Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages
Michael Walker
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
http://www.all-in-exercise-bikes.com/ ,
http://www.all-in-exercise-bikes.com/recumbent-exercise-bikes.
htm and http://www.all-in-exercise-bikes.com/spinning-bikes.htm
His numerous articles offer comprehensive tips and solutions for
the fitness enthusiast.
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