Exercise Bike

In the world of home fitness equipment, very few pieces of equipment will give you the well rounded workout that a fitness bike can. Besides great cardio and aerobic workouts fitness bikes provide, there is less stress on your knees; this is great news for someone with knee problems that may have been having trouble finding an aerobic workout that didn't over-stress their knees. Folks with lower back problems will find that fitness bikes will strengthen the muscles needed to improve back support - the leg and thigh muscles are improved along with the hamstrings.

The Difference Between Stationary And Moving Fitness Bikes

To make clear the topic of this article, the fitness bikes being described are stationary bikes, many times referred to as exercise bikes. A search for fitness bikes will turn up a confusing mix of fitness bikes described as similar to racing or road bikes, and stationary bikes. To be clear, this article is about the stationary type you'd see in a gym.

Upright and Recumbent Fitness Bikes

The modern fitness bike is not the same type you may have seen in your aunts basement with her pantyhose draped over it. Todays fitness cycles can be upright or recumbent. Upright is the type most people think of when they think of a stationary bike. Bike shaped with a seat, pedals, and one wheel on the front. Pretty simple. With a recumbent bike, you are seated with your legs out in front instead of below your body. The thinking behind this arrangement is that it is more comfortable, yet still provides a great workout. Exercise bikes are available with screens that simulate an actual bike race to enhance your workout. If you don't want to spring for goodies like that, you can always set up in front of your TV, or blast your favorite music. Anything that motivates you and keeps you going.

Increase Workout As You Grow Stronger

To increase the effectiveness of your workout, it is necessary to increase the resistance to your pedaling. This is accomplished in various ways. The old fashion (but certainly not outdated) way is simply to press a roller against the tire. To increase resistance you push the roller tighter against the tire. Newer fitness magnetic bikes utilize magnetism to add virtual (but very real feeling) resistance. Either way accomplishes the same end result, you have to pedal harder, increasing the benefit of your workout.

The Care And Feeding Of Your Fitness Bike

What ever type of exercise bike you choose, whether an upright fitness bike or a recumbent fitness bike, to be sure it provides you with years of trouble free workouts, wipe it down after a good workout. Keep it spinning with a good quality bike lube, and keep wet clothes off of it!

Exercise Bike |