Instead of a narrow seat like those found on traditional cycles, recumbent cycles have a bucket-style, wide seat. The bike's shape is also different, with riders sitting close to the ground with their legs outstretched in front of them. Switch your traditional bike for a recumbent cycle to experience several exercise benefits unique to this bike style.
Ergonomics
Recumbent bikes offer a more natural fit and body position than the way traditional bikes force you to sit, says Dr. Paul Nolan, reporting on BikeRoute.com. According to Nolan, the more ergonomic style has several specific benefits related to comfort and stress-related injury reduction. For example, the seating style keeps your neck and head less tense; the horizontal body position on a recumbent cycle lets you breathe easier; and your back sits straighter rather than in the hunched position found on traditional bikes.
Less Impact on Joints
Your joints take a lot of stress and wear-and-tear when you exercising on a bicycle. Over time, the repeated stress can compromise your joint health and lead to injuries of the bone and tendon. Pioneer Thinking notes that recumbent cycling offers a lower level of impact to the joints, thus reducing your risk of injury and ensuring long-term health and comfort.
Cardiovascular Fitness Boosting
When you cycle, you boost your heart rate and burn calories. Over time, this can help minimize cardiovascular disease risks, such as heart disease. Terry Kane, a physiotherapist writing for "The Leader-Post" newspaper, says that cycling on a recumbent-style bicycle satisfies all the criteria for proper aerobic exercise and improved cardiovascular health.
Increased Circulation
Dr. Nolan of BikeRoute.com says a recumbent cycle's bucket-style seat helps blood circulate in your legs, buttocks and lower body more efficiently than the narrow seats build into traditional bicycle styles. Though improved circulation is beneficial to everyone, Pioneer Thinking states that it's critically beneficial for male riders. In contrast, a traditional bicycle's narrow seat cuts off circulation and can contribute to problems in the genital and prostate regions.
Better Visibility
In a recumbent bike, riders essentially face forward. In contrast, traditional bikes require them to hunch over. Recumbent riders have an easier time maintaining proper visibility of the road around them. Potential benefits revolve around improved awareness and safety when it comes to road hazards such as oncoming cars or obstacles on the ground.
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