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When it comes to working out the thought of going to the gym can be daunting for many people. Thankfully creating a home gym and introducing gym equipment into your home is becoming increasingly affordable. One of the machines at the forefront of the home workout landscape is the exercise bike. Exercise bikes are an amazing piece of equipment, but it can often be unclear which type of machine is best for you. With this guide we will take you through the most common types of exercise bikes, explaining their benefits and limitations, to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your own bike.
Sometimes referred to as static exercise bikes, upright exercise bikes are one of the most common types of home exercise equipment. They are the perfect option for beginners and people who do not exercise very frequently. Upright exercise bikes offer a good, low impact, cardio workout and can help strengthen your legs and improve muscle tone.
Uprights can come with varying consoles depending on the model which can track data for recording the results of your workout. Working out on an upright exercise bike will work on your back and abdominal muscles and your legs, with some models also allowing you to exercise your arms, giving a more well-rounded workout than a recumbent bike.
A recumbent exercise bike has its seat positioned further back and is designed to provide better spinal posture and offer support for the lower back. Due to the extra levels of comfort offered it is easier to use a recumbent for longer compared to an upright. Aside from the recumbent exercise bike’s comfort benefits its design is made to lower the impact of the exercise reducing injury risk.
With your legs out in front of you rather than under you like on an upright exercise bike, recumbent bikes allow you to work your glutes and legs harder but this also limits your variations. It is not feasible to stand up on the pedals of a recumbent bike, like you can on an upright, which simulates climbing hills on an outdoor bike.
Recumbent bikes are generally larger to allow for the recumbent position and most will need plugging into a socket to function fully. The resistance on these bikes is provided magnetically and can be adjusted using the bike’s console.
Spin bikes are designed to simulate an outdoor bike riding experience - your seated position is similar and the pedals move in a similar fashion. They are commonly used by cyclists for training indoors. Where the spin bike falls down for many people is the lack of accessories, whilst you may have a bottle holder or small LCD which can display your RPM you will not have the in-depth progress tracking or settings offered by other exercise bikes.
For a more comfortable and sustained workout focusing on your legs a recumbent is likely the best choice whilst an upright is a better option for someone seeking a more intense and rounded workout. Spin bikes are a good option for everyone from beginners through to those looking to push themselves as you can easily control the intensity of the workout but you won’t get the feedback provided by the other exercise bike types.
If you're still not sure which bike is the best suited to you, why not drop the sales office a call on 01733 204430 and we'll be happy to help.
