Using a recumbent bike will burn calories, so you can lose weight from all over your body, including your stomach. It will not spot-reduce, or allow you to lose weight from only one area. Riding the bike may also improve the appearance of your abdominal muscles: As you lose fat all over, the fat in your midsection will also decrease, making your abdomen look more toned, especially if you combine riding the bike with abdominal strengthening exercises.
Calories
Riding a recumbent bike is an effective, calorie-burning aerobic exercise. Set a course on your recumbent bike that includes several hills to burn more calories while working out. Pedaling faster or increasing resistance also burns more calories. Your calorie burn will also depend on your weight. If a 120-lb. person cycles for 30 minutes, she will burn 190 calories, while a 180-lb. person will burn 286 calories. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes, five days a week of aerobic activity. Up to 60 minutes may be required for weight loss.
Abdominal Muscles
If you move the seat closer the pedals, you can strengthen your lower abdominal muscles. Moving closer to the pedals decreases the amount of energy your legs can contribute to pedaling, causing you to engage your lower abdominal muscles. You will also work your thighs, glutes and calf muscles. You can perform other abdominal strengthening exercises, such as crunches on a stability ball, to further tone your stomach muscles.
Comparison
Choose the recumbent bike over other types of cardio equipment if you enjoy it more. Using the recumbent bike at a moderate pace burns more calories than walking at a 3 mph pace, but fewer calories than using the elliptical machine. Both the elliptical trainer and recumbent bike predominantly work the lower body, with less impact than a treadmill. Some elliptical trainers have handles that also work the upper body.
Recommendations
Spend five minutes stretching your lower body before using the recumbent bike. Before beginning, slide the seat to the point where you have a slight bend in your knee when your leg is on the back side of the crank. Perform a light warm-up to prepare your muscles and increase your core body temperature. Maintain a straight posture; do not lean forward. Consult a physician before beginning any new exercise program.
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