Recumbent bikes differ from traditional bikes in several major ways, according to bike advocacy group Recumbent Cycling Ontario. First, the user sits in a wide, bucket-style seat rather than on a traditional narrow seat. Second, the bike is closer to the ground. Third, riders are positioned so that their legs extend horizontally in front of them rather than vertically below them. Work out on a recumbent bike and you may experience several benefits related to your personal health and safety.
Cardiovascular Fitness
Regular aerobic exercise that raises your heart rate can help lower your risk of cardiovascular problems like heart disease. Physiotherapist Terry Kane, writing for "The Leader-Post" newspaper, reports that working out on a recumbent bike meets all the criteria for fitness methods that improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Low Impact
When you run and do similar forms of exercise, the shock of your feet hitting the ground impacts your joints. Over time, you may injure yourself, especially if you already have weak or compromised joints due to age or past injuries. In contrast, exercising on a recumbent bike provides low to no impact on joints. This makes it ideal for people of all health levels who want to protect their joints from harm, according to Pioneer Thinking website.
More Ergonomic
The way you sit on a recumbent bicycle is more ergonomic and natural than the body position found in riders of traditional bikes, according to Dr. Paul Nolan, writing for BikeRoute.com. Dr. Nolan says this has several advantages, including keeping your neck and head more relaxed; allowing for better breathing; and keeping your back and abdomen more flat.
Better Circulation
Instead of forcing you onto a narrow seat like those found on a traditional bike, the bucket-style seat of a recumbent bike supports your entire buttock region. This allows for better blood circulation in the lower body area, according to Dr. Nolan. Pioneer Thinking reports that this can be especially beneficial for men, for whom a traditional bike seat can cause prostate or genital distress.
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