Excercise Bike

The exercise bike has been a staple of the gym for almost as many years as modern gyms have existed. It is one of the oldest types of exercise equipment, pre-dating such relatively modern favorites as stair-climbing machines and elliptical machines. The fact that it has been around for awhile does not mean that it is antiquated, however. There are some very good reasons why the exercise bike is still found in gym facilities today. It should be noted that it does have some limitations, but that they are compensated for by a fairly long list of solid benefits. Whether an individual is seeking to start an exercise program, or is an experienced gym-rat, the exercise bike can be a useful addition to a workout routine.

Exercise Bike

Reasons for Using an Exercise Bike to Get in Shape

• One of the great hindrances to exercise is the health of an individual’s joints. Consider the oldest form of exercise: running. Running can be extremely stressful on a person’s knees and ankles. This is especially so for individuals who are extremely overweight. Even if their joints are in reasonably good shape, this can change quickly for the person who is morbidly obese. High impact activity can cause injury and thus discourage them from exercising. This is not a risk with an exercise bike. The big advantage is the fact that working out with an exercise bike is a low-impact form of exercise.
• Another reasons people do not exercise is often the cost associated with it. The fact that exercise bikes have been common for many years means that they are usually easy to find, and can be purchased fairly cheaply. Thrift stores and gyms that are updating their equipment are good places to find deals. A brand new bike which is best, can be purchased online.
• There is also the fact that exercise bikes are suitable for indoor exercise. During rainy weather and winter, exercising outdoors can be unpleasant or even hazardous. Some people feel self-conscious exercising in public and some like to watch TV while they get fit. An exercise bike can allow an individual to get a workout within the comfort of their own home and enjoy both their privacy and their entertainment.
• Exercise bikes also strengthen various parts of the legs and lower body. The hamstrings in particular reap benefits from exercise bike workouts. Hip flexion and knee extension will both be improved by using an exercise bike. Less obvious areas of the lower body will also have their functions improved. Areas such as the shin muscles which are important for walking and running, as well as the ankles will also be strengthened and made more flexible.
• If an individual is willing to invest in a higher-end bike they may be able to get one that can estimate calories burned in a workout. There are bikes that can measure heart-rate so that the user can maximize the effectiveness of the exercise by maintaining a certain pace.

Types of Exercises Bikes

There are two main types of exercise bike: upright and recumbent. Each type has different benefits and is suited for a different type of user, though they also have many benefits in common. Upright bike require that the user sit upright on the seat, just as they would on a real bike. The upright posture means that the user’s knees become the focus of the workout. Other muscles that get exercised in this type of workout include the glutes, and the quadriceps. The upright position also means that for people who are not accustomed to riding bikes, it could be somewhat uncomfortable. With a recumbent exercise bike, the user is in a bucket seat and is reclining to a certain extent.

The recumbent position allows for most of the benefits of the upright bike, though with less of an emphasis on pushing down on the pedals. It also gives the abs more of a workout (the position assumed is similar to that of a sit-up). The seats on recumbent bikes are bigger and thus suited for people of all sizes. The position allows for more areas of the lower body to be exercised simultaneously and therefore may allow for faster calorie-burning.

Drawbacks of Exercise Bikes When Compared to Other Exercise Equipment

Workout on Bike

While exercise bikes are excellent for some exercise benefits, there are a few areas that should be noted by people who are new to using them. They are better for strengthening muscles and joints than they are for burning calories. This is not to say that working out on an exercise bike will not help the user to burn calories, just that the workout is less focused on that goal. In order to reap maximum calorie burning benefits, riders will have to use their bikes for extended periods.
Another aspect that should be noted is that while some users may be fine with sitting in one place, others find it tedious. Using an exercise bike involves repetitive motion, so users who need variety in their workout should combine it with other types of exercise.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Exercise Bike

These bikes will be used for extended periods, therefore comfort is an issue. Along with comfort, is also important to keep size in mind. Because these bikes will be used in doors, it is necessary to ensure that the bike is of the right size for location where it will be used. Users should carefully research bikes before purchasing so that they know how the bike will fit into their lifestyle.

Tips for Safely Using an Exercise Bike

• Exercise bikes should be sized and suited to the user and their living-space.
• Workouts should be paced, with the user starting slowly before gradually intensifying the workouts.
• Padded shorts are as much a necessity for long workout sessions on an exercise bike as they are for long bicycle trips.