Exercise Bike

Just as there are different kinds of exercise equipment, from a treadmill to a fitness bike, there are different ways to provide resistance to your workout. This article will attempt to examine one type of resistance used, and the bike its used on, the magnetic resistance bike. A magnetic resistance exercise bike has its own special features that make it truly unique.

As a reference, the different types of resistance available on different fitness bikes are:

Direct tension, some type of mechanical braking is applied; most commonly a strap type mechanism or the same type of brakes that are on a 10-speed.

Air resistance. the pedals drive a fan, the fan blades have to cut through the air, providing a smooth even resistance to your workout.

What Is A Magnetic Bike?

Which brings us to magnetic bikes. A magnetic resistance bike utilizes the principals of magnetism and the ability of a magnet to repel and attract. By controlling an electrical current through the magnet, the rider is able to vary the resistance of a flywheel in the magnets field. A magnetic resistance bike is quiet, it requires less stress on the bike and less stress on you. This type of resistance is expensive however.

Advantages Of A Magnetic Bike

As stated before, magnetic resistance is very quiet. In fact, you can workout in your family room and not disturb any TV watchers that may be near. A huge plus with the magnetic bikes is the ability to change resistance on the fly; you can adjust the resistance just by pushing a button while you're working out. Also, the bikes are so sophisticated that they will adjust resistance depending upon your heart rate and program selected. Imagine programming a workout that will have you virtually climbing hills, sprinting, and other riding conditions.

Higher end magnetic bikes like those used in clubs contain a generator that powers the control panel, and do not need any external AC power.

Magnetic bikes are available either as a recumbent fitness bike, or an upright fitness bike. Either way, you have the ability to change resistance on the fly, and can adjust the resistance continuously through its range.

A couple of excellent examples of magnetic bikes are the ProForm GL105 in the upright category, and the ProForm VR980 in the recumbent category. Both have workout levels programmed into their control panels, and will automatically adjust their resistance levels according to the workout selected. In addition, both of these bikes automatically measure your heart rate and will adjust the resistance to keep you within certain limits.

In conclusion, a magnetic resistance exercise bike is a great way to get a healthy workout that will mirror an actual bike ride.

Exercise Bike |