We all know that getting enough exercise is key to building strength, improving endurance, and boosting mood, just to name a few benefits. Regardless of how you get in your movement, the physical and mental advantages are numerous! While many exercises on social media and TV revolve around activities such as running, walking, and jumping, you might be needing a workout that is a bit more low impact – and that’s where an exercise bike can come into play.
Benefits of an Exercise Bike
One of the biggest bonuses of an exercise bike is that it is friendly to the joints – particularly the ones in the ankles, knees, and hips. Don’t let a low impact workout option scare you, though…you can still work just as intensely, just without the pounding! This is key, especially if you are working through a previous injury or need to take it easy on just how much stress is placed upon your joints.
An exercise bike also allows you to focus on improving your performance – and that will look different for everyone, depending on goals! From weight loss and increased strength in the legs to improved health of your heart and lungs, a stationary bike can certainly help you reach your fitness goals!
Factors to Consider
With all that being said, how do you know what type of exercise bike you should buy? While that can be considered a loaded question, it really comes down to a few factors: one is budget. How much are you willing to spend, especially since the price range of exercise bikes on the market today is so wide? Tagging along with that is how often you will realistically use your bike. Are you planning to use it consistently (and therefore, placing more wear and tear on it over time) or is it going to be used a couple of times a week? This type of planning will help you narrow down a bike, especially since some are made for more rigorous training than others.
Another factor to consider before buying an exercise bike is the type of workout you are aiming for. Is your goal to lose some weight? Do you want to train for a competitive event or race? Do you normally do Spin classes, and you’re looking for a bike that is similar, and can withstand quick changes in resistance?
These are all things to think about in regards to buying an exercise bike. Now, let’s dive in and check out some of the main bikes on the market today!
Types of Exercise Bikes
Air Bikes
This type of exercise bike has been around for awhile; and if you’ve stood near one, you know why it’s called an air bike! These bikes have handles that move back and forth as you pedal, utilizing both the upper and lower body simultaneously. There are large blades typically located at the front of the bike, and these create the resistance – and correspondingly make your workout harder as you pedal and push faster.
Recumbent Bikes
Spin BikesThis type of bike is one you would see in your local Spin class – perfect if you already bike around town, or are training for a race. A cycle bike is going to have you sitting up fairly high, while your torso leans forward with hands on the low handlebars. Again, no handlebar movement on this style of bike either….just a flywheel and a resistance knob to push you through your workout!
Upright Bikes
This style of bike is super common, both in home gyms as well as corporate and commercial fitness centers. An upright bike typically has you sitting a bit more upright than you would on be a Spin bike, and is perfect for those new to biking. No moving handles on this style!
