A stationary bicycle is a great way to stay in shape. Effective and easy to use, you can enjoy riding one at the gym or at home. You can choose from different stationary bikes. If you're not sure which one to buy or work out on, consider different features to determine which stationary bicycle is right for you.
Upright Vs. Recumbent
An upright stationary bicycle resembles a regular outdoor bicycle with a regular bicycle seat and pedals while a recumbent stationary bicycle is more compact and features a chair-like seat with back support. Some recumbent stationary bikes have handlebars on each side of the seat as well as in front where an upright stationary bicycle has regular handlebars.
Dual Action
A dual action bike resembles a regular bicycle with two handlebars similar to those found on elliptical machines. While you pedal on the bicycle, push your arms forward and backward for a complete full-body workout. These bikes may also feature a wheel that looks like a fan, which provides resistance as well as cooling air as you use the bike.
Determine Resistance
The key to a good stationary bike workout is resistance. The tougher the resistance, the harder your body works. The harder your body works the more calories you burn. The four types of resistance to choose from: direct tension, flywheel, air and magnetic frictionless resistance. Direct tension resistance is controlled manually by the user. A flywheel is similar to the wheels found on an outdoor bicycle where the greater the pressure and resistance, the harder you pedal. Air resistance is typically found on dual action stationary bikes. Magnetic frictionless resistance is smooth, multi-level and quiet. The most sophisticated type of resistance, magnetic resistance adjust on their own depending on the workout program chosen.
Extras
Most upright stationary bicycles feature a heart rate monitor as well as a console that captures data such as time, distance, calories burned and speed. Many also feature a water bottle holder, toe straps and an adjustable seat. Recumbent bicycles, since they lay lower to the ground and have more room for things, feature even more additional perks, including a magazine rack, an ergonomic seat with lumbar support and an advanced computerized console with pre-programmed workouts.
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