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Recumbent Bikes offer a Unique Exercise Option

Recumbent bikes are an alternative kind of exercise bike that offers advantages in certain circumstances. Like regular exerercise bikes, recumbent bikes can provide a good cardiovascular workout, strengthen and tone muscles and burn calories. Their unique position and design however differs from upright stationary exercise bikes and provides a slightly different type of workout.

Recumbent bikes are designed for working out in a horizontal position. They feature a wide, adjustable seat that slides and a backrest. There are handgrips on the sides of the bike and on the console area instead of regular bike handlebars.

Unlike regular bikes that require an upright position, the legs stretch out in front of the body in a horizontal position on a recumbent bike. The legs stay horizontal during pedaling in recumbent bike workouts.

One big advantage of the unique design of recumbent bikes is that it takes pressure off the back. Upright bike pedaling can stress the knees as well as the lower back, while working out on recumbent bikes is usually safe and comfortable for those with back or joint injuries or issues.

Individuals that are significantly overweight often find recumbent bikes easier to use than upright bikes. They are easier to get on and off and they don’t involve as much balance as upright exercise bikes do. Their stability and the comfortable exercise position also makes recumbent bikes a popular choice with seniors.

The recumbent bike posture also prevents hunching over the handlebars as people sometimes do with upright bikes. You’ll maintain good posture throughout the entire workout on a recumbent bike, so you reap all the rewards you possibly can from exercising.

Although you can read, watch TV or workout your upper body while exercising on an upright bike, it’s even easier to do so with recumbent bikes. Since you’re firmly seated, you don’t need a great deal of strength or balance to hold yourself in place and continue to exercise hands-free on a recumbent bike. It is much easier to use lightweights for upper body exercises which can make workouts even more productive.

Anyone interested in purchasing a recumbent bike should try one out first at a fitness gym. Different models have different features, and it’s important to make the right choice with a recumbent bike based on personal preferences. Although stationary bikes are sometimes viewed as replacable fitness equipment items, recumbent bikes are often used and owned long term.

 

About the Author

Exercise Equipment Review provides an unbiased consumer review of exe
rcise bikes, elliptic
al trainers and treadmills. Author Chris Brown has been researching exercise equipment for his own home gym.