I am sure I have covered the benefits when it comes to why ride a recumbent bike in various posts throughout this site, but let us look at all the facts again and list them in a nutshell.
“The idea of cycling while lying down was born not long after bicycles became popular in the late 19th century, for the simple reason that anything worth doing should be done as comfortably as possible – and pedaling while lying on your back would theoretically make it easier on the rider over long distances. After all, it’s like pedaling in bed.“
When exercising on your recumbent bike, warm up first for five minutes and pedal at a steady rate for up to 30 minutes, increasing the total workout time as your fitness improves.
Why Ride A Recumbent Bike?
If you are thinking of purchasing an exercise bike, you want to be able to use it for years to come, so when it comes to the choice between an upright and a recumbent bike, the recumbent bike wins hands down for me for the following reasons:
- A recumbent bike allows you to exercise your thighs, calves, and glute muscles with less strain than using a conventional upright bike.
- Recumbent bikes put less strain on your joints, which is ideal for those with arthritis.
- It has a wider and lower seat than an upright bike, which makes it far more comfortable.
- They are easier to balance on and are normally more sturdy to ride.
- The recumbent will still give you a great indoor cardio workout.
- Great for easing back into exercise after an injury.
- You can use a recumbent bike when you are really old, whereas you may topple off of an upright model.
- Recumbent bikes are an incredibly effective choice for burning calories, losing weight, and building overall fitness.
- Recumbent bikes cause less stress on your knee joint than upright bikes so there’s very little chance you’ll cause more harm to your bad knees.
- Recumbent bikes mainly work your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and lower legs.
- Recumbent bikes are easier on your lower back and hips because you sit back into the frame, in a more comfortable, reclined position.
- The upright bike is going to place far more emphasis on working the quads, while the recumbent bike uses both quads and hamstrings, and may also involve the glutes to a higher degree as well.
- For those suffering from joint inflammation or any type of injury, riding on a comfortable recumbent means a longer workout with less pain.
What Don’t I Like About A Recumbent Bike?
There is only a short list here. This is what I don’t like about recumbent exercise bikes:
- They are more expensive than upright bikes.
- For burning more calories in the same amount of time, an Elliptical trainer is better.
- Upright bikes target your abs, glutes, back, arms, and even your neck. In fact, upright bikes provide a total body workout while recumbent bikes are better for the lower body. The good news is that you can add weights to your recumbent workout to target the upper body.
- You don’t put weight on your legs, so it is not considered enough of a weight-bearing ride.
Along with running and swimming, cycling is one of the best aerobic exercises; it will strengthen and develop the leg joints and muscles and can help you lose fat on thighs and calves.
Try this HIIT workout to get the most out of your recumbent bike.
It’s more about intensity than duration—so a higher intensity workout is always best, no matter what type of bike you are riding.
Hope all your questions on why ride a recumbent bike are answered. Please comment below if you have anything else to add.