The Mayo Clinic suggests easing into any exercise routine by considering your fitness goals, planning a logical progression, building workouts into your daily routine and doing a variety of activities. Biking offers a low-impact workout that can easily be worked into any daily routine. The best exercise bikes are reasonably priced, comfortable and portable.
Schwinn 140 and 240
Schwinn offers quality, affordable exercise bikes in recumbent and upright models. The Schwinn 240 and Schwinn 140 combine gym-like quality with a reasonable price. The recumbent Schwinn 240 features a padded ergonomic seat and dual-position lumbar support, which make this bike easy on the lower body. With 17 workout programs and 16 resistance levels, it offers a variety of workouts for exercisers of all fitness levels. For those preferring a traditional upright bike, the Schwinn 140 offers 16 resistance levels and 18 workout programs. Both bikes come with telemetry grip handle bars to monitor heart rate.
Schwinn Fitness products can be found at major sports retailers, such as Dick's Sporting Goods, as well as Amazon.com and bowflexcatalog.com. As of 2010, both models are priced at around $449.
Proform 290 SPX
The Proform 290 SPX is an upright bike that offers both an adjustable seat and handlebars with grips for customized comfort. The pedals are versatile, allowing novice riders to use the toe cage on one side for stability, with the opposite, unencumbered side designed for more advanced users. Pedals with toe cages make it easier for beginners to keep their feet in place without sliding.
This sleek-looking bike also offers a chain drive system that provides a quiet, smooth ride. A convenient water bottle holder is included. The Proform 290 SPX can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at proform.com for about $299 as of 2010.
Stamina InTONE Recumbent Bike
Portability is often an important factor when purchasing exercise equipment. Exercise bikes that can be folded for storage may be a good choice for those with limited space. The Stamina InTONE Recumbent Bike weighs only 54 lbs. and takes up a mere 40 inches by 25 inches. Even within its small base, the Stamina InTONE is big enough to offer an adjustable padded seat and an electronic monitor that tracks speed, distance, workout time and calories.
The small price tag is another plus. In 2010, the Stamina InTONE retailed for less than $200 at Walmart stores.
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