Exercise Bikes

Exercise bikes are also called stationary bikes, indoor bikes, or studio cycles. Exercise bikes are a good option for those who find walking or other weight-bearing exercise too painful. They are also helpful for those who have had knee or hip replacement since they provide range-of-motion exercise to regain flexibility in the joints after surgery. Exercise bikes are a staple piece of exercise equipment because of the low-impact, high-gain cardio exercise they offer. One thing to keep in mind, the service on these bikes can be expensive if you use it a lot.

The types of the best exercise bikes are:

Upright Bikes
The design of the upright bike resembles that of a typical road bike but they are stationary. The pedals are positioned below the rider and puts added stress on the joints. The seat on the recumbent bike's seat resembles chairs and the pedals are out in front of the rider so that pedaling is more natural and puts less stress on the joints.

Dual Action Exercise Bikes
Dual action exercise bikes are upright bikes that have moveable bars or arm handles. You use both of your arms and your legs on this bike. While using this bike you will experience aerobic activity and upper body toning.

Resistance Bikes
There is variety with resistance bikes as well. With direct tension bikes you can manually adjust the resistance you use. The cycling motion on a bike with flywheels is like regular cycling motion. Bikes with air assistance get resistance by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade. The most sophisticated resistance bikes are magnetic frictionless resistance bikes. These bikes provide greater variety of workout levels. On more advanced bikes there are feedback mechanisms that show the following readouts: speed, time, distance , total calories and fat burned, program mode, resistance levels, pulse, heart rate, and work out levels (RPM, watts, METS, mpm's, and mph/kph).

Which One Should You Buy?
The bike you choose to purchase will depend on your wants and needs. The type of workout you're looking for will also influence your choice of bikes. A great cardio workout focused on the quadriceps is provided by an upright bike. You are seated in a reclining position on a recumbent bike. Your back is supported by the seat and your legs are out in front of you. The hamstring muscles and the gluteus muscles get worked. Your lower back is less stressed on a recumbent bike. Some upright exercise bikes will have handlebars that move in a simulated rowing motion.

Your back and chest and your arm and back muscles will get a workout. You will get an excellent cardiovascular workout and calorie burning experience with both of these bikes. The bike should be matched to your size. Exercise bikes for the most part are easily adjusted for almost any body type.

Benefits of Exercise Bikes
1. Burning Calories - Exercise bikes are unmatched for burning calories, raising your heart rate, and giving you a great aerobic workout. They are recommended throughout the health and exercise industry as a form of safe exercise. Exercise bikes are the least expensive type of cardio equipment, and with a small footprint, are also space-efficient. Many stationary bikes are self-powered, allowing maximum flexibility in laying out a fitness facility. Exercise bikes are unique in that many of them come programmed with various biking routines. You simulate different courses that require you to sprint, pedal uphill, and perform at different levels within one workout without having to keep pressing buttons and changing everything.

2. General Fitness - Exercise bikes are used for exercise, to increase general fitness, and for training for cycle events. The exercise bike has long been used for physical therapy because of the low-impact, safe, and effective cardiovascular exercise it provides. Exercise bikes are great for cardiovascular fitness and toning or building your thighs. Particularly designed for lower body toning. Exercise bikes are bicycles that do not move. They are intended for the aide in weight loss, health improvement, and general strengthening for your body.

3. Other Benefits - Exercise bikes are particularly helpful for toning the lower body, as the intensity and level of resistance can be adjusted accordingly, providing a more challenging workout. Exercise bikes are an effective way to improve your health while providing you the convenience of your own personal home gym. However one should remember to check the features that fits his needs while he goes to shop for an exercise bike. Exercise bikes are a good option for those who find walking or other weight-bearing exercise too painful. They are also helpful for those who have had knee or hip replacement since they provide range-of-motion exercise to regain flexibility in the joints after surgery.

Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. Exercise bikes are fantastic exercise devices for all levels of motivated health and fitness seekers, including beginners.