Exercise Bike

Home exercise equipment has undergone a tremendous change in the past few years, especially exercise bicycles. The electronics now available on exercise bicycles is a far cry from the black-knob resistance adjuster on old exercise bicycles. There are two types of exercise bicycles on the market, and supporters in both camps have defended their favorite configuration setting up the great upright vs recumbent exercise bike debate. This article will weigh the pros and cons of each.

Is the upright bike the best exercise bike? For somethings it may be, for others - not so much. Upright exercise bicycles are the closest to a standard bicycle, that is the pedals are situated under the rider, and the rider is seated on a narrow seat with the handlebars out in front. This arrangement is welcomed by hardcore cyclists because of the similarity to a bicycle. The rider can pedal in a racing position or standing up to replicate real riding as well. The drawback is the position the rider is naturally put in; bent forward. The potentially harmful strain on a riders back makes the upright a poor choice for someone with back troubles. On the plus side an upright takes up less room than our next subject, the recumbent exercise bicycles. An upright used exercise bike usually can be found for a very modest price.

Many exercise bike riders consider the recumbent exercise bicycles to be the best exercise bike. They base their opinion on the recumbents ability to give a rider a much more rider friendly workout. The rider is seated in a much wider seat, the pedals are situated out in front, and the handlebars are either in front or to the sides of the rider. This reclined position is great for people with back troubles that still want to experience the benefits of an exercise bike workout. Obese people also will find a recumbent better for getting on and off because of the overall lower positioning on the bike. Some people feel that since the recumbent puts you in such a comfortable position, you are not receiving as good a workout as you would on an upright. Unknown if this is true or not. The recumbent bikes take up more room than their upright cousins. If you only have a small apartment or space to set up a bike, a recumbent may not be for you.

Which ever configuration you decide to go with, an exercise bike can provide you with a fantastic cardio workout. Both types usually have some type of monitoring system where you can keep tabs on calories burned, heart rate and so on. The key is to put the bike where you will be enthused to use it, such as in front of the TV. The bike will do you no good if you don't ride it!

Exercise Bike |