Exercise Bikes ? Discover The Magic

There are two types of exercise bikes available. The upright bike resembles a typical road bike but they are stationary. The pedals are below the rider and puts more stress on the joints. The recumbent bike has a seat that resembles chairs and the pedals are out in front of the rider so that pedaling is more natural and less stress is put on the hips and knees.

There are a few other types of exercise bikes available as well. Dual action bikes are upright exercise bikes that have moveable bars or arm handles. On this bike you use both your arms and legs. Aerobic activity and upper body toning is experienced while using the bike.

Resistance bikes have some variety as well. Direct tension bikes has manual adjustment of the resistance you use. If it has flywheels the cycling motion is similar to regular cycling motion. Air resistance bikes get resistance by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade. Magnetic Frictionless Resistance bikes are the most sophisticated resistance bikes. They allow for a greater variety of workout levels.

Feedback Mechanisms on more advanced bikes offer the following readouts:

* speed, time, and distance

* total calories and fat burned

* program mode and resistance levels

* pulse, heart rate, and workout level

* RPM, watts, METS, mpm's, and mph/kph

Choosing which bike to purchase depends on your needs and your preferences. What type of workout you are seeking will also affect the bike you choose? An upright bike will give you a great cardio workout that focuses us on the quadriceps.

A recumbent bike has you seated in a reclining position. The seat supports your back and your legs are out in front of you. They work the hamstrings and gluteus muscles. A recumbent bicycle is much easier on your lower back.

Upright exercise bikes might have handlebars that move back and forth simulating a rowing motion. This will work your arms, chest, abs, and back muscles. Both bikes offer excellent cardio vascular workouts and calorie burning experiences. Match the bike to your size. Most exercise bikes are easily adjusted for almost any body type.

People use exercise bikes for a variety of reasons. Cyclists often use them in the off season to maintain their levels of fitness. Many people use them at home because they feel embarrassed about exercising in front of other people.

Exercise bikes are also used in physical therapy programs to promote healing and the regaining of knee or hip joints. Some cardiac rehabilitation programs also use them to promote endurance and greater cardiac health.

You can purchase exercise bikes in sports stores, department stores like Sears or Wal*mart and online. When you buy from a store it is easier to match the bike to your living space, to your body size, and your budget. When buying online you run the risk of not getting exactly what you wanted. The bike may or may not have the exact specifications or may be bigger (or smaller) than what you ordered.

The other problem with ordering online is taking delivery. The delivery company likely will not bring it into your house, you will be left to get it in and set it up. This is true though of buying it in a store unless you contract with someone to do the entire process including the set up. If you buy from a store like Sears you can purchase service contracts in case of a problem.

Whatever the reason for your purchasing an exercise bike, it is only going to work if you use it. Of course, as with any exercise routine check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough to exercise. Start out slow and build up your endurance. Be safe, be healthy and have fun.

(c) www.1st-4-fitness-equipment.com

Reprint Rights feel free to publish this article on your website but you must agree to leave all active links contained within 'About The Author' intact and "as is" and NOT hidden behind a java or redirect script.

About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Home Fitness Equipment which includes Home Gyms, Exercise Bikes, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information

---

Pro-Form 765i Interactive Trainer Treadmill

For under $1000 you can purchase the Pro-Form 765i interactive... Read More

Weight Loss by Treadmill

Weight loss using a good Treadmill workout program has worked... Read More

Gazelle Cross Trainer Pro

Fitness guru, Tony Little, designed the Gazelle Cross Trainer Pro.... Read More

Treadmills Prove Health Concerns Are No Longer An Excuse Not To Exercise

Walking has long been praised for its health benefits. It... Read More

What to Look for When Shopping for an Elliptical Trainer

When shopping for an elliptical trainer, it can be confusing... Read More

What Are The Main Benefits Of Trampoline Exercise?

Many people might look at someone bouncing on a trampoline... Read More

Choosing the Right Running Shoe

Purchasing anything new can be a lot of fun, but... Read More

Daily Treadmill Workouts are a Great Way to Keep in Shape

Serious runners and walkers eventually turn to treadmill workouts so... Read More

Treadmill Reviews ? Helping You Find The Best Treadmill For YOU!

With a multitude of different treadmills available today, it can... Read More

Treadmill Consumer Guide

When looking for a treadmill consumer guide, you won't have... Read More

Stop Kidding ? No Home Gyms Allowed

Home GymsNot long ago my wife went shopping for home... Read More

So, You?re Looking For Discount Treadmills. Decision Time.

A treadmill, although one of the best pieces of indoor... Read More

5 Sure-Fire Tips To Save You $1000s On Your Home Gym

It always amazes me when people say "Home Gyms are... Read More

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a... Read More

Wheel Chair Ramp

Some people order fomr various companies when in need of... Read More

Why Exercise Balls Are The Wonder Exercise Equipment

Exercise balls are the latest invention in exercise equipments. These... Read More

Picking Your Home Gym Equipment

When you are picking out the equipment that you are... Read More

The Skinny on Exercise Strollers

Whether you are an avid jogger or fitness fan, you... Read More

The Benefits of Home Gyms

If it's a struggle for you to get to the... Read More

The Epic T60 Treadmill Rocks

The Epic T60 treadmill, an economical choice for both running... Read More

Developing a Fitness Attitude - A Healthy Weight Loss Program Approach

Exercise is Not a Four Letter WordIt's obvious that the... Read More

Fitness Goals For Dummies

Health-buffs that have been using exercise equipments are surely no... Read More

Treadmills ? Ideal For Home Exercise

Treadmills are ideal for exercising from home. They can be... Read More

Life Fitness Ellipticals are Among the Best

The Life Fitness company makes six different models. They are... Read More

Experience The Smooth Ride Of True Treadmills

True treadmills are one of the top of the line... Read More

Landice Treadmills - A Quick Review of the Landice Treadmill

If you're looking to buy a high end home treadmill... Read More

Is A Heart Rate Monitor Right For You?

Exercise equipment, like Bowflex, Body by Jake etc., has advanced... Read More

Cheap Elliptical Trainers - What You Dont Know Can Cost You Big Time

Should you ever consider purchasing a cheap elliptical trainer? It's... Read More

Spare A Thought For Redundant Exercise Machines

I have an exercise machine that I've used once. Did... Read More

Mobility Scooters: An Introduction

Mobility scooters are designed for people who have some mobility... Read More

Proform Elliptical Trainers Are Not For The Serious

Though many people seem to like their Proform ellipticals, these... Read More

Cycling Your Way To Fitness - Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall Fitness

Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall... Read More

Handy Consumer Guide Best Buy Treadmill Evaluators

Consumer Search is an online forum that basically reviews the... Read More