Stationary recumbent exercise bikes are similar to upright exercise bikes with a few notable differences. While each type utilizes pedaling action to perform a workout, recumbent bikes have a much different seating arrangement. A recumbent user sits in a chair-like seat and is supported by a backrest. An upright exercise bike has a standard bicycle seat and users lean toward the handlebars.
Basics
Recumbent bikes offer a simple and effective cardiovascular workout. Recumbent bikes typically have a fully adjustable seat, a variety of resistance levels for cycling and many include a display console to track your workout. They are versatile enough to suit beginners and veteran bicyclists, and can be adjusted to suit whatever pedaling resistance is desired.
Adjustment
In order to get the best possible workout, it's important that the recumbent is properly adjusted. Sit down without slouching and allow your back to rest straight against the seat. You should be able to comfortably reach the pedals and perform a full cycling motion without overextending your legs or bringing your knees too close to your body. Adjust the seat until you find a position that allows for comfortable cycling. Many recumbent bikes have a seat height adjustment to ensure you can comfortably reach the handles without leaning forward or fully extending your arms.
Exercise
Recumbent exercise bikes target leg muscles such as quadriceps, calves, hip flexors and hamstrings, and also work core muscles. As a cardiovascular exercise machine, it promotes a healthy heart and lungs and is effective at burning calories and fat and toning the body. For maximum benefits, maintain a regular exercise routine, at least 150 minutes a week divided among several days, and progressively increase resistance levels as conditioning improves.
Advantages
The bucket-style seat of a recumbent bike offers several advantages over other styles of exercise bikes. Many users find the recumbent more comfortable, especially for longer workouts. The back and neck are supported by the seat, which makes it is easier to maintain longer workouts without suffering fatigue in those areas. The same is true for arms and shoulders, since you are not leaning forward toward the handlebars. You can flip through TV programs, talk on the phone or read a book during a workout since your hands are not needed to support your body. Some people even incorporate an upper body workout by lifting dumbbells during their pedaling routine.
Price
The price of a recumbent exercise bike can vary greatly depending on which features you desire, number and type of resistance options, and overall quality of the equipment. Typically, lower-end models are available in the $200 to $500 price range, as of October 2010, while the most expensive bikes can cost more than $2,000. For example, the Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a highly rated lower-end model costing $450 to $500, while the Tunturi E80R Recumbent Exercise Bike offers all the bells and whistles and is priced around $2,200.
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