Cycling Your Way To Fitness - Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall Fitness
Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall Fitness
In all the craze over new fangled fitness equipment, the exercise bike often gets overlooked. Stationary exercise bikes have been around for many years, which can lead some people to think they are outdated or not as effective as newer types of equipment. But for many people, exercise bikes provide a fun, consistent, reasonable means of exercising, improving cardio functions,
losing weight.
Stationary exercise bikes provide all the benefits of riding a bicycle. They provide good cardio workouts, have
less impact on knees, hipsother joints than walking or running,can be used at any time it's convenient. Most stationary bikes have manual or computerized controls to allow you to adjust resistancespeed. Many also come with heart monitorscardio workouts already programmed in. There is a huge selection of pricestyle,stationary bikes tend to be the most affordable cardio exercise machine.Plus, with a stationary bike, you don't have to worry about traffic, dogs, or bad weather. You can exercise in the convenience of your own Homeeven watch television or read a book while you bike. Try doing that on the bike path at the park!
Types of Stationary Bikes
Standard, upright stationary bikes come in single or dual action models. Dual action bikes have handles or levers to work the upper bodyhave been shown to provide more effective cardio workouts, burn more calories,also improve overall body tone more efficiently than single action bikes. Dual action bikes work well for those with hip or leg injuries who need to exercise
also need to go easy on their legs. The dual action allows the arms to work harder to operate the machine, thus requiring less work from the legs.
A recumbent bicycle, sometimes called a "bent," is a type of stationary bike that is more laid back?literally. It places the body in a semi or fully reclining position, taking pressure off the back area. Some people feel the position is difficult to adapt to at first,many who choose recumbent bikes say they are very easycomfortable to ride. They usually come with a larger seat, which often means you will stay on the machine longer or not have discomfort later.
Because of the reclining position, a recumbent bike works the abdominal muscles morealso creates more hamstring action. The lower center of gravity makes for better balance as well. Doctors feel they are better for those with back problems or with cerebral palsyrelated diseases. The recumbent bikes also bring your feet more closely in line with your heart, keeping blood pressure lowproviding for a safer overall workout.
Popular Models & Prices
Most stationary bikes come with ways to assess your speeddistance. Economy models have a tacHometer/odometer combinationa design that utilizes a flywheel to provide resistance. These models are not programmableprovide the least effective workout,are at under $200 can be an inexpensive way for a beginner or someone on a tight budget to get some exercise. They can be purchased at many department stores.
Standard models usually come with more features such as a programmable consul that calculates heart rate or allows you to pick a heart ratethen adjust the resistance accordingly. These bikes may use flywheels, fan blades, or magnetic resistance, depending on the quality. Magnetic resistance is usually the best method as it operates more smoothlyis quieter. These models can range from $200 up to $1500provide the broadest range of selection for the average person. Some popular models include Tunturi F520 (recumbent), Vision Fitness R2000,several models from Schwinn, the popular bike manufacturer.
More expensive stationary bikes often use magnetic resistancetypically need to be plugged in to an outlet. They come with all the bellswhistles, including extended warranties, more varied programming features,comfort options such as built in fans. They typically cost over $1500. lifecycle 5500HR5500RHR (recumbent) are popular choices among those who are serious about their workout or have a healthy budget.Other popular manufacturers of exercise bikes include Nordic Track, Reebok, Weslo, Keys, Fitness Quest,Edge.
Compared To Other Equipment
other body parts that occurs with walking or running can cause swelling or discomfort in the joints. It can irritate old injuries or sometimes even produce new problems. A stationary bike provides non-weight bearing exercise that reduces impact on these areas.In the healthfitness industries,among customers, there is an extensive debate over which machines burn more caloriesgive a better cardio workout. There is evidence on both sides of the issue,many people agree that a stationary bike should have dual action to optimize weight lossheart health. The pumping of the arms has a significant impact of the effectiveness of any workout,a treadmill is less effective as well if you hold onto the hand supports rather than letting your arms swing or pumping them in rhythm to your motion.
Elliptical trainers are another exercise option that provides a low impact workout,many feel they do not provide the same cardio benefits. Rowing machines are boring, more difficult to use,can be hard on the back. Other equipment has disadvantages as well, making stationary bikes a good choice for overall effectivenesssatisfaction. Consumer buying shows that exercise bikes continue to rank as a top choice for exercisefitness training.
In the ever expanding world of healthfitness equipment, there have been some true advances as well as a bunch of gimmicks. A stationary bike is an old standard that has been a proven exercise tool for years,that continues to improveadapt through new technology. The overall effectiveness, ease of usevariety of designsprices makes a stationary exercise bike an excellent choice for beginnersadvanced enthusiasts alike.
About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Best-Home-Gyms
, providing consumer information on the best discount Home gyms. Read ourelliptical trainer reviews, exercise bike andtreadmill reviews for great ideas on equipping your gym.
Copyright 2005 Best-Home-Gyms
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