The Basics: Exercise Bikes
Exercise bikes are commonly referred to as exercise cycles, stationary bicycles, indoor bikes or studio cycles. Whatever label you prefer, an exercise cycle continues to be one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment for home use. In most cases, they're easy to use and offer an effective workout. Exercise bikes are proven effective at burning calories, raising heart rate and developing aerobic capacity while limiting the impact on knees and leg joints.
The real beauty of an exercise bike is that you can use it almost anywhere. Whether you're in front of the TV, listening to music, reading a book, or watching the kids, an exercise cycle allows you to squeeze in an effective home workout. Of course, since exercise bikes are so popular, there are a huge number available on the market to choose from, which can make selecting the right one for you a difficult task.
There are several different designs of exercise bikes, including the upright bike, the recumbent bike and the spinner. The upright exercise cycle mirrors the style and ride of a traditional road bike. You sit on a small seat, back unsupported with the pedals positioned directly below you. Upright exercise bikes generally take up less room than a recumbent bike and better exercise the quadriceps (front of the thighs).
Those who are overweight or suffer from lower back problems often prefer recumbent exercise cycles. A recumbent exercise bike features a larger, upright lounge-chair seat that provides support to the lower back, and the pedals situated in front of you rather than below. The seated position is similar to that used to drive a car. Using a recumbent exercise bike will emphasize the gluteal and hamstring muscles (otherwise known as the butt and back of the thigh). Recumbent models leave your hands and arms free to use weights for upper-body exercise while you pedal the exercise bike. These types of exercise bikes will take up more space than an upright, however.
The third main type of exercise cycle is the spinner, popular in health club spinning classes, but less widely used as a piece of home fitness equipment. The spinner style of exercise cycle is an upright bike aimed at the serious fitness enthusiasts looking for a vigorous workout. Several exercise bike models offer simultaneous upper-body workouts as well.
How to Shop
Aside from cost, the most important aspect to consider when selecting an exercise cycle is comfort. If the exercise cycle isn't comfortable, you are very unlikely to stick to a regular exercise schedule. The seat of the exercise cycle should be comfortable, easily adjustable and lock securely in place. In the case of recumbent exercise cycles, it should also provide solid back support. The frame should feel sturdy and the handlebars should be easily adjustable. The only way to ensure that an exercise cycle is comfortable is to try it out. Using an exercise bike for a sustained test ride of 10 minutes or more should be enough to tell you if the exercise cycle is comfortable and sturdy enough for your specific needs. If you intend to share the exercise cycle with another household member, have them try the bike out as well. What is comfortable for you may not be comfortable for them.
You also want your exercise cycle to be durable. A cheap, poorly constructed machine won't last long and may prove to be a false economy. Avoid trendy or cute equipment. A high quality, sturdy exercise cycle may cost more but it should provide you with years of regular use. It is important to shop wisely for any home exercise equipment to ensure that it is something you will use on a regular basis.
As you're exercising you'll want the ability to adjust the resistance level. The cheapest exercise cycles often have manual resistance adjustments, requiring you to stop pedaling. This can be frustrating in the middle of a workout, so look for an exercise cycle that features variable magnetic resistance that can be adjusted more easily. The higher quality exercise cycles allow you to make resistance adjustments via an electronic display panel. These control panels also offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines and provide workout feedback such as a speed, distance traveled, time you've been working out, and calories burned. The more expensive models will offer pulse driven workouts, able to monitor your heart rate and adjust the resistance level and intensity accordingly. Such features are great if you can afford the extra cost, but are not essential to a good workout.
Any exercise routine can become boring and repetitive over time so the more programs the exercise cycle offers, the more you'll be able to vary your workouts and keep them interesting. Feedback statistics also provide you with a way of monitoring your progress and can motivate you to raise the length or resistance levels of your workouts. Any display panel should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. After all, you're looking to workout your body not your mind.
The level of noise that a piece of home exercise equipment makes during operation is something that a lot of new buyers may overlook during the shopping process. Even a small repetitive sound can drive you crazy over a period of time and provide you with another reason not to exercise, and upset other household members and possibly neighbors if you live in an apartment or condo. Again, exercise bikes with variable magnetic resistance usually provide quieter operation.
Consider where you'll be using and storing your exercise cycle. If you only have room for an upright, don't try to cram in a larger recumbent bike. If an exercise cycle is constantly in the way at home, it will likely be relegated to the attic or garage to gather dust. Anything that could deter you from using the machine should be carefully considered when shopping for any home exercise equipment.
Take the time to learn which machines will best help you accomplish your desired goals. For instance, you may be just "testing the waters" of regular exercise, in which case you want to try a less expensive model. Until you know that exercise is right for you and have proven your commitment, it's wise to keep your cost down. On the other hand, experienced exercisers with a history of regular workouts should look for a high-quality exercise cycle that will not only stand up to the test of time, but offer all the features they might want to enhance their workout experience.
All home exercise cycles carry some type of warranty against defects in workmanship. The time period covered can range from 90 days for parts and labor, to a lifetime warranty on the frame. As a rule, extended warranties are indications of greater quality in home exercise bikeshttp://products.howstuffworks.com/exercise-bike-buying-guide.htm
