Daily exercise helps keep your body strong and healthy by building lean muscle and reducing your risk for health conditions and diseases. An adult needs at least 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise a week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An exercise bike provides a way to fit in physical activity at home regardless of the weather. Choosing the style of exercise bike best suited to you makes it more likely to be used on a regular basis.
Upright
An upright exercise bike is similar to a regular two-wheel bike, with its upright orientation and seat style and positioning. Consumer Search states that upright exercise bikes offer more versatility than other styles because a user can adjust the positioning to more closely resemble road riding. For example, you might choose to lean forward in a racing position for a more intense workout. An upright bike focuses mainly on the lower body. Since this style has a more upright profile, it takes up less floor space and fits well in smaller spaces.
Recumbent
A recumbent bike has a more horizontal orientation, with the pedals in front of a seat with a back. The seat provides more support for the rider, often making it a better option for those with back problems. The seat also may make it more comfortable for users, but a recumbent bike should be tested in comparison with an upright bike to determine which style suits the user. A recumbent bike generally is the best choice for exercisers who prefer longer workouts at a slower pace. The recumbent style also can help increase blood flow throughout the body, according to Dick's Sporting Goods.
Dual Action
The dual action style exercise bike is a modified version of the upright bike. It includes handles that move back and forth to create a more intense workout by involving the upper body, specifically the arms. A dual action bike is a good choice for exercisers who want a balanced workout that targets the upper and lower body.
Video Game Bikes
While limited in options, exercise bikes linked to video gaming technology are available, according to Consumer Search. The GameBike brand is an exercise bike that attaches to a PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo GameCube or a computer. Users ride the GameBike while playing racing-related games on the video gaming system, mixing exercise with playing video games. For kids, the Fisher-Price Smart Cycle offers a similar game-style workout on a child-sized exercise bike.
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