Stationary bikes provide a low-impact aerobic workout. Recumbent stationary bikes are built with a vertical orientation, taking pressure off the back, legs and ankle joints. According to Spine Health website, recumbent stationary bikes are popular with an aging population looking for weight-loss exercise equipment that can help to prevent injuries and are easier on arthritic joints and replacement parts.
Function
A recumbent bike allows users to sit against a backrest and extend their legs out toward the pedals, relieving any pressure that might occur from standing upright on a piece of exercise equipment. While the recumbent bike is less stressful on the body, according to Spine Health, it does not deliver the same level of cardiovascular intensity as an upright bike. The recumbent bike may be more comfortable, but does not burn as many calories as other types of exercise equipment.
Considerations
In addition to requiring less effort to operate, recumbent bikes do not typically provide opportunities for upper body workouts. Most stationary bikes don't have arm handles either, but are better suited for incorporating arm exercises while riding. The recumbent bike is ideal for those who have difficulty with balance. Handles beside the seat are provided to hold the user in place and you are closer to the floor while working out. Core strengthening that occurs while riding upright is not part of the recumbent bike experience.
Calories
While riding a recumbent cycle at a moderate pace of about 12 miles per hour, a person weighing 150 lbs. burns about 216 calories in 30 minutes, according to Union Hospital. If you weight more, the number of calories you burn rises; a 200-lb. person will burn about 280 calories in the same workout. A 100-lb. person burns about one-third fewer calories than someone weighing 150 lbs. The number of calories you burn increases as you pedal harder and longer.
Benefits
Recumbent bikes typically have wider seats to better accommodate the obese. According to the Weight-control Information Network, the pressure of your weight is spread over your entire body, making the recumbent bike an ideal choice if you are very heavy. While 30 minutes at least three times per week is the goal, you can spread out your workouts over three 10-minute periods to gain the same amount of benefits. A recumbent bike is easy to get on and off of and comes in a variety of models that fit well into a home gym or in a corner of a room in front of a television.
Options
Recumbent bikes come with a variety of electrical options that can measure the number of calories you are burning, your heart rate and number of miles you've cycled. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the more bells and whistles you want on your bike, the more money you'll pay. For those counting calories, a calorie counter can help you track your usage and better define your daily diet.
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