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Exercise and fitness training
CHOOSING AN EXERCISE BIKE When purchasing an exercise bike it can be a little confusing with all the choices. Should you select a recumbent or upright exercise bike? Here's the low down on both types of exercise bikes so that you make an educated decision about what will be best for you. The difference between a recumbent and upright exercise bike. An upright exercise bike resembles the bike you would ride outside, except that it is not going to go anywhere. The recumbent exercise bike looks a little more like a comfortable bucket seat with foot pedals out in front. Upright exercise bikes are great for those people who are space deficient, as they tend to take up a little less floor space. Upright exercise bikes have smaller seats, which can become uncomfortable when seated on them for long periods of time. Upright exercise bikes allow the rider to stand on the pedals to maximize the power of your pedaling on a tough uphill program. Upright exercise bikes are well suited to the athlete who is accustomed to bike riding, sitting on a smaller seat, and being able to stand on the pedals. In some instances, upright exercise bikes will cost a little less. The advantages of recumbent exercise bikes are, they have larger bucket type seats and are much more comfortable for long term sitting. The position of the seat and the pedals ensure that you are seated in good posture for your lower back. Riding a recumbent exercise bike result in less impact on your joints including your knees, hips and back. Points to look for on any exercise bike. Whatever type of exercise bike you select you should look for the following features: |
Heart rate monitor. A heart rate monitor is one of the most important features to look for on your exercise bike. The whole object of the workout is to get your heart rate up so you burn some calories and improve your cardio fitness. Many exercise bikes have heart rate monitors incorporated into the handlebar grips.
Magnetic resistance. A better quality exercise bike will have magnetic resistance. This allows the bike to operate more smoothly and quietly. Magnetic resistance is also fantastic for providing consistency in your desired pedaling resistance range. Push buttons or knobs are both options for controlling the magnetic resistance.
Display console. Better quality exercise bikes will provide a display console showing various facts such as calories burned, resistance level, speed, miles cycled, and your heart rate. Many better quality exercise bikes will also provide you with scenery to help inspire you to pedal those extra miles. Display consoles are great for preventing boredom with your exercise bike and allowing you to become competitive with yourself.
Quality. In the world of exercise bikes, cost is directly related to quality. A cheap exercise bike will fall apart quickly, be noisy, not have enough displays to keep you motivated, and will not have a decent warranty. Pre-programmed workouts are an excellent way of making your workout more enjoyable. You are definitely better off going with the most expensive exercise bike that you can afford. If you have to, wait a couple of months and save a little more. The extra cost will be repaid time and again. Life Fitness stationary exercise bikes are consistent top performers in both upright and recumbent.
Recumbent exercise bikes are better suited to the majority of people wanting to get fit and have a back problem. Although they may cost a little more, they are more comfortable, safer, and result in less impact on joints. Upright exercise bikes are best suited to the avid bike rider who is accustomed already to hours and miles of bike riding.
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Scott Gray is currently a fitness enthusiast
and freelance writer who enjoys providing
health and fitness
tips to consumers. He maintains a fitness tips information web site
where you can find information about getting in shape, losing weight and how
to live a healthy life style.
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