Is A Recumbent Exercise Bike Or Upright Better For Women?

There is a longstanding debate as to whether upright bikes or recumbent bikes are better. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but the best bike for you basically depends on the kind of workout you desire. Recumbent bikes are more suited to a woman's frame and are more comfortable, but upright bikes better simulate outside riding. Evaluate your goals and weigh the consequences of each type of bike before choosing one.

Differences

On an upright bike, the seat is stationed above the frame, so when you sit on it, your legs are beneath your body and your upper body leans forward over the handlebars. Upright bikes are designed for pedaling in a seated or standing position. On a recumbent bike, the seat is positioned further back so that your feet are positioned in front of your body. The seat is wider and accommodates your whole bottom. The handlebars and screen are positioned at eye level.

Advantages

An upright bike imitates riding outside better than a recumbent bike, so Exercise Bike Review states that if you are looking to train for a race or are an avid biker, an upright bike is better, especially in winter months. You can both sit and stand on the pedals. Standing on the pedals engages your glutes and allows you to travel up hills faster in a higher gear. It also engages your core for a better total body workout. Recumbent bikes are more comfortable, and may accommodate a longer ride better than an upright bike. The screen and panel are at eye level, so it is easier to read while riding.

Disadvantages

Upright bikes can be very uncomfortable, especially without padded shorts or bike seats. It may be difficult to sustain a workout, and if you can, your rear may be sore the next day. Recumbent bikes take up a lot of space, which may be a disadvantage for women looking to purchase a home stationary bike. The comfort level of the recumbent bike may be blessing and a curse. You may be inclined to exercise longer, but not at the intensity your body requires for a high enough calorie burn and cardiovascular benefits.

Workout

Both bikes offer calorie burning and cardiovascular benefits, but exactly how much can only be determined by how hard you work. Many women are interested in weight loss, and upright bikes typically offer a slightly higher calorie burn because more muscles are being used, like the core, upper body and glutes. That's not to say that someone pedaling at an easy pace on an upright bike will burn more calories than someone pedaling at a high intensity on a recumbent bike. It is all about how hard you work.

Concerns

According to the American Council on Exercise, women have a tendency to experience knee, hip and back pain more often than men because of their bone frame structure. Upright bikes may exacerbate hip problems because the pedals are positioned closer together than recumbent bike pedals, putting stress on the outer hip joints. Women with low back problems should avoid upright bikes as well because they force the body into a forward leaning position. Women with knee problems should avoid standing on the pedals of upright bikes to prevent further injury. Women with arthritis may find recumbent bikes much more comfortable and easier to use.