What Is A Recumbent Bike?
A recumbent bike is a bicycle that has a seat on it with a backrest. It is normally closer to the ground than a conventional bike.
There are two types of recumbent bikes:
- A recumbent bicycle that you can ride outdoors.
- A recumbent exercise bike.
The outdoor recumbent bicycle is known for its aerodynamics, and because of this, they are banned in most bicycle races as they have an unfair advantage. Another popular choice is the recumbent tricycle, which is the same, just with three wheels.
The Advantages Of A Recumbent Bike
Whether you have a spinning, upright or recumbent bike, you’re getting a cardiovascular workout while toning the muscles of your lower body. You’re targeting your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hip flexors and all the gluteus muscles. The recumbent bike is just a more comfortable way of doing this.
Studies have proven that pedaling in a recumbent position actually makes the leg muscles work harder than in the upright position.
This could be due to the fact that extending your legs in front of you works against the pull of gravity as opposed to the downward movement of your legs with upright bikes.
Most recumbent bikes nowadays are designed with exercise in mind.
These bikes are set up with comfortable bucket seats that are easy to sit on. These recumbent bikes are very easy for beginners and people with physical problems to use. In general, recumbent exercise bikes have a more comprehensive range of seat and handlebar height adjustments. They’re simple to use and great for high-intensity interval training. Your body is positioned in a more comfortable position. They are generally a little more pricey than an upright bike.
Recumbent exercise bikes are an excellent option for people who are obese or have other health issues as the back is supported while you are exercising. Recumbents are also a good choice for people with chronic neck pain.
Because recumbent bikes are so comfortable to sit on, one has to be careful of taking it too easy when exercising. You will really need to concentrate on getting those legs moving with enough resistance in order to get a good workout.
A lot of personal trainers and fitness experts recommend training with recumbent bikes as they have great options for every level of fitness for both men and women.
Most recumbent exercise bikes offer workouts via a monitor or computer that will allow you to stay motivated during your practice sessions. You can make a personalized training program path, which is hilly or flat, easy or difficult. It is definitely better to buy a recumbent bike that offers multiple options for exercise programs to keep yourself challenged and avoid boredom.
It is safe for your body on a recumbent, because you need to sit down and lower in the recumbent bike. Most exercise bikes force one to bend forwards. In a recumbent bike, you need to sit with a good posture when you ride. Now you can carry on training and the weight of your body will not stress or put pressure your joints.
Try doing curls forward while riding your recumbent bicycle and you will get a good upper body workout too. Weights can also be used on the arms while exercising the legs for more benefits.
You can be sure to stick to a safe and effective exercise routine with the recumbent bike. Owning a recumbent bike is an ideal investment for your good health and you will be able to use it well into your old age.
To read up more on the recumbent bike click here.