Exercise Bike Workout For Weight Loss

Here's an exercise bike workout for weight loss. First, I must say that overall, I DON'T like using bikes for working out. Why... because it's an UNNATURAL exercise that doesn't fit evolution. I'll explain this more further along in the article. Look, if you do in fact use a bike, then I'm going to show you the best way to make it work for weight loss.

Exercise Bike Workout for Weight Loss

1. DON'T just ride the bike nice and easy while comfortably sitting on it

Here's a hint you won't burn much fat. Can you talk in a normal conversation while you're exercising? If so, you might as well stop doing it. You're just wasting your time.

2. DON'T ride at the same pace the whole time

This is not going to cause much fat burning. You need to change it up on your body, keep it guessing

3. Do use INTERVALS... high intensity intervals mixed with low intensity intervals

This is the 1 and ONLY WAY to lose a good amount of weight using this piece of equipment. Here is a general outline that works great for most people. You can adjust the times to fit your conditioning.

Ride the bike as fast as you can for 10 seconds. That's tough, but definitely doable. Next, ride it slow for 50 seconds. You're still exercising, but this is actually an "active rest". After that, repeat the 10 high intensity seconds. And so on. You keep repeating the 10 hard seconds followed by 50 easy seconds for at least 20 minutes.

At the end of 20 minutes, you would've rode the bike fast for a grand total of 200 seconds... barely 3 minutes. YET... I bet you're sweating. Hmm, wonder why. Well, because you're actually working out in a smart manner that's efficient for burning fat.

So take this exercise bike workout for weight loss and give it a try and see what you're missing out on.

If you're SICK and TIRED of getting the same old boring weight loss advice... you know, like "Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink 8 glasses of water, jog, and Blah Blah Blah", then...

By Jennifer Jolan

Exercise Bike Buying Guide - How To Choose the Best Exercise Bike For You

Buying an exercise bike? An exercise bike is an excellent way to build fitness, lose weight and get fit. Plus they're convenient and one of the most comfortable to burn calories in the comfort of your own home.

But how do you choose the best one? This buying guide will show you what to look for when shopping so you can find the best exercise bike for your needs - while avoiding the lemons!

First, ask yourself which class of exercise bike you would like. There are 2 general classes of exercise bikes:

1) Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are the newer exercise bikes on the market with the chair-like or bucket seats. Your body is placed in a semi reclining position and your legs angle out in front of you to reach the pedals instead of hanging down as on an upright bike.

2) Upright Bikes

These are also called "Stationary bikes" although this term is now becoming a catch all term for both upright and recumbent bikes. These are the traditional exercise bikes that have been around for years and are similar in form to traditional outdoor bikes.

An offshoot of the standard upright bike is the 'Dual Action' Stationary bike. These bikes have movable bars or levers on arm handles to incorporate your upper body into the workout.

Know what you want before you start comparing different exercise bikes. Personally I've owned both and after a while upright exercise bike seats just don't feel too comfortable if you know what I mean. But the choice is yours.

The next thing you need to decide on is your budget. How much are you willing to pay for your exercise bike?

There are really 3 price categories:

1) Under $500

2) Between $500 - 1000

3) $1000 +

Under $500: While there are some above average exercise bikes under $500, don't expect to get a top quality machine for this price. If you don't plan on using your exercise cycle much or if you're on a budget, this may be a good price point for you.

Between $500 - $1000: Unlike treadmills or elliptical trainers, you can usually get a very solid, higher quality exercise bike for your home in this category. Most exercise bikes in this category offer magnetic resistance and high grade consoles that give you feedback on your workout. You should also expect several built-in workout programs, foot straps and heart rate monitors.

$1000 +: These exercise bikes are either the cream of the crop for the advanced home exerciser or they are commercial grade for the health club. Examples of bikes in this category include spinners and commercial bikes like Life Cycle, Kettler and Star Trac.

Always remember that with exercise bikes - in general - you do get what you pay for so try to spend the most that you can and get a high quality machine that will last you.

These are really the 2 most important features to decide on: the type of bike and the price you can afford. Here are a few more features you should know about when choosing an exercise bike.

Resistance

There are several different types of resistance you'll find in your exercise bike

1) Direct Tension - offers you a manual adjustment of resistance

2) Air - resistance is provided by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade

3) Magnetic Resistance - this is the most sophisticated type of resistance allowing magnetic currents to create and track the resistance. It generally allows for a greater variety of workout levels.

Magnetic resistance is generally viewed as the best option since it tends to be quieter and provides a more even feel when pedalling.

Workout Options

Most exercise bikes give you information on speed, distance traveled, and time of the workout. The more sophisticated you go, you'll also find things like total calories and fat burned, resistance level, heart rate and program mode.

You can also get exercise bikes with numerous preprogrammed workouts and information storage as well as iFit compatibility and Interactive Disc players.

It really depends on your personal preferences whether you choose a bike with 10 preset programs and an ultra high tech computer display or one with just a simple display.

However, keep in mind that in general, the higher priced bikes have more sophisticated options and are built with higher quality materials.

Warranty

Exercise Bikes come with a variety of warranties from 90 days to lifetime warranties on different parts of the bike. For example, parts and labor may be covered for 6 months, electronics for 1 year and the frame for a lifetime. In general a longer warranty is indicative of a higher quality machine.

Final Note: It is also important that you decide how much you are planning to use your exercise bike. For example, if you are new to exercising and not sure you'll use your exercise bike much, you might want to save some money and go with a more economical model.

If however you plan on using the bike a lot and/or are a regular exerciser, invest a bit more and get a machine that will last. Look for a high quality brand that is highly rated and gives you good value for your money.

By keeping these tips in mind when buying your exercise bike, you're much more likely to find one that best fits your workout needs. Good luck!

By Charles O'Neill

Exercise Bikes Provide Enjoyment As Well As a Great Workout

Exercise bikes will provide a lot of enjoyment as well as a great workout. They won't take up too much space in the corner of your room, and some can even fold away smaller still, fitting into the tiniest of cupboards. There are some bicycles that not only measure speed and distance, but also tell you the time you spend cycling, along with calories expended, pulse rate and work rate (or calories per hour).

Aerobic exercise should be performed around 4 to 5 times a week, and depending upon whether one is running, jogging or just walking, the amount of time one spends should be anywhere between 20 and 60 minutes long. There really is no need to overdo it since this can have negative effects on the body, such as fatigue; and you could possibly even get sick. Doing aerobic exercise with a stationary bike is also an excellent option for relieving stress and eliminating any anxiety. It's best to choose something you enjoy and look forward to doing anyway... and stick with it.

Cycling is one of the more diverse and inviting activities out there, and it's hard to find somebody who won't enjoy a bicycle in some fashion for some purpose. Exercise bikes can be used in order to keep up a cyclist's level of fitness in the off season. And some people may just feel embarrassed about exercising in front of other people, so they will use an exercise bike at home, as well as for many other reasons.

Bicycling is enjoyable but it can also be rather dangerous if done on a busy street. With an upright exercise bike, you can cycle in the comfort and safety of your own home while watching TV or listening to music.

By Jeffrey K. Hall