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Why Choose A Stationary Recumbent Exercise Bike?

When you want to work out on a stationary bike, you typically have two choices - the upright exercise bike and the recumbent exercise bike.

The upright exercise bike resembles a stationary traditional bicycle. There are handlebars in front of you and the pedals are below your seat. Basically, you sit upright, lean forward, and pedal below your body.

The recumbent exercise bike usually consists of a seat with a back, and the pedals are in front of your body. Handlebars are typically on either side of the seat, but are not always necessary. On a recumbent bike, you sit in a reclined position. More and more gyms and home exercise equipment owners are choosing the recumbent exercise bike due to comfort, safety, and additional features.

Increased Comfort

The recumbent exercise bike is typically easier to get on and off of. The seat is usually larger and has a back to it. This enables larger or disabled persons added stability that cannot be found with the standard bicycle seat on the upright exercise bike. When using the bike, it is harder to fall off the recumbent exercise bike due to the larger seat and a lower center of gravity.

For beginners, it is much easier to balance on a recumbent bike, and pedaling is much more comfortable in the reclined position. A lower level of coordination is necessary than on an upright bike. All in all, the recumbent style bike is easier for larger persons to use, but be sure to abide by the weight limit defined by the equipment manufacturer.

Increased Safety

The reclined sitting position of the recumbent exercise bike provides many safety benefits. The upright bike can be harmful to your back, especially your lower back, if your form is off or you push yourself on a long ride. The upright bike forces you to lean forwards, which can be stressful to the lower back. If you choose to sit upright without using the handlebars on the upright bike, you lose the stability that the handlebars offer.

The recumbent bike is much easier on your back. You typically sit in a seat with a back that offers much more support. Handles are typically located on either side of the seat. This upright, supported sitting position eliminates most stress on the lower back. It is also believed that the horizontal pedaling motion is easier on knees and other leg joints than the vertical pedaling motion of the upright bike. For the beginner, or the larger person, these safety features of the recumbent exercise bike are definitely a great benefit.

If you have a history of back problems, you may not want to try using an upright bike. The strain can aggravate your back. The recumbent exercise bike, however, can allow you to get a great workout with little to no back strain. Of course, always consult your doctor about any exercise program to plan to begin to ensure your safety.

Additional Features

Many added features are typically found on the recumbent exercise bike to make your exercise routine easier and more comfortable. Pedal straps help secure your feet to the pedals to avoid slippage that can easily occur in the reclined pedaling position. Workout programs automatically vary the resistance and speed of your exercise routine to help you get the most out of your workout.

Statistics such as calories burned and distance pedaled can be monitored. Your pulse can be tracked with a monitor in the handgrips. Water bottle holders and magazine/book holders make your workout a bit more pleasant. While many of these features are also available in some upright exercise bikes, most have become standard features in the recumbent exercise bike and are sure to make your workout more pleasant and effective.