Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages

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 spin bicycles. His numerous articles offer comprehensive tips and solutions for the fitness enthusiast.

---

What?s The Big Deal About Treadmill Ratings?

If you're contemplating buying a treadmill and you don't know... Read More

A Gorgeous Flooring for Yoga and Exercise, Tatami Interlocking Mats

Tatami interlocking floor mats are presented by InterlockingFloorMat.com. This Tatami... Read More

How To Replace Treadmill Parts

After you get your new treadmill home you need to... Read More

Find the Best Home Tanning Bed Package

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could find a cheap... Read More

Remanufactured Elliptical Trainers ? Are They a Good Deal?

There are on-line distributors of fitness equipment who offer both... Read More

Home Is Where the Gym Is - Tips For Setting Up Your Home Gym

Tips For Setting Up Your Home GymCall them fitness centers,... Read More

The 4 Most Common Attributes of a Quality Treadmill

With all the marketing hype consumers are facing today, it's... Read More

How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Your Lifestyle

When choosing a treadmill (or any piece of exercise equipment... Read More

How is Commercial Fitness Equipment better than General Fitness Equipment?

Commercial gym equipment is used in "commercial gyms" and training... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Reviews Dont Get The Facts Straight

There are many misconceptions regarding elliptical trainers. I believe this... Read More

Refurbished Treadmills ? What Exactly Are They?

Refurbished treadmills are big business. Because treadmills can be so... Read More

Do You Know The History Of Trampolines As Exercise Equipment?

The manufactured trampoline, as we know it today, was created... Read More

Pacemaster Treadmill Reviews

Runner's World, a magazine for athletes who are serious about... Read More

Weight Loss by Treadmill

Weight loss using a good Treadmill workout program has worked... Read More

Used Treadmills, An Alternative For The Budget Conscious Treadmill Buyer

In the market for a treadmill? Finding that they are... Read More

Choosing an Elliptical Cross Trainer

Elliptical cross trainers have been around for several years and... Read More

Amazing Kettlebell Workout Produces Superior Results

Russian Kettlebells are amazing! These kettlebell workouts may be the... Read More

Can I Lose Weight with an Elliptical Trainer?

Many people begin a fitness program to lose weight. Sure,... Read More

Elliptical Trainers ? Glide Your Way to Good Health

The Diet Exercise DilemmaYour doctor has just told you that... Read More

Image Treadmills Are Designed for the Average Person in Mind

Image treadmills are distributed by Icon Health and Fitness, a... Read More

Create Your Own Fitness Center with Home Exercise Equipment!

If joining a fitness center is not for you, and... Read More

Speed of Movement & the Mighty Metronome.

Tempo refers to the speed of movement and is usually... Read More

Pro-Form 765i Interactive Trainer Treadmill

For under $1000 you can purchase the Pro-Form 765i interactive... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Pedometer

Question: What's small, weighs about an ounce, and comes in... Read More

Exercise Bikes vs. Treadmills

You've decided you want to exercise at home. There are... Read More