|
|
      |
| The Lounge | Champions | The Wire | Schedule | Audio | Arcade | The Top Ten | Historical | Email | Video |
|
|
|
| The Lounge | Champions | The Wire | Schedule | Audio | Arcade | The Top Ten | Historical | Email | Video |
 |
Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages
There are so many exercise bikes available that it's easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you've heard. It's almost as though you have to be a fitness equipment engineer to understand the differences! Here's a quick summary of these confusing terms. ? Spinning Bikes You've probably heard about the spin craze that has become so popular in health clubs. Spinning bikes usually have at least a front wheel that spins (which is why they are so brilliantly named spinning bikes). These bikes might be the current fad, but they aren't very comfortable. The seats are small and hard. The classes make these boring bikes more interesting, but as home exercise bikes, they quickly become tedious. ? Stationary Bikes Stationary bikes (or upright bikes) are the exercise bikes that most people can identify. It's the same basic model as in the 1980's. Once again, it's fairly uncomfortable. You can't really do anything like read or watch TV because you're leaning left and right and bouncing, so it, too, quickly gets boring. ? Dual Action Bikes Dual action bikes are aptly named, as they give you both an upper and lower body workout. There are handles that move independently - much like an elliptical machine. It's a good workout, but a bit tough for beginners, and as usual, the time on the bike will eventually get boring. You can also get dual action bikes that allow you to adjust the machine to create an arm-pedaling workout. It's usually fairly difficult to make the adjustments. It's also two separate exercises, which create a longer workout. Most people aren't as likely to keep up such a routine. ? Recumbent Bikes Recumbent bikes are the exercise bikes with the comfortable bucket seats. You sit back and lower to the ground as you pedal. These exercise bikes are easy enough for even the most sedentary beginners, and they usually offer workout programs to keep the workouts from becoming mundane. The Experts Recognize the Advantages of Recumbent Bikes Most physicians and personal trainers recommend recumbent bikes. Recumbent bikes are better for people of all different fitness levels. You are more likely to keep up a recumbent bike routine over time, the bikes are safer, and there are different benefits for both men and women. ? Recumbent Bikes for All Fitness Levels Even the most sedentary person will find a recumbent exercise bike easy to use. You can adjust the settings to offer little or no resistance as you pedal. People who are overweight will definitely find the seat much larger and more comfortable than other exercise bikes. Athletes will find the recumbent exercise bike a challenge. The resistance can become incredibly difficult. The bike can simulate pedaling up hills. Most recumbent bikes offer various programs that will require you to sprint and tackle hills. If you want an upper body workout as you pedal, you can easily add weights and do repetitions as you sit back in the recumbent bike seat. ? Recumbent Bikes Offer a Sustainable Workout The programs offered by most recumbent exercise bikes definitely keep the workout from becoming boring. You can simulate a course that is easy or difficult, flat or hilly. When shopping for exercise bikes, it's better to get a bike with as many variations as possible. The fact that a recumbent bike is suitable for all levels will keep you getting back on the bike. If you're feeling particularly tired or lazy one day, you can have an easy workout where you can read a book or newspaper. If you really want to test your limits, you can crank up the music, set the machine to more difficult levels, and add some weights for an upper body workout. ? Recumbent Bikes are Safer Because you sit back and lower to the ground in a recumbent bike, it is better for your body. Most exercise bikes force you to hunch over, causing a stiff back. Some dual action bikes are back injuries waiting to happen. Recumbent bikes require that you sit with good posture as you pedal. Recumbent bikes also offer one of the few cardio workouts that put no pressure on your knees and other joints. You can't "cheat" on a recumbent bike and stand up when you're finding it more difficult to pedal. Standing like that on other types of exercise bikes puts unnecessary pressure on your knees and ankles. Recumbent bikes let your body exercise at an angle where your body weight is not stressing your joints. Even people with back and knee problems will find a recumbent bike easy to use. ? Why Men Should Choose Recumbent Exercise Bikes So many men neglect their lower bodies when they workout, especially in strength training. It's common to see buffed out men with giant biceps and tiny little bird legs. That's because it's easier to get an upper body workout at home. If you just invest in a recumbent bike, you can set the machine to high resistance. You will build leg muscle, and you can even do curls while you pedal. Recumbent bikes can also allow men to get a great cardio workout without the discomfort that only a man knows on regular bikes or other types of exercise bikes. With the large, comfortable seats of recumbent bikes, you are much more likely to enjoy your workout pain-free. If you move the seat of a recumbent bike up a bit to bring your legs higher, you can even target the lower abs and have to do less crunches to get the bottom of your six-pack! ? Things Women Should Know About Recumbent Bikes Two words, ladies: legs and bottoms. Recumbent exercise bikes are so comfortable and easy to use that eventually you can do workouts giving you results like you've spent hours a day on a stair-stepper. Recumbent bikes can give you a fat burning cardio workout with enough resistance to help you build long, lean muscle. Picture Tina Turner legs. Recumbent bikes also are great for your inner thighs. Using different programs and settings, you will be able to target different muscle areas in your legs for longer looking, leaner legs. According to most polls, women claim in higher numbers to not have time for exercise because of more responsibilities in the home. With the positioning of a recumbent bike, you can multi-task to more easily fit in a workout. You are able to read, catch the news, and even use a phone or your handheld organizer. Finding a Recumbent Exercise Bike With prices between $200 and $3000, there is quite a variety of recumbent bikes available. Use the Internet to find great deals (including free shipping most of the time). Because the bikes are great for any level and help you to finally be able to stick with a safe and effective workout routine, you can splurge a little. This is definitely one of the best investments you can make for your health. Michael Walker is a freelance author providing useful information about fitness bicycles, recumbent fitness bikes and spin bicycles. His numerous articles offer comprehensive tips and solutions for the fitness enthusiast.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Aerobic Equipment - Find The Best Deals On The Best Equipment The benefits of aerobic exercise are well documented. Aerobic exercise is defined as any number of activities that use the large muscle groups and force the heart and lungs to work harder than while at rest. Elliptical Trainer Benefits Considering an elliptical trainer? Wondering how an elliptical trainer can benefit you?This article will list several unique benefits of working out with an elliptical trainer. If you're trying to decide between an elliptical trainer and another piece of exercise equipment, here are some unique elliptical trainer benefits:· No Impact:Recently my 60-year-old mother tried my elliptical trainer and she was shocked at how easy it felt on her joints (she's a regular treadmill user). Save Money on Treadmills by Avoiding These 5 Marketing Traps There are lots of great marketing people in the treadmill industry today. Their job is to make you think that you need the features they're offering when the truth is, you really don't. The Horizon Elliptical Trainer The Horizon Elliptical is an affordably priced elliptical that comes with a one year warranty. It is considered a good buy for the money. Star Trac TR4500HR Treadmill - A Review When you're searching for a treadmill for your home or club,you'll find Star Trac treadmills at the top of your shoppinglist, and for good reason. StarTrac has garnered areputation for quality and superior machines since theirappearance on the treadmill scene in the 70's, and hasbecome sort of the Cadillac of treadmills. Assembling Elliptical Trainers -- What You Must Know For a Trouble-Free Experience It's not rocket science, but.. Experience The Smooth Ride Of True Treadmills True treadmills are one of the top of the line treadmills for home or commercial fitness equipment. Exceptional standards of excellence go into the manufacture of each treadmill and each one is tested before it leaves the factory floor. Stop Kidding - No Home Gyms Allowed Home GymsNot long ago my wife went shopping for home gyms. No not for her but of all people for me. Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages There are so many exercise bikes available that it's easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you've heard. Who Else Knows These Facts About Trampolines "El trampolino" was the Mexican word for "diving board",and one of the many words in common usage, which was onceactually trademarked as "trampoline".The first gold medal awarded in Olympic trampolinecompetition, went to Irina Karavaeva, of Russia. Home Is Where the Gym Is - Tips For Setting Up Your Home Gym Tips For Setting Up Your Home GymCall them fitness centers, health clubs or whatever terminology you choose, they have come a long way in the past decade. Some are glamorous and high tech; some are comfortable and low-key. Proform Treadmills and iFit Technology - The Right Combination for Workout Success! We all want to achieve the toned and slender look that working out gives your body, right? Strong and sleek and ready to be shown off - what's not to love! Unfortunately, achieving that gorgeous body can sometimes be harder work than it would be in an ideal world, and working out can just get plain old boring after a while. And while the incentive to exercise is always there, it sometimes simply isn't strong enough to drag us through those predictable, repetitive sessions. Is A Treadmill The Best Exercise Equipment For You? The #1 fear people have when buying a treadmill is that they won't use it. (That's the #1 fear when buying any piece of exercise equipment). Why Exercise Balls Are The Wonder Exercise Equipment Exercise balls are the latest invention in exerciseequipments. These balls catch every one's fancy because oftheir shape and attractive colors. Horizon Elite Treadmills Horizon Elite treadmills, a series of high quality fitness products, are manufactured by Horizon Fitness of DeForest Wisconsin. Horizon Elite treadmills are extremely durable, high-end performers created with the committed athlete in mind. Pro Form XP 542s Treadmill Pro Form XP 542s Treadmill - A Good Value At SearsThe Pro Form xp 542s treadmill, like its partner the xp 542e, is part of the xp Series made exclusively for Sears.There are two other models in the series, the xp800vf and the 590s, a larger model that might be a better choice for sports trainers. Proform - The Highly Recognized Name in Treadmills Proform is a highly recognized name in treadmills. Proform has been around for many years and is a subsidiary of the same company that manufactures Nordic Track and Reebok. Free Weights Vs Machines - The Battle! It seems like everyone has an opinion on this debate. Which is better- free weights or machines? I asked my trainer friends what they thought and it was pretty much split in half. Use of Lifting Belts During Strength Training Workouts The decision of whether to use a lifting belt during exercise should be guided by the following information:As mentioned in an earlier article on lower back pain, the deep stabilizing muscles of the lumbo-pelvic region (core) are suspected as having a "drum forming" effect - that is the muscles contract simultaneously in a reflex (no conscious thought required in people without back pain) action to help stabilize the low back and allow forces to be transferred from the lower body to the upper body and vice versa. This action also has the effect of compressing the abdominal contents - composed primarily of water and very little gas; thus the name of this phenomenon is the "fluid ball" effect. Exercise Bikes vs. Treadmills You've decided you want to exercise at home. There are hundreds of pieces of home cardio equipment available.
|
Section Site Map - Submit News - Feedback - Comments - Advertise with Us Copyright © 2006 Luminati Inc. All rights reserved. 
|
