Recumbent bikes might look too comfy to provide an effective workout, but in this case looks are deceiving. Even though you get to sit back and relax on a recumbent, you get an aerobic workout that can tone your legs as it improves your overall fitness level. Recumbent bikes are especially effective if you suffer from joint problems, lower back pain or other health issues that make upright exercise difficult or painful.
What It Is
A recumbent bike is a bicycle that lets you sit back rather than upright as you pedal. It has a lower seat than upright cycles and your legs are extended in front of you rather than below you. The bucket-type seat generally comes with padding, back support and arm rests. Because of their seat position, recumbent bikes take the pressure of the lower back and upper body and put it on your buttocks instead.
Why You'd Want One
Recumbent bikes are a good exercise equipment choice if you have back problems, trouble sitting upright for an extended period or suffer from arthritis or bone problems. Because they are a non-weight bearing exercise, they literally take the load off, releasing your bones, muscles and joints from the stress of being upright. Recumbent bikes are especially useful if you are elderly, severely overweight or can't walk for extended periods. They don't require the same balance and coordination you need for a traditional cycle and give you a lower impact workout than other exercises, such as jogging or aerobics.
Aerobic Benefits
Riding a recumbent bike can give you an aerobic workout that increases your heart rate, burns calories and improves your cardiovascular and overall fitness level. If you weigh 160 lbs., for example, riding a bicycle at a leisurely rate of less than 10 mph can burn 292 calories per hour, MayoClinic.com says. Increase your pace to more than 10 mph and you can burn 438 calories per hour.
Considerations
Although their overall comfort level can eventually be high, it might take a few workouts to get used to sitting on the saddle for an extended period. Recumbent bikes can be difficult to adjust to if you are used to riding an upright cycle, which uses different body mechanics during the workout. Because they have a lower profile than traditional bikes, recumbent bicycles are less visible in traffic, a concern if you plan to ride near the road. If you're cycling on a stationary recumbent, the seat style makes it easy to read a book or magazine, which can make your workout go more quickly.
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