For increasing fitness, improving cardiovascular endurance, losing weight and training for cycling events, recumbent bicycles are comfortable alternatives to more traditional bicycles. They are easy to use, regardless of fitness level. And the intensity of a ride can be adjusted by shifting gears and tackling hilly terrain. Recumbent bikes can work the entire lower body. But the position of the seat can generally be adjusted to target specific muscle groups.
Position
This semi-reclined position that recumbent bikes place their riders in is more anatomically correct than that of traditional bikes. The recumbent bike's bucket seat provides a broad area across the buttocks and back to distribute body weight. This allows the arms, hands, shoulders and neck to relax and the back to be straight so that the lungs can fully expand. It puts the legs in a position that allows for full flexion and extension. This position minimizes strain on the back, neck and joints and can even be altered to engage the lower abdominal muscles.
Working Out
Recumbent bikes are useful for increasing strength and stamina. They work the entire lower body, including the thighs, calves and gluts. Adjusting the position of the seat can change the muscle groups that recumbent bikes work. Pushing the seat farther from the pedals allows the rider to nearly fully extend his legs, engaging the thighs. By moving the seat closer to the pedals, the angle of the knees is closed, blocking the full extension of the legs. This decreases the amount of power the legs can contribute to pedaling, forcing the lower abdominal muscles to engage.
Body Sculpting
When incorporated into a regular exercise routine, recumbent bikes can shape men and woman's bodies differently. For men, the seat can be adjusted in a manner that promotes a full reduction of the abdominal muscles, which is necessary for sculpting the core muscles. The bucket seat can also relieve the chronic prostate problems aggravated by long rides on conventional bicycle seats. For women, recumbent bikes can be adjusted to shape the waist, thighs and buttocks, creating a lean lower body.
Who Uses Recumbent Bikes
Because of its reclined position, the recumbent bike provide bicycle enthusiasts of all ages and abilities with a safe, low-impact aerobic exercise that can be used for increasing physical fitness, physical therapy and cardiovascular rehabilitation. People with nerve disorders, balance ailments, multiple sclerosis, ALS and Parkinson's disease, amputees and those who have had traumatic brain injuries, heart attacks, strokes, spinal fusions and knee or hip replacements can benefit from using these bikes. The bucket seat on a recumbent bike can also comfortably accommodate overweight people who are biking their way to a healthier lifestyle.
Safety
Recumbent bikes can also be safer than their more traditional counterparts. Road bikes are designed so that the weight of the rider is distributed over the pubic bone and hands. This places the rider in a hunched position that forces the gaze down, which can lead to neck muscle spasms, cervical spine strain and a chronic compression of the peroneal nerve. This position also makes it difficult for the rider to make eye contact with drivers. Recumbent bikes allow riders to comfortably ride with their heads up, making them more aware of potential hazards.
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