| Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For | | | | department stores. |
| Overall Fitness | | | | Standard models usually come with more features |
| In all the craze over new fangled fitness equipment, | | | | such as a programmable consul that calculates heart |
| the exercise bike often gets overlooked. Stationary | | | | rate or allows you to pick a heart rate and then adjust |
| exercise bikes have been around for many years, | | | | the resistance accordingly. These bikes may use |
| which can lead some people to think they are | | | | flywheels, fan blades, or magnetic resistance, |
| outdated or not as effective as newer types of | | | | depending on the quality. Magnetic resistance is usually |
| equipment. But for many people, exercise bikes | | | | the best method as it operates more smoothly and is |
| provide a fun, consistent, reasonable means of | | | | quieter. These models can range from $200 up to |
| exercising, improving cardio functions, and losing weight. | | | | $1500 and provide the broadest range of selection for |
| Stationary exercise bikes provide all the benefits of | | | | the average person. Some popular models include |
| riding a bicycle. They provide good cardio workouts, | | | | Tunturi F520 (recumbent), Vision Fitness R2000, and |
| have much less impact on knees, hips and other joints | | | | several models from Schwinn, the popular bike |
| than walking or running, and can be used at any time | | | | manufacturer. |
| it's convenient. Most stationary bikes have manual or | | | | More expensive stationary bikes often use magnetic |
| computerized controls to allow you to adjust | | | | resistance and typically need to be plugged in to an |
| resistance and speed. Many also come with heart | | | | outlet. They come with all the bells and whistles, |
| monitors and cardio workouts already programmed in. | | | | including extended warranties, more varied |
| There is a huge selection of price and style, and | | | | programming features, and comfort options such as |
| stationary bikes tend to be the most affordable cardio | | | | built in fans. They typically cost over $1500. Lifecycle |
| exercise machine. | | | | 5500HR and 5500RHR (recumbent) are popular |
| Plus, with a stationary bike, you don't have to worry | | | | choices among those who are serious about their |
| about traffic, dogs, or bad weather. You can exercise | | | | workout or have a healthy budget. |
| in the convenience of your own home and even | | | | Other popular manufacturers of exercise bikes include |
| watch television or read a book while you bike. Try | | | | Nordic Track, Reebok, Weslo, Keys, Fitness Quest, |
| doing that on the bike path at the park! | | | | and Edge. |
| Types of Stationary Bikes | | | | Compared To Other Equipment |
| Standard, upright stationary bikes come in single or dual | | | | All types of stationary bikes provide a low impact |
| action models. Dual action bikes have handles or levers | | | | workout that many feel is an advantage over treadmill |
| to work the upper body and have been shown to | | | | exercise. The force on the knees, ankles, feet and |
| provide more effective cardio workouts, burn more | | | | other body parts that occurs with walking or running |
| calories, and also improve overall body tone more | | | | can cause swelling or discomfort in the joints. It can |
| efficiently than single action bikes. Dual action bikes | | | | irritate old injuries or sometimes even produce new |
| work well for those with hip or leg injuries who need to | | | | problems. A stationary bike provides non-weight |
| exercise but also need to go easy on their legs. The | | | | bearing exercise that reduces impact on these areas. |
| dual action allows the arms to work harder to operate | | | | In the health and fitness industries, and among |
| the machine, thus requiring less work from the legs. | | | | customers, there is an extensive debate over which |
| A recumbent bicycle, sometimes called a "bent," is a | | | | machines burn more calories and give a better cardio |
| type of stationary bike that is more laid back...literally. It | | | | workout. There is evidence on both sides of the issue, |
| places the body in a semi or fully reclining position, | | | | but many people agree that a stationary bike should |
| taking pressure off the back area. Some people feel | | | | have dual action to optimize weight loss and heart |
| the position is difficult to adapt to at first, but many | | | | health. The pumping of the arms has a significant |
| who choose recumbent bikes say they are very easy | | | | impact of the effectiveness of any workout, and a |
| and comfortable to ride. They usually come with a | | | | treadmill is less effective as well if you hold onto the |
| larger seat, which often means you will stay on the | | | | hand supports rather than letting your arms swing or |
| machine longer or not have discomfort later. | | | | pumping them in rhythm to your motion. |
| Because of the reclining position, a recumbent bike | | | | Elliptical trainers are another exercise option that |
| works the abdominal muscles more and also creates | | | | provides a low impact workout, but many feel they do |
| more hamstring action. The lower center of gravity | | | | not provide the same cardio benefits. Rowing |
| makes for better balance as well. Doctors feel they | | | | machines are boring, more difficult to use, and can be |
| are better for those with back problems or with | | | | hard on the back. Other equipment has disadvantages |
| cerebral palsy and related diseases. The recumbent | | | | as well, making stationary bikes a good choice for |
| bikes also bring your feet more closely in line with your | | | | overall effectiveness and satisfaction. Consumer |
| heart, keeping blood pressure low and providing for a | | | | buying shows that exercise bikes continue to rank as |
| safer overall workout. | | | | a top choice for exercise and fitness training. |
| Popular Models & Prices | | | | In the ever expanding world of health and fitness |
| Most stationary bikes come with ways to assess your | | | | equipment, there have been some true advances as |
| speed and distance. Economy models have a | | | | well as a bunch of gimmicks. A stationary bike is an |
| tachometer/odometer combination and a design that | | | | old standard that has been a proven exercise tool for |
| utilizes a flywheel to provide resistance. These models | | | | years, and that continues to improve and adapt |
| are not programmable and provide the least effective | | | | through new technology. The overall effectiveness, |
| workout, but are at under $200 can be an inexpensive | | | | ease of use and variety of designs and prices makes |
| way for a beginner or someone on a tight budget to | | | | a stationary exercise bike an excellent choice for |
| get some exercise. They can be purchased at many | | | | beginners and advanced enthusiasts alike. |