Cycling is a great form of exercise that offers some excellent health perks, which may leave you wondering about recumbent bike benefits. For many of us, the prospect of cycling on busy roads is a little daunting. If you don’t want to have to dodge traffic or worry about other road users, you may have considered an exercise bike. This type of equipment allows you to enjoy all the benefits of cycling in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ll explore recumbent bike pros and cons to help you to make an informed decision for your fitness goals.
The Recumbent Bike Basics
While an upright exercise bike resembles a road bike, a recumbent bike is a little different. Instead of having a seat above the pedals, a recumbent bike has a larger seat with a backrest. Additionally, the layout of the bike has the pedals in front of the rider, creating a more comfortable position, sitting closer to the ground as you exercise.
Recumbent Exercise Bike Benefits
This alternate positioning creates a number of recumbent bike benefits that we’ll explore in more detail.
It’s Easier on Your Back
If you have lower back problems, you may find using an upright exercise bike uncomfortable. However, one of the best recumbent bike benefits is that it is easier on your back. The riding position is more comfortable and the seat provides additional support, reducing the strain on the back, so you can complete a workout session without strain.
Less Joint Stress
Just as the bucket seat supports the lower back, the position also protects the knees and ankles from the trauma of a rigorous workout. Unlike with an upright bike, you don’t need to use your full body weight on the pedals. So, you can increase your workout effectiveness without causing undue stress on the joints.
Suitable For All Fitness Levels
Whether you’re a keen road bike enthusiast who dreams of the Tour de France or a complete newbie wanting to start a fitness regime, a recumbent bike is suitable for all fitness levels. It allows users of any age to work out without straining joints. This makes it ideal for those who would struggle to workout with other types of fitness equipment including an upright bike, as you can enjoy a comfortable session even if you have health issues.
There are options for all fitness levels, as you can start with an easy flat slope and work up to a more challenging uphill stretch. You can even add weights to your upper body for a strenuous workout.
A Hands-Free Workout
Most upright exercise bikes require that you have your hands on the handlebars at all times. This is necessary for balance and to give sufficient effort to build up a good pace. However, the bucket seat on a recumbent bike allows you to workout with your hands free. So, you can play a game, read a book or even text your friends as you’re exercising.
Comfortable for Your Rear
One of the main reasons why many people are reluctant to use an exercise bike is that it can be tough on your rear. The narrow seat can be uncomfortable as you balance your weight on your tailbone. This means that you may need to keep shifting position to get comfortable, compromising the efficiency of your workout.
However, recumbent bikes have far larger seats with a low mount, for greater stability and comfort. You don’t need to struggle to find a comfortable position, instead you can lean back against the backrest and enjoy your exercise session.
Strengthen Different Muscle Groups
When using an upright exercise bike, the movement targets the thighs, glutes and lower legs. However, recumbent bikes target the same muscles in a different way. In fact, you are likely to find that more muscles are targeted for a very useful workout.
You can gradually increase the intensity to build up your fitness regimen, working on different muscle groups.
Recumbent Bike Pros and Cons
Like all types of exercise equipment, recumbent bikes are not perfect. It is important to be aware of both the pros and cons to determine if it is the right choice for you.
The Pros
- Greater Stability: If you’re a bit unsteady or simply enjoy reading as you pedal, you’ll find a recumbent bike offers greater stability and safety
- Gentle on the Back: The more comfortable position is gentler on your back and joints. You can even lean back on the backrest to spread the strain and avoid irritating existing lower back issues.
- Less Effort: A recumbent bike requires less effort to get the pedals moving, so you can work out your leg muscle groups with less strain.
The Cons
- More Space Needed: Upright exercise bikes have a relatively small footprint, especially as many models can fold when not in use. However, recumbent bikes have a larger footprint, so you will need more space.
- Learning Curve: A recumbent bike can take a little time to get used to. While an upright exercise bike operates in a similar way to a regular road bike, the movement on a recumbent bike is different, so there is a learning curve.
Recumbent Exercise Bike Features to Consider
While recumbent bikes may not be as popular as upright exercise bikes, there are still lots of models on the market. So, before you make a purchase decision, there are some features to consider.
- Overall Size: As we touched on above, recumbent bikes have a larger footprint compared to their upright counterparts. So, it is important to look at the overall size of the bike to ensure that you have adequate space in your home.
- Display: Most exercise bikes have some form of display, but it is important to choose a model with a clear display that offers all the information you need for an effective workout.
- Built in Programs: If you want to make the most of your recumbent bike, you may wish to look for a model that has built in programs. This includes preset workouts for fat burning, increased stamina or other fitness goals.
Hopefully, we’ve demonstrated the many recumbent bike benefits and provided the details you need to make an informed decision about whether this type of equipment could help you meet your fitness goals.