Recumbent bicycles and upright bicycles are the two types of bikes you see most often, especially in stationary gym equipment. They're quite structurally different, and each type of bike offers an unique workout experience. The book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Short Workouts" says that though upright bicycles most closely resemble the bikes that many people grew up riding, recumbent bicycles can be easier on areas that are prone to injury.
Appearence
Upright bicycles are the style in which most standard road bikes are made. They have a long, narrow frame and a perch-like seat that extends from the center of the bike. Recumbent bikes, on the other hand, allow the rider to sit in an almost reclining position. The bucket seat, which offers full rear and back support, is situated on the back of the bike and the rider's legs extend straight out in front of his body to reach the pedals.
Workout
Though both upright and recumbent bikes work generally the same muscles, they do have slightly different target areas. According to the book "The Fat-Free Truth," upright bicycles mostly work the rider's thighs and calves. However, when using a recumbent bicycle, the rider's glutes also get a workout. This is because of the unusual riding position that recumbent bikes require.
Uses
Brad Schoenfeld, the author of "Women's Home Workout Bible," says that the bikes do have different uses. Upright bicycles are generally the first choice of trainers and the uninjured because the movement is much more natural to many riders. However, recumbent bikes do offer a level of comfort that upright bikes do not. Those who are recovering from injuries or have persistent back and joint issues may do better on a recumbent bicycle. These bicycles put less pressure on your knees, hips and ankles, and they better cushion your upper body.
Benefits
The calorie-burning benefits of upright and recumbent bicycles are similar. "The Fat-Free Truth" says that a 150-pound adult typically burns from 5 to 9 calories per minute on an upright bicycle. On the other hand, that same 150-pound person is only likely to burn 4 to 7 calories per minute on a recumbent bike.
Considerations
If you are concerned with tracking calories burned, you should keep in mind the accuracy of calorie-burn formulas when they're applied to recumbent bikes. Though "The Fat-Free Truth" says that calorie readout information on electronic stationary upright bicycles tends to be fairly accurate, the information on electronic stationary recumbent bikes can be a bit off. This is because little research has been done on these types of bicycles, and most manufacturers simply apply the formula for upright bikes to recumbent bikes. However, since recumbent bikes are known to burn fewer calories per minute, usually the readout is higher than the actual calorie burn.
References
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Short Workouts"; Deidre Johnson-Cane, Jonathan Cane and Joe Glickman; 2000
- "The Fat-Free Truth"; Liz Neporent and Suzanne Schlosberg; 2005
- "Women's Home Workout Bible"; Brad Schoenfeld; 2009
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