Your fitness goals and health improvements are high on your priority list, right but yet it can be very difficult to choose the most effective exercise routines that keep you in tip-top shape. While hitting the gyms, running a marathon and engaging in serious contact sports can all be fun and excellent exercise, you may want a much more convenient option to reach your fitness goals.
This is where the stationary exercise bike can be the optimal implement on a quest to better health.
Our Top 3 Stationary Bike Reviews
#1 – Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike with Pulse
#2 – Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
#3 – Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
Benefits of the Stationary Bike
The stationary exercise bike features all the advantages of biking exercise right in the comfort and convenience of the home. A bike can be set up in the corner of an office, living room or garage and provide superb exercise routines without taking too much time and space.
Beyond convenience, safety is another important advantage. It is perfectly safe to play music or catch up with your favorite TV show while pedaling in place and safe from oncoming traffic. Those that have not exercised in a long-time due to injury or excess weight will find the stationary bike allows a safe and gentle way to build important physical conditions, even in the elderly.
Finally, no weather conditions or electrical outages will stop you from improving your physical conditions and gaining better help. Those looking for a no-nonsense route to better health should consider the benefits of a proper exercise bike.
Important Considerations for your Exercise Bike
To enjoy the cardio building, muscle toning and metabolism boosting features of your bike, you will want to choose the most ideal option for your needs. The best stationary exercise bike will provide bespoke fitness routines while not cramping your time or operating spaces.
No matter the model or type you choose there will be some standard equipment to look at and consider carefully. Functionality is a priority and Resistance levels will be very important so that you can increase your fitness levels and continue to get some use from the stationary bike. Getting a quality product can best be accomplished by studying consumer reviews on the bike you are considering.
Comfort is the next most important consideration. A wider seat and pedals can make the daily routine far more enjoyable and therefore, sustainable. But, don’t let an uncomfortable seat discourage you from a good purchase, the seats can be switched around for maximum comfort. There are even gel seats for those looking to train for long hours.
The last consideration should be the bells and whistles these products often feature. Some have electronic interface panels that can be hooked up to fitness programs and devices of all types. Then there are various cooling fans, heart rate monitors, cup holders and other features that can improve the user experience. These should be considered according to the needs of the user but only after functionality and comfort features.
Different Types of Stationary Exercise Bikes
Another important consideration will be the type of bike you choose. Following is some information on the three types of stationary bikes available.
The Upright
This is just like the two-wheeler you loved as a kid, except it doesn’t go anywhere. This is the most common option and saves on space. While providing good exercise, the Upright stationary bike can place more pressure on the knees and ankles.
The Recumbent
While it seems like the “laid-back” option, recumbent stationary bikes can provide versatile seating positions and comparatively high the highest intensity training available on stationary bikes. Due to the relaxed positioning of the bike, the user is able to sit back and enjoy a full work out without the pressure on hips, knees and ankles. This is the best option for the elderly and those recovering from leg injuries.
The Spinning
While these can be confused with an upright, the spinning bike features a specially positioned handlebar that requires a more aggressive posturing to use well. This is the option for those looking to push their limitations and develop seriously competitive physical conditions. This type of stationary bike also allows for targeting specific muscle groups from different angles.
Tips for Buying your Stationary Exercise Bike
In addition to the important characteristics of the bike you choose there are a few other particulars that can enhance and improve your experience. The first thing to check will be the weight limitations and stability of the bike in questions. This will avoid malfunction and injury in the use of your product.
As a rule of thumb, the heavier the bike the more stability it provides. The weight will also tell you how easy it will be to move about and set up.
Noise can be another factor and it will a good idea to look into user reviews for points on care and maintenance as well as warning against particularly loud products. This can defeat the purpose of relaxing in your home if the grinding gears are disturbing the silence.
Where to Buy Your Stationary Exercise Bike
Much of your experience with a stationary bicycle will depend on where you make your purchase. For best results, you will always want a provider that either allows you to physically determine the conditions or offers some sort of warranty for defective products. Following are the top three providers of superior indoor biking gear.
Department Stores — Sears, Kmart and other stores like them are always marketing a wide range of indoor products. The upside is that you can look over the product and make sure the size is perfect. The downside is the trip into a supermarket and unpredictable delivery rituals.
Amazon.com — for an extensive array of products in all shapes, sizes and qualities, Amazon.com has it all. You can also look at a list of comments from people who have purchased these products before. This place is a good one stop shop for all your fitness needs.
Second Hand — Stationary bikes are one of the most frequently re-sold items on the market. Many people will purchase a bike and outgrow its use before it has exhausted its functionality. Be sure to always fully ascertain the conditions of a used exercise bike as they can fail and cause injury.
