Position
Recumbent exercise bikes are common in many health clubs. To use them, the participant reclines into a position that’s about halfway between sitting and lying flat. When the seat is adjusted optimally for the rider, this is a position that is comfortable for nearly everyone for short and long workouts.
Unlike standard exercise bikes where your legs are under you, on recumbent bikes, your legs push out in front of you. You’re seated low in a bucket seat ergonomically designed for comfort, and that includes a backrest for support. Participants don’t require cycling shorts and enjoy much greater seat comfort.
Because of the position of the rider on the recumbent bike, the hips are unimpeded and the muscles of the legs are able to engage at different angles than a standard upright exercise bike or spin cycle. The workout engages the hamstrings, glutes and quads as the recumbent angles call for a "pushing out" motion with the legs.
Recommendations
The recumbent exercise bike is lauded for its versatility for people of all fitness levels, including people with joint problems. Recumbent bikes are much easier on the knees than upright exercise bikes. Because the bike keeps the spinal column straight, it relieves tension on the neck and spine. Also, since recumbent bikes don’t require straight downward exertion, it’s low impact for the hips and lower back. With the bucket seats, the lower back is supported, which is useful for individuals with back concerns.
Because of the position of the bike and its low impact design, it can be an effective workout for people of all fitness levels, from the sedentary to the athletic. Because of its comfort design, it’s even advised for very overweight individuals.
Cardio and Resistance
Depending on the tension used, the recumbent bike can provide excellent resistance to the lower body muscles. While this is no replacement for weight training, which is an important part of any exercise program, it's still beneficial for conditioning.
Both upright exercise bikes and recumbent bikes work the thigh muscles. But because of the reclining design of the recumbent bike and the motion involved in powering it, this machine also targets the glutes. Of course, like any fitness machine that significantly elevates the heart rate, the recumbent exercise bike is helpful for developing heart and lung capacity and for weight loss and weight control.
Features
Some recumbent bikes have additional features to help you monitor your heart rate and reach specific fitness goals, from developing cardio, to burning fat, to conditioning your legs and glutes. The data these bike computers provide can go a long way to help you reach and maintain your desired conditioning.
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