Features to Look for in an Exercise Bike

Not all exercise bikes are the same. They can all help to improve your level of fitness, but how much of a difference they can make depends on a wide range of options. Thankfully, there are tons of features available today on a variety of bikes. To help you decide what is best for you and your goals, consider the following:

Upright or Recumbent? You have a choice!

Exercise bikes have come a long way in the decades since they were first introduced. There are two main types of bikes available today – upright and recumbent. The upright type is what you most commonly associate with being an exercise bike. It stands upright and looks very similar to its wheeled cousin. The recumbent type is a more modern take and allows you to exercise while sitting back. This is especially beneficial to people recovering from injuries to the lower extremities or those prone to back pain that might otherwise keep them from considering this sort of workout.

Weighing the options

Many exercise bikes come with a heart rate monitor to automatically detect your pulse rate through a finger cuff or sensors on the handlebars. This is a great feature for safety reasons – when your heart rate is too high, it is time to slow down. Some bikes will even automatically adjust your workout based on your vital signs to keep your heart rate in an optimal zone for the most efficient and effective workout.

Manual resistance means just that; you have to adjust the amount of tension manually based on your needs. Magnetic resistance is available as well, using electromagnets to create more or less tension based on computerized programs.

Nearly all higher end models will contain an LCD display that stores information such as speed, distance and time while running one of several preset or programmable programs. Many models will record this information for comparison and to chart your progress.

Programs

There are a wide variety of programs available today depending on your particular needs and desires. They can be as basic or as complex as you like, allowing you to include variety into your bike workout so as to avoid boredom. Simulated speed and hills can help you get the most out of your exercise time.

What are my goals?

What do you expect out of an exercise bike? With the infinite number of options and the wide variance in cost, it is wise to first evaluate what you want and need out of your equipment before you spend your hard earned money.

Nearly any machine can help you to lose weight and get fit. If you are overweight or have particular health issues to consider, an exercise bike with a heart rate monitor might be a good choice for you. This useful option can make sure you don’t push too hard too quickly, and can also ensure that you aren’t taking it too easy on yourself out of laziness!

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