Stationary bicycles provide the health benefits of cycling without the inconveniences of bad weather and traffic. Like conventional bicycles, stationary bikes come in upright and recumbent styles. Each type has its pros and cons and will appeal to a particular type of user.
Description
Upright stationary bicycles look much like road bikes, with seats located over the pedals and hand grips toward the front of the machine. Their wheels are positioned off the ground to simulate outdoor bike riding while allowing users to stay in one place. Recumbent stationary bicycles hold the rider in a reclining position and have a chairlike seat. The pedals are toward the front of the machine, and the hand grips are often below the seat.
Benefits
Both recumbent and upright stationary cycles offer a number of benefits, including improved cardiovascular and respiratory fitness and reduced risk of serious health conditions, such as heart disease. According to Arthritis Today, stationary cycling can also reduce arthritis pain and puts less stress on the joints than other forms of activity. Upright bicycles require less from the legs but put more stress on the arms and upper torso. According to Group Health Cooperative writer Gretchen Konrady, recumbent bicycles can also improve breathing in asthma sufferers and ease pain in the neck and hands.
Space Considerations
Recumbent cycles take up considerably more floor space than most upright stationary bikes. This can make them a problem in small spaces, such as apartments. Recumbent stationary bicycles, especially long wheelbase styles, require significant space.
Expert Insight
According to the European Journal of Applied Physiology, recumbent cycles put more strain on the lower limbs while cycling. A study of 11 active men showed that the rate of fatigue was higher when cycling in a reclining position than in an upright one, especially during high-intensity cycling. This means that recumbent cycles can offer more intense leg workouts than upright models but may cause riders to tire faster.
Balance Problems
People with balance problems because of inner ear defects or long inactivity, such as that caused by some forms of arthritis, may wish to use a recumbent cycle over an upright one. Recumbent cycles require less balancing ability than upright models because of their chairlike seats. Regular stationary cycling can help people reestablish their sense of balance without the danger of tipping that comes with outdoor cycling.
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