Exercise Bikes: How to Choose the Best Exercise Bike for Fat Blasting, Leg Ripping Cardio Workouts!
by John Carter
Filed under Featured Exercise Equipment, Most Popular Featured Articles
Why a Bike?
Exercise Bikes Are Great For Fat Burning Workouts
Exercise Bikes Are Great For Fat Burning Workouts
I love indoor pedaling. Most of the time, I prefer it to actual cycling outside. I can get a fantastic cardio workout and really get my leg muscles pumped with high resistance interval training. A few simple tips on how to choose the best exercise bike will have you, too, pedaling toward a fitter, happier you in no time.
In terms of value for your money, exercise bikes come with a great deal built in. Cycling is naturally both a cardiovascular workout and a great strength workout for your lower body; so you can get a variety of exercise benefits with a single piece of equipment
Shop Smart
Though it may be tempting to pick up a clunky exercise bike from a neighbor’s garage sale, think twice before you do. Home exercise equipment should be an investment: something that you will have and use for years to come. Buying new protects you from defects and malfunctions; and new exercise equipment usually comes with a warranty for peace of mind.
Choose Your Features
Like so many exercise machines, stationary bikes run the gamut from bare bones to feature-loaded. Part of choosing the best exercise bike for your needs is determining which features you need, and which you would like to have. Think of it this way: which features will increase your chances of working out on a daily basis? If you just want a magazine rack and water bottle holder: no problem. If you need a built in TV screen to stay motivated, make that a part of your investment.
An Exercise Bike Can be a Cheap Cardio Machine For Your Home Gym
An Exercise Bike Can be a Cheap Cardio Machine For Your Home Gym
The Basics
All bikes come with a saddle (seat), handlebars, pedals, and a way to adjust resistance. Making sure you get a well-padded seat, whilst handlebars with good grips will make a world of difference during longer rides.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that adjustable parts such as seat, pedals and handlebars will accommodate your height. Also, make sure that your bike is powerful enough to give you a smooth, comfortable workout at any speed or level of resistance. Checking weight specifications will give you a good idea of whether a specific bike is appropriate for you.
Upright and recumbent are the two main styles of exercise bikes. If you’re looking for a more realistic cycling experience and like the idea of working your core muscles at the same time as your lower body, then an upright bike is your better choice. However, if back issues are a concern, you can protect against strain and injury with the support offered by recumbent bikes.
If you wear real cycling shoes for your workouts, you will want a bike with toe clips. Otherwise, pedal straps will suit you fine. Pedal sizes are another feature that varies among stationary bike models. If you have large feet, this may be an important consideration in finding your best bike.
On the Control Panel
Some Exercise Bikes Even Offer Games To Help Exercise Be More Fun!
Some Exercise Bikes Even Offer Games To Help Exercise Be More Fun!
From the bare bones versions, there are a myriad of electronic options to choose from. From preset programs (hills,sprint intervals, etc.), built in radios and headphone jacks, and even television screens, the extras you can get on a stationary bike can make for very cushy workouts.
Because I get easily bored doing cardio, a bike that monitors my workouts—tracking mileage, time, calories burned, and heart rate—helps keep me interested and motivated. And a shelf that will hold my MP3 player or a magazine is a must.
Resistance
The different types of resistance used in exercise bikes can also be an important consideration. Bikes that use magnetic resistance tend to be very quiet. Band resistance works in essentially the same way as a standard, chain-driven bicycle; and therefore has a similar feel to pedaling on the road. Some bikes use air (fans) to provide varying levels of resistance.
The important thing is to look for resistance that can be easily adjusted while you’re pedaling. Manual resistance (like a simple crank) feels similar to shifting gears on a standard bike. Digitally-adjustable resistance can make it easy to stay within a target heart rate zone.
You’ll want to make sure you get a bike that pedals smoothly at any speed or level of resistance; and take into account the amount of noise it will make during a workout. Again: taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations for user height and weight will ensure that you get a smooth ride every time.
Exercise Bikes Don't Usually Come With Keyboard Attachments!
Exercise Bikes Don't Usually Come With Keyboard Attachments!
Choose Your Space Wisely
Home exercise equipment does take up a set amount of floor space; so before you buy your exercise bike, you’ll want to find a good home for your new addition. I recommend against a corner. Choose a space that’s will not inconvenience your daily life, but where you can literally hop on and start pedaling at any given moment.
Whatever your preferences, the important thing when looking for an exercise bike is to know what you want. This will narrow down the options when you begin shopping, and help you truly get a good value. After all, your exercise bike should be something you can rely on for a great workout every day; for years to come.
