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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. Michael
Walker is a freelance author
providing useful information
about fitness bicycles, recumbent
fitness bikes and http://www.all-in-exercise-bikes.com/spinning-bikes.htm">spin
bicycles. His numerous articles
offer comprehensive tips and
solutions for the fitness
enthusiast. |
