| Exercise bikes are one of the most popular home | | | | are ideal for overweight persons. If you are not a bike |
| fitness machines on the market. These bikes give you | | | | enthusiast, recumbent bikes should be your choice. |
| an effective workout and promote a healthy lifestyle. | | | | Dual Action Bikes: |
| You will have fun, enhance your fitness routine and | | | | Dual action or elliptical bikes have movable bars as |
| burn calories with exercise bikes. They are also | | | | arm handles. You can increase the overall aerobic |
| referred to as stationary bicycles, indoor bikes or | | | | intensity of your workout by moving your arms and |
| studio cycles. They work your legs, lungs and heart | | | | legs at the same time. Dual action bikes are ideal for |
| while limiting the impact on your knees and leg joints. | | | | those looking to tone both their upper and lower body. |
| Exercise bikes are available in several different | | | | What kind of resistance do you need? |
| designs. Due to the cost involved, you will most likely | | | | Exercise bikes use friction-based, electro-magnetic or |
| purchase only one exercise bike for several years to | | | | air-resistance mechanisms. The kind of resistance you |
| come so read the following buying guide and make an | | | | can choose depends on your budget. Bikes with |
| informed decision. | | | | friction-based resistance, like a caliper or fabric brand |
| What are the factors to keep in mind when buying an | | | | brake, are low-priced, but they offer only limited |
| exercise bike? | | | | programming. Bikes with air resistance use a fan to |
| Smart shopping is required when buying home fitness | | | | produce resistance. The fan also provides a cooling |
| equipment because it is normally a long-term | | | | effect. These bikes last longer, as they are free from |
| investment. Check whether the bike offers a | | | | friction which causes wear and tear. Air resistance |
| comfortable seat and a well-balanced flywheel. Also | | | | bikes are very rare. However, the Schwinn Airdyne is |
| make sure that you can vary your workouts with | | | | the most popular model of this kind. |
| adjustable resistance options. The exercise bike should | | | | Bikes that use electro-magnetic resistance are |
| have a sturdy frame and a wide range of seat | | | | smoother. These models are usually more expensive, |
| heights. Finally, check whether the bike comes with a | | | | but they provide quieter operation. You can benefit |
| good warranty and free repair services. | | | | from their pre-set programs and heart rate monitors |
| What are the different kinds of exercise bikes | | | | as well. Try to select a bike with automatic resistance |
| available? | | | | settings, as it will be safer to use. |
| There are three different types of stationary exercise | | | | Do bikes require power to operate? |
| bikes: upright bikes, recumbent bikes and dual action | | | | Most bikes are self-driven and do not need mains |
| bikes. | | | | power to operate. You can use an exercise bike for |
| Upright Bikes: | | | | about six hours a day. These models last longest if |
| Upright exercise bikes are similar to traditional bicycles. | | | | only one or two persons use the same machine. If |
| These bikes have tiny saddles where you sit with your | | | | more than two people use the same bike, it is |
| back unsupported and pedal. Upright bikes occupy | | | | advisable to purchase a model that requires mains |
| very little space. They give you a good lower body | | | | power to drive them. |
| and cardiovascular workout. You can even stand up | | | | How much space do these bikes occupy? |
| and pedal with an upright bike. | | | | Exercise bikes are usually small and occupy minimal |
| Recumbent Bikes: | | | | space. You can opt for fold-away bikes that can be |
| Recumbent bikes have a laid-back seating style. The | | | | stored in racks when not in use. |
| chair-like or bucket seat allows you to lean back for a | | | | Do you want to monitor your workout? |
| more comfortable ride. This seating arrangement is | | | | Most exercise bikes provide information on speed, |
| good for people with back problems, as it provides | | | | distance traveled and length of your workout. Do you |
| lower back support. The pedals are located toward | | | | want to know the total calories you burnt, the program |
| the front of the bike, making the seated position similar | | | | mode or the resistance level? Some advanced |
| to the one that you adopt while driving. These bikes | | | | models give you all this information along with your |
| work your hamstrings and gluteals. They also promote | | | | pulse and heart rate. Pre-programmed workouts and |
| efficient blood flow throughout the body. Some | | | | information storage are offered by sophisticated |
| recumbent bikes have a recline feature that allows | | | | exercise bikes only. |
| you to adjust the angle of your seat accordingly. They | | | | |