Exercise Bike Guide Category:
by Chris on July 18, 2010
There are basically three types of exercise bikes.
Recumbent Exercise Bikes
One of the most popular among users because of its high level of comfort, ease of use, the durability and the high quality components. Due to the semi-reclined position, the workout that you will get is low impact. The back seat is usually Additionally, it is mainly quiet even if you pedal at a high speed.
Some major features include: LCD Display, high resistance system, self-balancing pedals, easy adjustable straps on the pedals and oversize seat with flexible height adjustments. If you are short of space, look out for foldable recumbent exercise bikes.
Who needs it?
It’s especially catered for people who just had an operation and need physical therapy as well as people who suffer from back or knee problems. This is because you don’t need to climb over the low level seat or bend your legs too much as the pedals are placed in front of you.
Athletes who need cross training will also benefit from this because your joints will experience little impact or pressure while your back is thoroughly supported. All in all, a recumbent bike makes a friction-free, life-long exercise machine.
Upright Exercise Bikes
This provides you a similar feeling of riding a bicycle outside. In fact, it will give you the same workout that you will get from a regular bike. One such example is the different tension settings available just like normal bikes. The height is similar to a normal bicycle that you would use outside.
Some standard major features to look out for: 50 to 51 inches of height for the seat, various exercise programs, magnetic resistance system, LCD Computer display with a full workout statistic.
Who needs it?
This is specially catered for experienced cyclists and advanced users if you are interested in enhancing your physical performance.
As this is a traditional bike, you are seated upright while cycling. This means you’ve got to have a strong back and it’s not really for those with groin and joint problems (there is a lot of pressure placed on your knees).
It is for those who want a good lower-body and cardiovascular workout. Also, if you have limited space, this is the bike to get. Remember, if you’re thinking of getting this upright exercise bike, always seek advice from the doctor first!
Dual Action Exercise Bikes
This is one bike that gives you an added bonus compared to normal bikes. Mostly upright bikes but the arm handles have movable bars. As the name itself suggest, the dual action is in utilizing your arms and legs together. You can get a healthy sweat after a full-body workout while sitting down comfortably. So, you are not just toning your lower body but also upper body.
The good part is if you’re not feeling like exercising all the parts of your body, you can choose not to use the dual action handlebars. This means you can forgo the arm movements for the more traditional pedaling motion of a bike.
Who needs it?
Those who want a greater aerobic intensity and full body workout simultaneously. The similarity to the recumbent bikes is the low-impact exercise that will not hurt your joints! Physical therapist usually use this dual action exercise bikes for a gentle exercise on the upper back and neck muscles to recuperate from injuries.
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by Chris on July 17, 2010
1. Adjustment of Seat height
If your hips rock sidewards, the seat height should be reduced. A good length is if you can pedal with ease without pointing your toes to fully extend the round of your cycle.
However, note that you will be able to find a smooth way of cycling if you are cycling at a certain speed. So if you have tried to adjust the seat to no avail, perhaps try finding the right cycling speed and all should fall into place.
2. Angle of your saddle
Your seat must be able to support your full body weight and allow you to move around. Don’t tilt it too much upwards or downwards (either will result in injury).
3. Correct Posture
Basics:
- Foot strap should be tightened.
- Sit up straight so that your back won’t be tired after the workout.
- Do not wear loose pants or they might catch the pedals causing more trouble.
- Your leg shouldn’t be fully extended on the down stroke (upright bikes) or on the forward stroke (recumbent bikes).
- For upright bikes, lean your body slightly forward but your weight should not be on your elbows.
4. Start out light and then build up
If this is your first time using an exercise bike, start off with five to ten minutes several times a day and build up consistently. From three times a week, you can build up to once every two days or once a day. This slow-build up will prevent muscle fatigue and also burn-out from training over-intensively.
Your goal as a normal person having usual exercise should be to reach approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for each exercise session.
5. Don’t exercise through injuries
If over-cycling caused you to sustain injuries, stop working out. Determine what caused your injury: was it your posture or the parts of your bicycle?
However, the recumbent bike is good for you to recuperate. In fact therapists commonly use recumbent bikes or dual-action exercise bikes as part of the physical therapy for sportsmen to recuperate from their injury.
6. Use the different programs and resistance to overcome boredom
It’s always a better option to start off from the easier programs and work your way up using the different levels and various programs. First you will find it easy to pedal at a lower intensity, then build up until you feel that the next level is easy before moving up to the following level.
Alternatively, you can always watch TV or listen to fast music to keep the pace up. Some newer bikes are interactive which allows you to play your play station while cycling. You won’t even realize that you are cycling!
7. Try interval workouts
For increased level of fitness, intervals are good options.
- Then, sprint for 30 seconds
- Repeat for between 5 to 15 intervals
It’s a great way if you don’t have much time but want to get value for your time.
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by Chris on July 15, 2010
After finding out the type of exercise bike you want to get and looking at the usual warranty, keep an eye out for these features before you start shopping for your bike.
1. Ask friends or personal trainers
The easiest and surest way to point you in the right direction. If you are a regular member at your local gym, feel free to ask one of your class instructors on the best type of bike for you once you have explained your health condition.
Once you have seen it and test it yourself, you can always choose to buy the exact same model online as there are plenty of discounts compared to buying it from the store. The risk is that buying online may not always get you what you want precisely.
2. Price
The minimum you should be looking at is around $200, $300 to $600 for medium, and above $600 for top end.
3. Brand new or second-hand
If you can afford a new bike, it’s always a better option because you never know how worn out the second-hand bikes have been. The only upside about second-hand bikes is the price and if you’re a first timer who might want to get a hang of bikes first.
4. Seat Comfort and Flexibility
Price doesn’t reflect the comfort!
Generally, recumbent bikes are more comfortable compared to upright bikes. For both type of bikes, check for handlebars and seats that can be easily adjusted.
5. Space in your house
Always measure how much space you have in your house. Even if it’s foldable, check for the construction of your bike. It should be mostly made from metal and the overall finish should not have rough edges. Do not accept a bike which is wobbly even when it is foldable.
6. Level of Resistance
Magnetic resistance provides superior resistance and the quietness in medium to top end exercise bikes. If you can afford it, look out for the availability of a push button resistance. Just for your knowledge, cheaper models of bikes use tension belts, so try to avoid them.
7. Brakes
At the same time, double check the braking system. If it’s electronic, your braking will not jerk and there will be less sudden impact on your joints. Nevertheless, it is more expensive than mechanical brakes.
Air brake, on the other hand, mimics outdoor cycling. As you pedal faster, you will feel a cooler breeze but to alter your resistance, you have to adapt your pedalling speed.
8. Smooth Pedaling
If possible you should get a feel of the pedals before you buy it. It should be smooth and not jerky no matter how high the level of resistance. If possible, test out the model as soon as possible so that you can return them within the warranty period.
9. Heart-rate Monitor
It is for you to know whether your heart-rate is going up or not. The top end bikes will have pulse driven workouts but it is not essential as it just automatically adjusts your workout intensity based on the monitor readings.
10. Display
This is a frequent complaint among users. A useful display console tells you information like time, distance, calories burned, watts, etc.
11. Programs
The medium to high end bikes will have more variety in terms of programs so you stay motivated!
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by Chris on July 14, 2010
Hi I’m Chris. This is my Best Exercise Bike blog. I love cycling because it a great exercise or activity to do either alone, with friends or with family. But sometimes I like to cycle at home, and I use my best exercise bike.
Cycling at home is fun too – you can watch TV or ride to the beat of your favorite music; you can even read a magazine while cycling on an exercise bike. Cycling on an exercise bike is also the best way to get rid of excess fat in the calves, thighs and buttocks, a.k.a. fat legs!
I’ve tried out many models of exercise bikes. For those of you who don’t know what an exercise bike is, it is a stationary bicycle, a machine that lets you pedal on the spot. Usually they only exercise the lower body, but nowadays there are exercise bikes that incorporate the elliptical type of handles for working out the upper body as well.
An exercise bike is used for working out, or it could be used for warming up or training by cyclists. Exercise bikes let you adjust their resistance for a more strenuous workout by using magnets, fans or friction mechanisms.
I personally prefer magnetic resistance, which can be adjusted with just a push of a button, so that I can adjust the resistance anytime during workout. Exercise bikes with magnetic resistance is also quieter and they last longer than those using tension belts. Only the cheap models use tension belts and they wear out soon if you exercise regularly.
Exercise bikes generally have a display screen for you to check various information like calories burned, time, distance and so on. Some has a built in heart rate monitor as well.
Well, I will be reviewing the best exercise bikes so soon you can find the reviews in this blog. There will be guides and tips too. Stay tuned!
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