Looking for an exercise that offers you an effective indoor cardio workout while you can watch your favorite movie or read a book? A recumbent bike gets you all of that. The reclined position of the bike provides you comfort, as you can lean back and perform your exercise.
The recumbent and upright bikes are the two primary indoor exercise bikes, providing you a cardiovascular workout. You may choose either of them depending upon your comfort level. However, recumbent bikes are preferred over upright bikes due to the level of comfort it offers to the user.
Besides, recumbent bikes offer several benefits that make them an ideal option for the indoor cardio workout. You can modify your fitness goals and achieve them using the bike.
This article will take you through the various advantages of a recumbent bike and let you understand why it is preferred. So, let’s take a look at them.
Comfort And Ease
A recumbent bike comes with a larger, comfortable seat that provides support to the lower back. You could easily lean back, read a book or watch your favorite show while working out on the bike.
Upright bikes have smaller seats that make people uncomfortable, especially those with joint aches. Also, the seat is placed at a higher position, making it uncomfortable for some people.
Recumbent bikes, on the other hand, have lower-height seats that provide more balance and stability while you exercise. The large seat offers you more space, reducing chances of saddle soreness usually experienced on smaller seats. Also, you can have an effective cardio workout with this piece of equipment.
Moreover, the bucket seat of the recumbent bike allows you to keep your hands free. It allows you to multi-task, such as reading the newspaper, playing your favorite game, or using your phone while exercising.
Whereas, on an upright bike you will need to place your hand on the handle all the time for balance. Therefore, a recumbent bike is ideal indoor exercise equipment that ensures comfort while working out.
Gentle On The Knees
People with joint problems can exercise on a recumbent bike for a longer period. The reclined position on the bike will relieve you from the forward-leaning posture of an upright bike. Subsequently, the position allows your legs to do most of the work without putting extra pressure on your back or hips.
Therefore, people experiencing joint aches or any other injury could have longer workouts with less pain.
Experts recommend using a recumbent bike for people who suffer from an injury. It is safer to use the machine to ease joint movement and exercise while in the healing phase. The workout helps in keeping the patients active and expedite their healing process.
Better Balance And Stability
Older people tend to have poor balance, which might make it dangerous for them to get on an upright bike. The high position of the seat may make them lose their balance during exercising and cause an injury.
Recumbent bikes, with their large and low-height seats, ensure safety and security. It puts less pressure on your back, knees, and hips, allowing you to have a safe workout.
Moreover, if you experience body aches after riding an upright bike, you must consider a recumbent bike. The exercise equipment is gentle on your knees and its comfortable seat allows you to do workouts for longer periods.
Thus, if you want to maintain balance and stability while you are exercising, then a recumbent bike is an enticing option for you.
Toughen Up Your Muscles
Working out on recumbent bikes strengthens your muscles to a great extent. It helps to develop various muscle groups that improve your overall body functions. Also, you could have an effective cardio workout and burn calories faster on the machine.
Many women suffer from joint aches when they reach old age. Exercise on a recumbent bike may alleviate their joint aches and help strengthen their muscles. They could perform a long workout comfortably on the equipment without straining their knees or back.
According to research, exercise on a recumbent bike develops more muscles than on an upright bike. It is mainly because of the comfort and ease offered to you for performing longer workouts.
Further, if you plan on increasing the intensity of your workout, consult your doctor first in case of any pre-existing medical problem. Or if you have not worked out in a while, it is better to first seek guidance from your doctor.