Recumbent bikes are meant for everyone as it is safe and can even be used by people with physical disabilities. These bikes provide good aerobic exercises and are hence very popular among most people. Even the elliptical trainers, treadmills, and stair machines are very good exercise equipment and are well suited for most people. However, the recumbent bikes are far more advantageous as it is very comfortable and that may increase the chances of exercising for longer periods of time. Consult with the physician before embarking on any exercise program.

Types of recumbent bikes and features

There are basically 2 types of recumbent bikes which exist – the road bike and the stationary bike that you use either at the gym or at your home. Although most of us enjoy riding the bike outdoors, the stationary bike is a good piece of equipment if you wish to exercise at home. When you own a recumbent bike, you can exercise during any time of the day as there will be no restrictions with regard to taking your bike out in inclement weather.

These stationary bikes also have in-built programs and you can vary the intensity of your workouts with the help of these programs. The reclined seat in the recumbent bikes is very comfortable and allows the body weight of the individual to be distributed equally. The pedals are right ahead of you and the bucket seat offers a lot of comfort while exercising unlike the upright bike seat. These are some of the features that are found in both the road bikes as well as stationary bikes.

Strength training

There are many exercise equipment that you can use if you wish to do strength training and this includes the upright stationary bikes as well. Even mountain bikes could be used to strengthen the leg muscles as you can increase the resistance. However, recumbent bikes have an added advantage as the back is fully supported by the bucket seat but the leg muscles are left isolated during exercise.

In an upright bike, you can stand and pedal especially while moving towards hilly areas, whereas in a recumbent bike you will not be able to pedal the bike while standing. The other core muscle groups will have to put in the extra effort in order to overcome the resistance offered by the bike. You can however adjust the seat by moving it forward, in case you want to work on the gluteus or the muscles in the buttock region.

Cardiovascular benefits

Using the recumbent bike has many advantages as it offer aerobic exercises which have proven cardiovascular benefits. You must concentrate on reaching the maximum working heart rate and must continue to remain at that optimal heart rate for longer periods of time. This doesn’t mean working out till you can barely move but working out in a safe and manner in which you are breathing heavily and will sweat after 10 minutes or more of doing the exercise.

One may argue that similar cardiovascular benefits could be achieved with the upright bike as well. But it is important to understand that the recumbent bikes are comfortable and that will be another motivator to exercise regularly. Recumbent bikes are far more comfortable during workouts and don’t cause pain in the joints, lower back or the neck region unlike the upright bikes.

Lesser incidence of injuries

Recumbent bikes are designed in such a way that they are absolutely safe for everyone to use. These can be easily used even by the senior citizens as well, as they have comfortable seating and pedals. Even the display panel is at eye level. You are literally sitting in a comfortable reclining position so while you do need to work out in a moderately vigorous manner you’ll be comfortable while you’re doing it.

Other exercise equipment such as the treadmill can be risky at times and there is a risk of falling and the person may suffer injuries. But with the recumbent bikes the person who is exercising is absolutely safe. There is also no impact from recumbent cycling. What’s good is if you’re doing it indoors you can rest a magazine or book on the console and get some reading in while you’re working out. This is something you’ll see a lot of in gyms and health clubs. Recumbent exercising is something to enjoy that will do you a lot of good so we encourage everyone to give it a try.