Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages
By Michael Walker

There are so many exercise bikes available that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you’ve heard. It’s almost as though you have to be a fitness equipment engineer to understand the differences! Here’s a quick summary of these confusing terms.

• Spinning Bikes

You’ve probably heard about the spin craze that has become so popular in health clubs. Spinning bikes usually have at least a front wheel that spins (which is why they are so brilliantly named spinning bikes). These bikes might be the current fad, but they aren’t very comfortable. The seats are small and hard. The classes make these boring bikes more interesting, but as home exercise bikes, they quickly become tedious.

• Stationary Bikes

Stationary bikes (or upright bikes) are the exercise bikes that most people can identify. It’s the same basic model as in the 1980’s. Once again, it’s fairly uncomfortable. You can’t really do anything like read or watch TV because you’re leaning left and right and bouncing, so it, too, quickly gets boring.

• Dual Action Bikes

Dual action bikes are aptly named, as they give you both an upper and lower body workout. There are handles that move independently - much like an elliptical machine. It’s a good workout, but a bit tough for beginners, and as usual, the time on the bike will eventually get boring.
You can also get dual action bikes that allow you to adjust the machine to create an arm-pedaling workout. It’s usually fairly difficult to make the adjustments. It’s also two separate exercises, which create a longer workout. Most people aren’t as likely to keep up such a routine.

• Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are the exercise bikes with the comfortable bucket seats. You sit back and lower to the ground as you pedal. These exercise bikes are easy enough for even the most sedentary beginners, and they usually offer workout programs to keep the workouts from becoming mundane.

The Experts Recognize the Advantages of Recumbent Bikes. Most physicians and personal trainers recommend recumbent bikes. Recumbent bikes are better for people of all different fitness levels. You are more likely to keep up a recumbent bike routine over time, the bikes are safer, and there are different benefits for both men and women.

• Recumbent Bikes for All Fitness Levels

Even the most sedentary person will find a recumbent exercise bike easy to use. You can adjust the settings to offer little or no resistance as you pedal. People who are overweight will definitely find the seat much larger and more comfortable than other exercise bikes.
Athletes will find the recumbent exercise bike a challenge. The resistance can become incredibly difficult. The bike can simulate pedaling up hills. Most recumbent bikes offer various programs that will require you to sprint and tackle hills. If you want an upper body workout as you pedal, you can easily add weights and do repetitions as you sit back in the recumbent bike seat.

• Recumbent Bikes Offer a Sustainable Workout

The programs offered by most recumbent exercise bikes definitely keep the workout from becoming boring. You can simulate a course that is easy or difficult, flat or hilly. When shopping for exercise bikes, it’s better to get a bike with as many variations as possible.
The fact that a recumbent bike is suitable for all levels will keep you getting back on the bike. If you’re feeling particularly tired or lazy one day, you can have an easy workout where you can read a book or newspaper. If you really want to test your limits, you can crank up the music, set the machine to more difficult levels, and add some weights for an upper body workout.

• Recumbent Bikes are Safer

Because you sit back and lower to the ground in a recumbent bike, it is better for your body. Most exercise bikes force you to hunch over, causing a stiff back. Some dual action bikes are back injuries waiting to happen. Recumbent bikes require that you sit with good posture as you pedal.
Recumbent bikes also offer one of the few cardio workouts that put no pressure on your knees and other joints. You can’t “cheat” on a recumbent bike and stand up when you’re finding it more difficult to pedal. Standing like that on other types of exercise bikes puts unnecessary pressure on your knees and ankles. Recumbent bikes let your body exercise at an angle where your body weight is not stressing your joints. Even people with back and knee problems will find a recumbent bike easy to use.

• Why Men Should Choose Recumbent Exercise Bikes

So many men neglect their lower bodies when they workout, especially in strength training. It’s common to see buffed out men with giant biceps and tiny little bird legs. That’s because it’s easier to get an upper body workout at home. If you just invest in a recumbent bike, you can set the machine to high resistance. You will build leg muscle, and you can even do curls while you pedal.
Recumbent bikes can also allow men to get a great cardio workout without the discomfort that only a man knows on regular bikes or other types of exercise bikes. With the large, comfortable seats of recumbent bikes, you are much more likely to enjoy your workout pain-free.
If you move the seat of a recumbent bike up a bit to bring your legs higher, you can even target the lower abs and have to do less crunches to get the bottom of your six-pack!

• Things Women Should Know About Recumbent Bikes

Two words, ladies: legs and bottoms. Recumbent exercise bikes are so comfortable and easy to use that eventually you can do workouts giving you results like you’ve spent hours a day on a stair-stepper.
Recumbent bikes can give you a fat burning cardio workout with enough resistance to help you build long, lean muscle. Picture Tina Turner legs. Recumbent bikes also are great for your inner thighs. Using different programs and settings, you will be able to target different muscle areas in your legs for longer looking, leaner legs.
According to most polls, women claim in higher numbers to not have time for exercise because of more responsibilities in the home. With the positioning of a recumbent bike, you can multi-task to more easily fit in a workout. You are able to read, catch the news, and even use a phone or your handheld organizer.

Finding a Recumbent Exercise Bike

With prices between $200 and $3000, there is quite a variety of recumbent bikes available. Use the Internet to find great deals (including free shipping most of the time). Because the bikes are great for any level and help you to finally be able to stick with a safe and effective workout routine, you can splurge a little. This is definitely one of the best investments you can make for your health.

Michael Walker is a freelance author providing useful information about fitness bicycles, recumbent fitness bikes and http://ezinearticles.com/%3Ca%20target=">spin bicycles". His numerous articles offer comprehensive tips and solutions for the fitness enthusiast.

Recumbent Exercise Bikes
By Eddie Tobey

Recumbent exercise bikes are one of two types available on the market, the other is the upright. Recumbent exercise bikes offer excellent back support and a good lower abdominal muscular workout. With recumbent exercise bikes, workouts can be combined with other activities such as watching TV or reading a book.

When compared with traditional upright styled bikes, recumbent exercise bikes have a reclined seating position that reduces strain on the back. Usually recumbent exercise bikes come with a large seat and are classified as semi-recumbent bikes or true recumbent bikes depending on the seating posture. Semi-recumbent ones have a chair-like seat and the pedals are placed in such a way that ones legs are positioned in front instead of hanging down. But in the case of true recumbent exercise bikes, one is seated close to the floor with legs right up to the chest level.

Further, there are direct tension bikes and magnetic frictionless resistance bikes, depending on the variation in resistance. The resistance has to be manually adjusted in direct tension bikes, while the magnetic frictionless ones have a variety of workout levels.

Sometimes referred as "bent," recumbent exercise bikes are perfect for persons with severe back problems. The recumbent bike improves heart rate and lowers blood pressure. To ensure the highest efficiency, the position of the seat and the handlebars must be adjusted according to an individual?s fitness level. Speed and resistance also have to be regularly adjusted. Even though recumbent bikes are costlier than the traditional ones, people are more interested in buying them because of their performance. Numerous models of recumbent bikes are available, and you can buy one online or from a retail shop.

Exercise Bikes provides detailed information on Exercise Bikes, Recumbent Exercise Bikes, Interactive Exercise Bikes, Reconditioned Exercise Bikes and more. Exercise Bikes is affiliated with Commercial Exercise Equipment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey

Arm Yourself With Info About Used Recumbent Exercise Bikes
By Garen Garson

For those who want to start an exercise program that includes a stationary cycle, a used recumbent exercise bike my be just the item. Many people who are knowledgeable in the field of exercise equipment report that the best way to get a good used recumbent exercise bike is to take plenty of time shopping around for the right second hand model.

There are two general classes of exercise bikes: recumbent bikes and upright bikes. Recumbent bikes have chair-like or bucket seats. As you exercise, your body is in a semi-reclining position. Your legs angle out in front of you to reach the pedals instead of extending down as they do on an upright bike. Many users report that this design is much more comfortable and puts less stress on the back and knees. Upright bikes are sometimes referred to as "stationary bikes" although this term is now becoming a catchall term for both upright and recumbent bikes. These are the traditional exercise bikes that have been around for years and are similar in form to traditional outdoor bicycles.

Buyers can certainly find excellent used equipment, primarily because dozens of people purchase top-of-the-line exercise bikes, try them for a while, lose interest and then push the bike into the corner. Remember that you may be buying a bike that may no longer be manufactured. This shouldn't be a problem if the model is relatively new and is made by a top company. But buying second hand equipment can always be risky, even when the company was very popular during its heyday.

Instead of buying a second hand exercise bike, users may also want to search for one of the few new bikes left from original inventory. A second hand model of a recumbent exercise bike might not give satisfactory results and could be unsafe if not properly maintained. Users may also be able to find a used recumbent exercise bike at a garage sale, second hand sports store or through an online auction. It may also be possible to find a remanufactured exercise bike. The used recumbent exercise bike should be matched to your size, though most exercise bikes are easily adjusted for almost any body type. Prices range from $200 to more than $1,000, depending on original cost.

Buying a used bike (or even a new bike) online creates the risk of not getting exactly what you thought you were going to get. The bike you purchased may not have the exact specs or may be bigger or smaller than you thought it would be. It is very likely that the delivery company will not bring it into your house, so you will have to set it up. If you are buying a used recumbent exercise bike in one of the growing number of second-hand stores, make sure you know how to transport and assemble the bike, unless you contract with someone set the bike up. You can sometimes purchase service contracts from a store (like Sears or others), in case of a problem. But this is something you should be sure of before you hand over the check.

Garen Garson has a an exercise bike site ExerciseBikeTips.com http://www.exercisebiketips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garen_Garson

Exercise Bike Benefits - Cardio, Weight Loss And More
By JoiAnn Marshall
Both in homes and fitness clubs, exercise bikes are a very popular piece of equipment. There are many people who workout on exercise bikes to stay in shape today, which is one of the reasons that these bikes are so popular. The following are just a few of the reasons that you should have your own exercise bike and how you can benefit from having your very own.

Believe it or not, most people do not get enough exercise each day. Much of society has become more and more technological and people across the globe have become more sedentary than every before. If you have your own stationary exercise bike at home, you have a great way for getting exercise, even while you are sitting down. You can simply put the bike in front of your television and ride the bike while watching your favorite television show. While this will not account for all of the exercise that you need, it will definitely get you on the right track.

Another of the many exercise bike benefits is that you can get on your bike and use it at any time. If you try to ride a regular bike, when the weather is bad you may not be able to go biking; however, no matter the weather, you can always get a workout on your home exercise bike. In fact, while it is thundering and raining outside, you can simply get on your stationary bike and enjoy a good ride inside knowing that you are staying dry and getting the exercise that you need.

Since many people in America are very sedentary, more and more people are at risk for heart problems. One great cardio vascular activity that can help prevent health issues such as heart disease is biking. While it is not a total solution to the problem, when you combine biking with a great diet, it can definitely help you protect your heart. So, while you are riding your bike, you'll actually be adding some years to your life.

Exercise bikes are easy to keep up and they are also cost effective as well, you can even find a bargain on a used exercise bike, basically they are a great investment. So, why not take a look and see what types of bikes are available to you now. Picking out a great exercise bike may just be the way that you make your life a much better one in the future.

Get More information on stationary and recumbent exercise bikes and fitness equipment click here Exercise Bikes Also go to http://exerciseequipment.diet-fitness-and-health.com/ where you can get a fresh view of exercise equipment ideas, product information, news.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JoiAnn_Marshall