Exercise bikes are one of the true original pieces of home exercise equipment. Despite the constant introduction of new, innovative fitness machines to the market, they remain a consumer favorite. Recumbent exercise bikes are beneficial in that they offer an option for those who experience the discomfort associated with upright bikes. There are pros and cons associated with this particular type of exercise equipment.
Identification
A recumbent bicycle is simply a bicycle that places the rider in a laid-back or reclining position instead of an upright position. A recumbent stationary bike takes up approximately as much floor space as its traditional counterparts and, like a upright stationary bike, is stays in one place while the user pedals against a resistance mechanism (usually a fan or alternator). Most stationary recumbent bikes have a fairly upright seat with the pedal crank located just below the seat. The seat is adjustable by sliding it along a rail. The recumbent bike offers a cardiovascular workout emphasizing the muscles of the lower body.
Ergonomic and Aerodynamic Advantages
The recumbent stationary bike is often selected for ergonomic reasons. The design allows you to comfortably distribute your weight over several square feet of the back and buttocks whereas on an upright bike, your body weight rests on only a few inches of the sit bones, feet and hands. For many riders, this positioning places stress on the wrists, depending upon how you sit, and can be uncomfortable. If ridden for over 20 minutes, this discomfort may be intensified. Aerodynamically, recumbent bikes have an advantage. The reclined position of the rider's body (legs-forward) creates a smaller frontal profile, increasing efficiency and maximizing speed.
Better Comfort, Enhanced Compliance
Exercisers who are overweight, older and/or experience back pain or pelvic discomfort find the recumbent stationary bicycle much more comfortable and user-friendly. Comfort enhances commitment to an exercise program because, if you are comfortable, you are more likely to stick with an exercise (type). Of course you will experience fatigue of the leg muscles, but this is not the same as experiencing pain due to poor positioning. Better comfort enables you to completely concentrate on working the muscles, without distraction.
Cons
An advantage that the upright exercise bike has over the recumbent bike is that you can more closely simulate a road bike for an advanced workout. With a recumbent bike, you cannot lift your body off the seat to pedal with greater force and exertion, simulating sprinting or climbing hills. You can adjust the resistance of a recumbent bike, but not perform these variations, which is more limiting. The recumbent bike can be more bulky (though it does not take up more floor space) than upright models and, because there are more parts, is typically more expensive.
Overall
Ultimately, the most important consideration when choosing any piece of exercise equipment is, does it meet your specific, individual needs and will you use it regularly? Both upright and recumbent stationary bikes enable you to get effective cardiovascular and lower body workouts. They both simulate the same leg motion and are adjustable to your height but that is where the design similarities stop. All things considered, fitness experts agree that comfort is a very important consideration and should weigh heavily into your decision regarding which type of exercise bike is your best option.
References
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Essentials of Personal Fitness Training; Michael Clark, Scott Lucett and Rodney Corn; 2008
- Trainer Secrets: Recumbent exercise bike vs. upright exercise bike
- Exercise Equipment Reviews: Recumbent bicycles
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