Cycling, whether done at home, in a gym or outside, provides a cardiovascular workout that works your entire body with minimal impact. You must choose a bike that meets your specific needs, so consider body alignment, manner of resistance adjustment and saddle style before making an exercise bike purchase. Most important, the American College of Sports Medicine suggests that you test ride a bike before you make your decision. You want to make sure it meets all your expectations for ease and comfort.
Upright Bikes
Commonly found at gyms, upright bikes are thought of as your "traditional" exercise bike. With seating position similar to a road bike, your body sits up on the saddle with your legs extended beneath you. Often computer-controlled, upright bikes allow you to choose preset workout programs or manually set the resistance of the pedals. As an added bonus, you can trust the upright bike to provide you with a comfortable ride due to its wide and padded saddle.
Recumbent Bikes
According to the Weight Control Information Network of the National Institutes of Health, overweight individuals may want to choose a recumbent bike because of the added comfort they provide. On a recumbent bike you sit on a wide padded seat and lean against a backrest, extending your legs out in front of you. This position takes the pressure off your upper body. Usually computer-controlled, you can choose your workout and set the pedal resistance.
Group Cycling Bikes
Cycles designed for indoor cycling classes are usually the least expensive variety of exercise bike, but they are also the least technical. Designed to mimic the motion of outdoor cycling, the bikes are upright, with small saddles and no computerized controls. You determine the resistance manually and make adjustments according to the feel of the resistance. These cycles enable you to adjust your position just like you would on an outdoor bike: sitting upright, leaning forward over the handlebars and even standing on the pedals. The exercises engage both your upper and lower body, but the cycles often lack for comfort, leaving your rear sore after the first few workouts. Perfect for cyclists who want to take their workouts indoors, indoor bikes are often not ideal for obese individuals.
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