Exercise bikes are less stressful on your joints than other aerobic equipment such as treadmills and steppers. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recommends recumbent exercise bikes for those who suffer lower back pain. In addition to its signature piece of exercise equipment, the Rider, HealthRider also makes a small line of in-home exercise bikes with basic features.
The Brand
HealthRider is one of the many fitness brands manufactured by Icon Health and Fitness, the largest fitness equipment manufacturer in the world. Icon also produces NordicTrack, ProForm, Weslo and other popular brands. HealthRider is best-known for its signature product, the HealthRider, often simply called the Rider, which resembles an exercise bike but moves in an up and down, rowing-like motion. The brand also includes a small line of treadmills, elliptical machines and exercise bikes.
Design
As of January 2011, the HealthRider website features one upright bike and two recumbent bikes. Upright bikes resemble regular road bikes, as the seat is positioned above the pedals. Recumbent bikes are more comfortable for most users because the seat is set back from the pedals and your legs are extended in front of you. HealthRider's line of recumbent exercise bikes also feature a full seat with back support and a walk-through design so don't have to step over a bar to get on the bike.
Features
All exercise bikes produced by HealthRider feature what the company refers to as Silent Magnetic Resistance; this is an advanced, no-friction, quiet technology that provides between 12 and 16 levels of pedal resistance. These bikes also all have grip pulse sensors so you can check your heart rate at any time during your workout. Additionally, each bike offers between 16 and 20 built-in workout programs which automatically adjust pedal resistance to provide you with varying levels of workout intensity.
iFit Technology
Either iFit workout card technology or iFit live technology comes standard with all HealthRider exercise bikes. You can purchase iFit workout cards separately and plug them directly into the console. The voice of a personal trainer will then guide you through each step of your workout while offering motivation. iFit live technology allows you to wirelessly download workouts that include voice coaching and automatic resistance controls. Some HealthRider exercise bikes are only iFit live compatible, which means you have to purchase the iFit live module separately.
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