There are a few exercises that allow you to sit comfortably and listen to music while breaking a sweat. Cycling is one of the best forms of cardio and a recumbent exercise bike helps you achieve your cardio goals easily. Although recumbent bikes may seem easy, their high resistance settings and efforts make them one of the most effective and high-intensity workouts. Exercise bikes are stationary exercise bikes that work and resemble a regular bicycle. Read our blog on the benefits and types of exercise bikes that allow you to work out in the same place.
This blog will tell you everything you should know about recumbent bikes along with the best ones among them. The idea is to highlight all the important aspects of these bikes, so you can purchase the right one, in case you are looking to buy one. We also have a blog where we list down our reasons why you should own an exercise bike.
What Is A Recumbent Exercise Bike?
Recumbent exercise bikes differ from standard exercise bikes. Their seat is close to the ground and they come with sturdy back support. They are comfortable, durable, and flexible to use, thus making them popular among millennials and elderly people. Recumbent bikes are good for arthritis and other health ailments like stiff joints, leg pain, obesity, etc.
How Do Recumbent Bikes Work?
Recumbent bikes work by allowing the user to sit on a large platform while reclining the seat. There is an aerodynamic advantage to recumbent exercise bikes, which makes them more effective and comfortable for users. This chair has a reclined seat, forward-facing legs, and a hand bar on the sides to provide support and speed.
How Does a Recumbent Exercise Bike Work?
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
This efficient Marcy’s recumbent exercise bike offers a sturdy steel frame and eight magnetic resistance levels. This exercise bike is a must-buy for your home with an easy step-through design, functional LED screen, efficient odometer, and comfortable usage.
Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series
The lightweight but sturdy Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series weighs around 300 pounds and comes with 13 workout programs. It also features an efficient 16-level magnetic tension control system, reclined and comfortable seat, many smart features like Bluetooth, LCD computer screen, etc., and a super comfortable build.
LANOS Workout Bike
The LANOS Workout Bike stationary bike is ergonomically designed to allow you to sit comfortably while performing your daily fitness routine. The cushion seat is easy to adjust to your body and weight type, and it helps to support your back. You can set your own standards with the 10-level magnetic tension control system to reach personal goals at your own speed.
Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series
Schwinn is a brand of recumbent exercise bikes of excellent quality. This Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series comes with 20 levels of resistance, a quick start, quiet operation, dual-track functional LEDs, and 22 preset workouts. With these features, this exercise bike is great for beginners.
Sunny Health Exercise Bike
The Sunny Health Exercise Bike monitors heart rate and training intensity thanks to convenient handles with pulse grip sensors. You can adjust the seat forward and backward without having to get off the bike. The self-leveling pedals make it simple to place your feet in the straps. The adjustable 8-level magnetic tension management system will let you get the most out of your activities.
Benefits of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Convenient for Back
Recumbent bikes come with comfortable backrests, which makes exercising easy. People with lower back pain and slip discs can easily exercise on a recumbent bike, because of this feature.
Easier on the Joints
Recumbent bikes are great for people with arthritis and joint pains. The knee and ankle are well-protected because of the reclined position. With such exercise bikes, you don’t put the entire weight on your legs while pedaling. This offers relief to the joints.
Great for an all-Round Fitness
Recumbent exercise bikes are great for people of all age groups. This bike does not give any stress to any body part. Besides, they are quite popular among people for cardio and core intensity workouts because of their many resistance levels.
Handsfree
Upright bikes demand hands on the bar throughout the exercise regime. The comfortable seating and structure of the recumbent exercise bike allow you to remain hands free and multitask like browsing through your phone, watching TV, or even reading a book.
Muscle Strengthening
Recumbent bikes improve muscle strength, particularly in the legs and calves. Legs, glutes, calf muscles, hips, and even the lower tummy can benefit from them. They give an overall workout and strengthen muscles.
Recumbent Bikes: Buying Guide
Height and Weight
Prior to purchasing a recumbent bike, it is important to check the height and weight. Most models today have adjustable seats that are perfect for any height. Consider using lightweight and easily portable exercise bikes. You can then adjust the exercise bike according to your preferences.
Adjustability
Go for recumbent exercise bikes that come with adjustable seats (front and back), adjustable foot cages, and an adjustable handlebar. Having a flexible bike allows you to exercise comfortably without tiring you for a longer time.
Resistance
The more the resistance, the better you can challenge yourself. Go for a bike that offers a heavier flywheel. Flywheels handle stability, and the heavier ones offer more stability and better durability. Newer models of recumbent bikes use magnetic tension resistance to increase the work-out levels. Thus, choose wisely before purchasing.
Monitor Display
Monitors on recumbent bikes are of many types. Some are simple, some are digital while others come loaded with advanced features like LED screens, Bluetooth technology, etc. It is up to your preference which one you want to go for.
Recumbent Exercise Bike- FAQs
Can You Lose Weight On a Recumbent Exercise Bike?
An activity like cycling burns calories depending on several factors, such as your body weight and how hard you work. Researchers found that a 155-pound adult pedaling at a moderate pace burns 260 calories in 30 minutes. These bike models offer aerobic benefits from the start. Comfortable seating positions enable you to work out longer and harder.
How Long Should You Exercise On a Recumbent Bike?
The duration of a recumbent bike workout varies based on the style.
Cardio is in a steady-state
Warm up for five minutes before pedaling for up to 30 minutes at a steady pace, gradually increasing the total workout time as your fitness improves. This workout is beneficial to a fitness regimen since it aids in recuperation, fat reduction, and endurance. It’s also the most suitable solution for newcomers.
Interval Training at a High Intensity
Alternate 15 seconds of high-intensity (as fast as you can) cycling with 45 seconds of easy cycling. Repeat this cycle for 15 to 20 minutes.Increase resistance or incline to change up this high-intensity interval.HIIT workouts burn more calories in less time, but they should only be done three times a week to avoid injury.
Conclusion
Recumbent exercise bikes are one of the handy pieces of equipment that you can get home to be in shape. They are simple, sturdy, flexible, and durable. With this blog, I am certain that now you understand recumbent exercise bikes well.
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