy
one day, you can have an easy workout where you can read a book or
newspaper. If you really want to test
your limits, you can crank up the music, set the machine to more difficult
levels, and add some weights for an upper body workout.
- Recumbent
Bikes are Safer
Because you sit back and
lower to the ground in a recumbent bike, it is better for your body. Most exercise bikes force you to hunch over,
causing a stiff back. Some dual action
bikes are back injuries waiting to happen.
Recumbent bikes require that you sit with good posture as you pedal.
Recumbent bikes also offer
one of the few cardio workouts that put no pressure on your knees and other
joints. You can’t “cheat" on a recumbent
bike and stand up when you’re finding it more difficult to pedal. Standing like that on other types of exercise
bikes puts unnecessary pressure on your knees and ankles. Recumbent bikes let your body exercise at an
angle where your body weight is not stressing your joints. Even people with back and knee problems will
find a recumbent bike easy to use.
- Why Men
Should Choose Recumbent Exercise Bikes
So many men neglect their
lower bodies when they workout, especially in strength training. It’s common to see buffed out men with giant
biceps and tiny little bird legs. That’s
because it’s easier to get an upper body workout at home. If you just invest in a recumbent bike, you
can set the machine to high resistance.
You will build leg muscle, and you can even do curls while you pedal.
Recumbent bikes can also
allow men to get a great cardio workout without the discomfort that only a man
knows on regular bikes or other types of exercise bikes. With the large, comfortable seats of
recumbent bikes, you are much more likely to enjoy your workout pain-free.
If you move the seat of a
recumbent bike up a bit to bring your legs higher, you can even target the
lower abs and have to do less crunches to get the bottom of your six-pack!
- Things
Women Should Know About Recumbent Bikes
Two words, ladies: legs and bottoms. Recumbent exercise bikes are so comfortable
and easy to use that eventually you can do workouts giving you results like
you’ve spent hours a day on a stair-stepper.
Recumbent bikes can give you
a fat burning cardio workout with enough resistance to help you build long,
lean muscle. Picture Tina Turner
legs. Recumbent bikes also are great for
your inner thighs. Using different
programs and settings, you will be able to target different muscle areas in
your legs for longer looking, leaner legs.
According to most polls,
women claim in higher numbers to not have time for exercise because of more
responsibilities in the home. With the
positioning of a recumbent bike, you can multi-task to more easily fit in a
workout. You are able to read, catch the
news, and even use a phone or your handheld organizer.
Finding a Recumbent
Exercise Bike
With prices between $200 and
$3000, there is quite a variety of recumbent bikes available. Use the Internet to find great deals
(including free shipping most of the time).
Because the bikes are great for any level and help you to finally be
able to stick with a safe and effective workout routine, you can splurge a
little. This is definitely one of the
best investments you can make for your health.
Michael Walker is a freelance author providing
useful
information about stationary
exercise bikes, recumbent
fitness bikes and spin
bikes. His numerous articles offer comprehensive tips and
solutions
for the fitness enthusiast.
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