Exercise Bikes Top Choice For Fitness

Stationary Bikes Continue To Be A Top Choice For Overall Fitness

While some people may be wowed by the promises of the new fancy exercise machines, the stationary exercise bike still gives one of the most effective workouts. Its true stationary bikes have been around for many years, and many people often mistakenly consider them less effective then the newer designs of fitness equipment.

Nothing could be further from the truth! Exercise bikes continue to give a lot of individuals a fun, consistent, workable method of exercising. For many, it is the best way to improve their cardiology functions and losing weight.

You get all the benefits of riding a bicycle by using a stationary bike. For instance, they have a lot less impact on the knees, hips and various joints then running or walking, provide excellent cardio workouts, and convenient to use in your home, ready anytime.

What’s more, speed and resistance are easy to adjust on stationary bikes with their manual or computerized controls. Often included are heart monitors and as many as 16 preprogrammed cardio workouts ready to use with a touch of a button. Stationary bikes come in many different styles and prices, and usually turn out to be the best priced cardio exercise machine.

Even better, there are no dogs chasing you, cars speeding by splashing puddles, a down pour of rain, icy sidewalks, sun burns, or clouds of gnats buzzing by your ear. Instead, on a stationary bike, you can talk on your cell phone, catch up on your books or magazines, sip a cool drink, watch television, or listen to your own personal music. Getting such pleasures on a bike path is unlikely.

Styles of Stationary Bikes

To start, upright, standard stationary bikes are made in a single or dual action designs. Dual action bikes provide a more effective cardio workouts, burn more calories plus improve overall body tone then single action designs because of their levers or handles that move the upper body area. This allows the arms to work harder to use the machine, which results in less work for the legs. Plus, they are excellent for people with hip or leg injuries that need exercise yet must take it easy on their legs.

Upright Exercise Bike

Another popular model is a recumbent bicycle, or known as a bent. This kind of stationary bike is more laid back…literally. The body is placed in a partial or totally reclining position, lifting pressure off the back region. At first, some individuals feel the position is hard to get used to, yet many who select recumbent bikes proclaim that they are very simple and comfortable to ride. Often, they have a bigger seat, which means you will want to stay on the machine longer or not have any discomfort later.

Recumbent Exercise Bike

The recumbent is perfect for working the abdominal muscles and making more hamstring movement because of its reclining position. Moreover, the lower point of gravity makes a more stable balance. It is also true that doctors believe they are better for people with back problems, cerebral palsy and related diseases. The recumbent bikes place your feet more closely in line with your heart, keeping blood pressure down and giving you a safer overall workout.

Popular Designs And Prices

On most stationary bikes there are devices to measure your speed and distance. You will see a tachometer/odometer combination on the economy models with a flywheel design that provides resistance. These kinds are not programmable and will give you the minimally effective workout. However they do cost under $200 may be an inexpensive way for a beginner or for someone on a close budget to some exercise.

For more features, standard designs come with programmable consul that measures your heart rate, or even allow you to chose a heart rate and then alter the resistance to match. These stationary bikes might use fan blades, flywheels, and magnetic resistance depending on the prices. The best method is usually magnetic resistance since it operates quietly and more smoothly. The prices for these designs range from 200 to 1500 dollars, and have the widest selection to satisfy the average person.

Upright Exercise Magnetic Bike

Standard models usually come with more features such as a programmable consul that calculates heart rate or allows you to pick a heart rate and then adjust the resistance accordingly. These bikes may use flywheels, fan blades, or magnetic resistance, depending on the quality. Magnetic resistance is usually the best method as it operates more smoothly and is quieter. They can range from $200 up to $1500 and provide the broadest range of selection for the average person. Some popular models include CAP CO-BR 130 (recumbent), CAP CO-BD7 Triangular D-7 Upright Magnetic, and several models from Sunny, a popular sports equipment manufacturer.

There are designs available for 1500 or more dollars that come with all the bells and whistles. They often use magnetic resistance and usually need to be plugged in to an outlet. Features included  may be extended warranties, larger variation of programming features, and creature comfort options like built in fans.  Lifecycle 5500HR and 5500RHR (recumbent) are popular choices.

Equipment Comparisons

Every stationary bike gives you a low impact workout that a lot of people think is better over treadmill exercise. Walking or running causes a force on the knees, ankles, feet and other body parts that can cause swelling or discomfort in your joints. Old injuries can get irritated or at times even new problems may develop. On the other hand, a stationary bike provides non-weight bearing exercise that lessens impact on these areas.

This is a lot of debate in the health and fitness industries, and among customers, over which machines  use more calories and result in a better cardio workout. Both sides have proof  on the issue, yet many people agree that a stationary bike should have at least dual action to get the best weight loss and heart health. The arm pumping has a large impact of the effectiveness of any workout, which on a treadmill is less effective if you hold onto the hand supports rather than letting your arms swing or moving them in rhythm to your walking.

Another choice of exercise machine is an elliptical trainer that provides a low impact workout. However, many people think that they do not give you the same cardio benefits. Rowing machines are tedious, hard to use, and may be hard on the back. Other types of equipment have disadvantages also, illustrating the fact that stationary bikes make a good choice for overall effectiveness and satisfaction. Average consumer purchases show that exercise bikes still rank as a top choice for exercise machines and fitness training.

You can not go wrong with a stationary exercise bike since it is a proven effective exercise machine, that keeps improving and adapting with new technology. Considering its overall effectiveness, ease of use and wide choice of models and prices, the stationary bike makes a perfect choice for advanced enthusiasts and beginners alike.