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

Best Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bike

When wanting to get into shape you might not think of using a recumbent exercise bike but I am here to tell you that they are the way to go. You simply need to find the best bike for you and you will love getting into shape.

The best schwinn recumbent exercise bike is definitely the model 213. It is the most popular bike for a reason. You won't find any other bicycle that is more comfortable and that lasts as long as this one. If you have ever been in a fitness equipment store and tested out their bicycles you would easily walk away with the 213.

Now you may not know this already but for the most part when it comes to equipment for exercising you get what you pay for. Schwinn is a well known and respected company because they don't make cheap bikes that will break on you. So you can expect to pay a little more for the quality that you will be getting with this company.

You then have to look at the different types of bikes offered. You can get an upright bike which looks like the normal bicycle you learned how to ride as a kid. The recumbent bike is one that has a back rest on it and it very popular for older people or people with bad backs. The mini bike is just a set of pedals that sits on the ground that you can use anywhere you desire. No matter your style, schwinn will have a bike for you.

By Bruce Bentley

The Exercise Bike Upright Type Pros And Cons

Exercise bike upright types provide a riding experience much like a road bicycle. The seating position is upright with handlebars and a seat much like a conventional bicycle.

This is a good starting point for equipment if you are just looking for a cardio machine to add to your workout. This will give you an option for an indoor workout even in bad weather. The lower priced exercise bikes are often found in this design. But even many of the lower priced machines are very useful and well made.

Those with injuries or severe limitations may find these bikes hard to use. Also the lower priced exercise bikes are not heavy enough for very vigorous stand-up pedaling. But for moderate level workouts for most of us, the moderate priced upright bikes may be all you need.

One advantage to upright exercise bikes is they have a small footprint. They do not take up much space so are useful in most any home and are fairly easy to move.

Another consideration for a bike is the noise level. Most of the upright exercise bikes have a quiet magnetic resistance system. The resistance system provides the load against which you pedal. Listen to music or videos with no problem if your bike uses a resistance system. With an air resistance machine, there's much more noise, but you get the cooling breeze from the fan.

A final major consideration in choosing an exercise bike is the workout programming. Most of these bikes have a performance monitor tracking time, calories burned and miles covered.

Do you want other functions? For extra motivation you can get bikes that vary resistance levels and simulate workouts over varying terrain. This should make your workout time fly by. You can even get machines that let you play video games as you ride for a real diversion to make the workout time rush past. Consider getting a heart rate monitor.

Choose an upright exercise bike as a starter machine and you can get a very useful machine at a moderate price. A higher priced upright bike may be right for you if your bike will be punished by very vigorous workouts. Higher priced upright exercise bikes can stand very hard use for many years.

By Al Bullington

Upright vs Recumbent Exercise Bike

The upright stationary exercise bike has been around for quite some time but recently the recumbent exercise bike has become increasingly popular. There's some debate about which is better. Personally, I believe they both have advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best depends on your overall fitness level and what it is you want to achieve using a bike.

Both types of bike have their negative and positive points. As the recumbent bike is a relative newcomer that's proved to be quite popular, let's take a look at it first.

Advantages of a recumbent exercise bike

Comfort is without doubt its biggest selling point. Many complain of being saddle sore when using a traditional upright; no matter how padded the seat is, after any length of time your rear end gets a little sore. However, with a recumbent, you sit in a chair - not on a seat - and this eliminates a sore bottom.

People with lower back problems find the support offered when sitting in a seat in a reclined position enables them to cycle for longer, than they would do on an upright, thus getting a better workout. People who are overweight also find it more comfortable to recline in a chair rather than sit on a seat.

Cycling in a reclined position works the gluteal muscles more than cycling upright. If you're looking to improve the shape of your butt, the recumbent is the way to go.
Sore or numb wrists and fingers are a thing of the past as you hands no longer support the weight of your upper body.

The recumbent exercise bike is also more ergonomic. This means that breathing is improved as abdominal muscles relax, which in turn leads to a better cardiovascular workout.
Disadvantages of a recumbent bike
Unlike an upright, your movement is restricted. And, many fitness experts believe that the reclined position encourages a slower, less intense workout.
Advantages of an upright bike
Your movement is not restricted so you can choose to either sit down or stand up as you pedal. This means that you can exercise different areas of muscle. Many models also come with handle bars that allow the rider to either cycle in a sitting up position or in a more competitive, racing position.

Uprights take up less space and generally cost less because there are fewer parts to the frame. This means that for the same money you generally get a better bike with an upright model.
Most fitness experts tend to agree that you get a more physical and intense workout on an upright.

Disadvantages of an upright bike

These have already been listed in the advantages of a recumbent bike section.
In conclusion, upright bikes are more suited to those who are already in shape and want workouts that will keep them that way or take them to the next level. A recumbent exercise bike is best suited for those who've never exercised before, who have back problems, overweight, or have mobility problems. But whichever model you think is best for you, you should give both types a try out before you buy.

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The Elliptical Trainer vs The Exercise Bike

The exercise bike has been a staple in health clubs and gyms for decades. The elliptical trainer on the other hand is relatively new, but it has quickly become a favourite of exercisers of all ages. At my gym, there is usually a waiting list to use the elliptical trainers.

Both the elliptical trainer and the exercise bike give you a terrific cardiovascular workout. Let’s review the elliptical trainer versus the exercise bike to see how it compares!

The elliptical trainer and the exercise bike both provide a low impact workout.

If you have ever tried an elliptical trainer at your gym, you may have been impressed by the smooth gliding action of the machine. The elliptical (oval shaped) motion lets you experience a full range of motion, but the smooth action keeps your joints supple.

The exercise bike is also a low impact exercise. Riding an exercise bike allows even people with back pain to exercise because it does not jar the spine like some other forms of exercise. In fact, rehabilitation specialists will often recommend the exercise bike to people who have joint issues or who are rehabilitating after surgery.

Both machines minimize the force on your knees, ankles and feet.

Both the elliptical trainer and exercise bike are great for beginners.

If you’re just starting out exercising, you won’t find an easier exercise to get used to than the exercise bike. It mimics the action of riding a bike, so even beginners feel comfortable within a few minutes of getting on the machine. Resistance levels can be adjusted, so that you can choose a very low level of resistance when just starting out.

Nevertheless, the elliptical trainer is also terrific for beginners because it mimics the same movement you use in walking, so you will find it easy to learn and use. The resistance level on the elliptical is also easy to adjust and change. Experiment a little bit to find the level that’s right for you.

The elliptical trainer with handlebars provides a great cross training work out versus the exercise bike.

Probably one of the biggest advantages of the elliptical trainer versus the exercise bike is its ability to give you a cross training workout. The handlebars give you the ability to work out many of the muscles of your upper body at the same time that you are working your legs. Many people choose the elliptical trainer over most other types of cardio equipment because you can get the best overall workout for your time.

The elliptical trainer and the exercise bike both allow you to reverse direction.

Don’t just get stuck in fast forward when you’re exercising. A great benefit of both the exercise bike and elliptical trainer is your ability to move your legs in a backward motion on the elliptical and to pedal backwards on the exercise bike. You may not realize that reversing the motion actually engages different muscles in your legs, thereby giving your legs a better all around workout.

The elliptical trainer provides a weight bearing workout versus the exercise bike, which does not.

Another benefit of the elliptical trainer is its ability to provide you with a weight bearing workout. Weight bearing exercise is important for protecting against muscle and bone loss, particularly as you age. Many fitness experts agree that weight bearing exercises are the best way for you to also improve your conditioning, strengthen your muscles and burn more calories efficiently.

The exercise bike is much smaller and less expenses versus the elliptical trainer.

If you are considering which piece of equipment to purchase for your home gym, space is typically a consideration. Exercise bikes take up less space than elliptical trainers do, so it may be a better choice if you have limited space.

In addition, you can usually get a decent exercise bike for a few hundred dollars less than a good quality elliptical machine. Remember to shop around to get the best price!

The exercise bike can help you build up your leg muscles.

If you are training for a specific purpose or sport, exercise bikes can be used to help you build up your quadriceps and calves. To achieve muscle building on the bike, you need to progressively increase your resistance on a regular basis. However, you are probably better off using the exercise bike for your cardiovascular benefits and using weight training for your muscle building.

Which is best?

The best way for you to evaluate which machine is right for you is to try them out. Of course, if you have a health club membership you can use a different machine for each of your workouts. However, if you’re planning a home based gym, you need to try each machine to see which works best for you. Hopefully, some of the differences pointed out in this article will assist you in your decision!

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Exercise Bikes - Recumbent or Stationary?

Exercise bikes are a wonderful way to get a low-impact exercise workout. Of course today's bikes like those from Sportsart, Tunturi, Nordictrack, Schwinn, and Pro Form are a far cry from the bikes offered many years ago.

You know the ones - the lightweight plastic flywheel, the tiny seat, and no statistical monitoring whatsoever.

Well, as you probably know today's exercise bike offers a stationary bike rider so much more. Now a person has to decide between getting the lower profile comfortable recumbent style or the high-seated traditional stationary style bike.

Of course each has its advantages but to ensure that you get the most value and best fit for your needs one should ensure that any bike reviews consider several critical and necessary features.

Because an exercise bike provides a lower-impact workout they also require longer usage to get maximum benefit. What does this mean? It means that using this type of home exercise equipment is going to require a person to spend many, many hours using the bicycle.

With this in mind, it's absolutely critical that any stationary and recumbent exercise bikes considered has several key features detailed.

An appropriately supporting seat. Some manufacturers provide seats that are plastic and rather small. As you might expect, these are going to get uncomfortable. Fast.

So make sure the seat is large enough and supportive enough to accommodate today's heavier riders.

Because it can get rather boring just riding for hours on end, make sure the bike is quiet enough to operate while a television is on in front of you. You won't regret this.

Modern recumbent and stationary exercise bikes have a computerized console panel above the handlebars. Both cheap and expensive bikes have this feature. And because these consoles tell you all the stats you may need to monitor while exercising, like calories burned, time, distance, exercise level, and speed, you want to make sure that you are going to be putting your bike near a power outlet at home.

It's rare to find a model that still operates on only batteries. So make sure you plan in advance where you want your bicycle to be located in your home.

There are other minor features that are more personal preference but still should be considered. The main ones are:

- pedal straps

- seat height adjustability/flexibility

- cup holders

- warranties

Overall, if you ensure to consider these points prior to doing your exercise bike reviews you will be sure to come out with a bike that is more than acceptable and capable of giving you the workout you need.


By Andre Best


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Used Exercise Bikes - A Great Investment

Purchasing one of many used exercise bikes can be a really great investment for you. Used exercise bikes come from two basic sources. First, you can buy a truly used bike pretty inexpensively in a garage sale or your local classified ads. These used exercise bikes can be in varying conditions from almost new to badly worn. The second source for used exercise bikes is a company that sells reconditioned exercise equipment. These bikes are typically brand name merchandise, like Schwinn or Sears, that were originally in a fitness center, school, or rehabilitation center. When they finished using the equipment, it was bought in an inexpensive lot by a company like the one you've chosen to deal with. They then replace parts, clean it up, and sell it to consumers like yourself. You can find all types of used exercise bikes including those with a fly wheel, traditional exercise bikes, and recumbent bikes.

Why Use An Exercise Bike?

1. Exercise bikes help you strengthen and develop a number of major muscles including your quads, your glutes, and your hamstrings.

2 It is joint friendly because there is almost no impact from the weight of your upper body because of the way the bike is used.

3. It offers an excellent workout for your cardiovascular system.

4. It is very safe because it is an indoor activity, and you can do it anywhere from your own home to a well
attended fitness facility.

5. You can enjoy other pleasures like reading, watching television, or listening to music while you are working out on an stationary exercise bike.

Where Can I Find A Reconditioned Model?

Reconditioned bikes are available from a number of sources. Some mail order catalog companies carry reconditioned exercise equipment. Perhaps the best way to locate a used exercise bike dealer is through the internet. A simple search engine query will reveal hundreds of dealers with different purchase requirements. Some may even have local show rooms in your area.


By Dean Iggo


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Exercise Bikes - Uprights Versus Recumbent

So which is best, there is a great deal of debate as to which of the two styles of exercise bike is best, the upright bike or the recumbent bike. It is true that both have their advantages. Which to choice when buying one? well that is down to your personally preference.

The Upright Bike.

The upright is of course the traditional style of bike modelled on the conventional road bike. If you are used to riding on the road on a normal road bike then the upright exercise bike would feel the more natural of the two styles.

Another advantage that the upright offers is the space saving over a recumbent. By its nature a recumbent is a laid back style and the body is stretched out, as a result the is longer. So the upright takes up less floor space.

It is widely regarded, by most fitness professionals, that the upright bike gives a more intense workout as the body is more upright, it is easier to put more effort into the ride.

Recumbent exercise bike.

The recumbent exercise bike is without doubt the more comfortable of the two styles. One of the down side of an upright is they can leave you a little saddle sore, no matter how padded the seat is. The recumbent is like sitting in armchair, no risk of a numb bum.

People with back trouble may find the posture of the recumbent more supportive than an upright, enabling them to cycle longer getting a better workout. A similar thing applies to overweight people; the more comfortable posture of the recumbent may suit them better.

The differing posture of the recumbent also puts more load on the legs and buttocks, so if reshaping your behind is one of your concerns then this a better choice.

Cycling in an upright position also puts a lot of pressure on the hands and wrists and can leave your fingers numb after a while. Using a recumbent eliminates this as your hands no longer support your body weight. Because you are not hunched over on a recumbent your lungs are more open thus you are able too breathe better making for a better workout.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both style of bike, in the end it comes down to personal preference and how fit you are too start with. It is definitely worth testing both style in the store, before you buy.


By Dave R Jones

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What is Great about an Exercise Bike?

Exercise bike, With everyone concentrating on their physical fitness programs, there are exercise facilities that offer 24 hour access to fitness equipment for a relatively low cost, and normally you will be charged by the month for the use of these fine facilities. These workout facilities feature state-of the-art equipment and shower facilities. The facilities features exercise mats, stair climbing machines, weights and a tremendous variety of exercise bikes to work out on.

The flywheel exercise bike is a featured with a wind resistance wheel that gives you a tremendous amount of pressure as the speed of your pedaling increases. The exercise bike flywheel is mounted on a stationary bike and is equipped with handle bars that contain heart rate sensors to guide you during your cardiovascular workout.

Most exercise bike reviews state that you should be in good physical health before you start an exercise program. The least taxing of all of the exercise bikes is the manual exercise bike. It simply offers low impact leg and foot action on a bicycle styled bike that is setup on a metal stand.

Most of these exercise bikes feature a control panels with an LCD display, with the exception of the manual exercise bike, that has no displays at all to offer. Some use an electrical cord to provide power to maintain the LCD display, with pedal action to generate the statistics during the exercise program that you have chosen.

With an electric generating exercise bike, you do not have to worry about the location of an electrical plug because they operate on a two-stage drive train that creates self-generating resistance through an electromagnetic factor. An internal computer will keep the statistics of your progress through a alpha-numeric display screen. The electric generating exercise bike is well liked because the equipment can be used in location.

Ease of use makes the versatility of folding exercise bikes very popular. With limited exercise spaces available in most workout building, the folding capability makes them easy to store. The folding exercise bikes are very useful at home gyms as well, where a bedroom may be used for exercise. After a workout is finished, they can be folded small enough to fit in a home closet or underneath the bed.

With a Schwinn exercise bike cycle, you get an athletic workout that is suitable for a novice or well seasoned professional athlete. The Schwinn exercise bike cycle features a chain drive that will give adequate exertion to the upper and lower parts of the body at the same time.

With the Kettler exercise bike you get a training program that uses a personal computer interface to aid you in your training regimen. The Kettler exercise bike offers state-of-the-art animated training styles to aid you in achieving the maximum output in your workout.

The exercise bike reviews give top ratings to the flywheel exercise bike. With the exercise bike flywheel feature, this exercise bike offers the greatest resistance at a more affordable pricing level than some name brand competitors.


By Samantha Clark'

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Exercise Bikes - An Overview

Exercise bikes are alternately called stationary bikes, spinner bikes, and recumbent bikes. All exercise bikes have a saddle, or a seat, peddles, and some form of handlebar, so they resemble regular bikes; however, the style, structure, and size of stationary bikes can vary greatly. Exercise bikes also range in price. The most basic, simple exercise bike can be no more than fifty dollars. Other stationary bikes have a built in video game console, which displays the "rider" and the terrain the rider is going over or the race the rider is in, as well as distance traveled, pulse rate, and calories burned.

Exercise bikes are popular for exercise at the gym or at home. People who use their bikes at home find them convenient because they can be placed in front of the television to help pass the time. They also only need a small amount of space. People are attracted to this type of exercise because it low impact but highly effective. Due to the fact that it is low impact, stationary bikes are also used in physical therapy. They are also good for warming up or cooling down before and after strength exercises-that is, exercises that are designed to build muscle. A good five or ten minute ride on the stationary bike will increase your pulse rate and get your muscles limber prior to lifting weights. Warming up and cooling down when doing any sort of strength training or even aerobic exercise will minimize the chance for injury and help you have a better workout.


By Alexander Sutton


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The Price of Exercise Bikes

Before you shop for your new exercise bike, you need to decide your budget and your priorities. For example, if you only have one hundred dollars to spend, but you feel you absolutely need a bike with different terrains and races programmed into the console, you're going to be disappointed. New exercise bikes with all of the bells and whistles will coast you, but when it comes to exercise equipment the old adage, "You get what you pay for" as never been more true. Once you decide how much you're willing to spend, and you make a list of features that you absolutely need, you can compare the two things until you come up with a decent budget that realistically reflects the sort of bike you are looking for.

The price of exercise bikes range considerably, but most of the high-quality ones with extra bells and whistles will run you between three and six hundred dollars. That might seem like a lot of money to spend for a bike, but you are paying for quality, necessary features, and convenience. You can exercise daily without purchasing an expensive gym membership, and the weather will never get in the way of fitness. The initial cost is just an investment in your fitness regimen, and is generally worth the prices. You can find one cheaper than three hundred dollars, but as already mentioned, it might not have any of the features you could want. An exercise bike with all the "bells and whistles" can get as high as one thousand dollars, but often, they have more features than a person reasonably needs.


By Alexander Sutton


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Top 10 Exercise Bikes

In today's hectic schedule, people prefer working out at home rather than spending time at the gym. Exercise bikes are a unique choice as they provide a great workout routine and are more fun to use than a monotonous treadmill is. Exercise bikes today come programmed with a number of pre-set biking routines. The user can stimulate different courses that require them to dash, pedal uphill, and exercise at different levels within one workout routine. They are not required to keep pressing buttons and change settings every time they plan to exercise. Certain bikes also allow the user to select random programs, which introduces an element of surprise, as they don't know what's coming. This keeps users on their toes at all times. While purchasing an exercise bike, people are advised to make use of the Internet to conduct adequate research on the different brands and makes available. A brief glance at the list of the top 10 exercise bikes is bound to provide the user with a great deal of information on the brand to be chosen.

Irrespective of the brand or make, care should be taken to ensure that the exercise bike purchased caters to the preference and comfort of the buyer. Over the years, a number of companies have begun manufacture of exercise bikes and equipments in order to cater to the growing needs for the same.

Brands such as Trixter PLC, Kettler, KeysFitness, Reebok International Limited, Schwinn, and Life Fitness are well reputed. It is advisable to consult with experienced trainers or specialists to determine the value and effectiveness of an exercise bike. When buyers choose from top ten exercise bikes, it gives them a wider range of options and allows people to choose a bike that suits their requirements and fits in their budget. The logical explanation behind selecting from top ten exercise bikes is to save money and avoid purchase of sub-standard equipment from an un-reputed company.

By Eddie Tobey


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