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.
Spinning Bikes
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
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
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
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.
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