Aerobic exercise is a key component to maintaining health and fitness. Aerobic exercise improves cardiorespiratory endurance. The most important part of health related fitness according to "Foundations of Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Sport." Riding a stationary bike is one way to exercise aerobically.
Easy to Customize Your Workout
Riding a stationary bike for a workout has many benefits. One is the ability to easily adjust the desired effort level. Stationary bikes allow the user to pick from different intensity levels and ride for whatever duration they decide. The rider can ramp up her effort or ease it back by simply adjusting the resistance level up or down. This customization allows her to maintain the desired effort throughout her workout. Most bikes also have preprogrammed rides that a rider can chose from.
Safety and Convenience
Many people get their exercise from biking because it is a non-impact activity. Removing impact reduces stress on the bones and joints. "Arthritis Today," an Arthritis Foundation publication, says this reduces the likelihood of injury. Stationary bikes have an additional safety benefit compared to biking on the road. There is no chance to get hit by a car and when on a stationary bike it is much more difficult to fall. Stationary biking is also something that is not impacted by poor weather or reduced daylight hours through the winter.
Clear Feedback and Information
Most stationary bikes measure and display workout information. Heart rate, calories burned, distance ridden, pace and total time are all easily tracked during the workout. Stationary bike riders can use this information to objectively track their workouts over time and measure improvements in fitness and performance.
Ride With a Friend
Many people enjoy working out with a friend. This can be difficult if the workout partners have different fitness levels. No one wants to struggle to keep up with his fitter friend on a long bike ride. This is not an issue when riding a stationary bike. Workout partners can exercise together with each working out at the intensity level that suits him.
References
- "Foundations of Physical Eduction, Exercise Science, and Sport"; Wuest, D, Bucher, C; (2009)
- Arthritis Today: Benefits of Stationary Cycling
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