Spin Away
If you are a frequent visitor to the local gym, you must have noticed many people cycling on a stationary bike for several hours. This bike is known as an indoor exercise bike or more commonly as spin bike. If you try to take a look at the history of this exercise machine, you will come to know that spin bikes have been in use for several decades. The benefits of using such an exercise machine is quite similar to using a bicycle. However, the basic difference is that no matter how long and hard you pedal, you will reach nowhere in terms of distance.
What Is A Spin Bike?
As the name suggests, an indoor exercise bike is used indoors, rather than out in the open. It usually comprises of a heavy flywheel in-front, an adjustable seat, and pedals. Instead of the rear wheels, these machines have stands, which prevent them from moving ahead during your workout routines. You need to sit on the seat and try to adjust it as per your convenience. Once you feel comfortable, you can start pedaling and continue for as long as you like. The harder you pedal, the faster will be the rotation of the flywheel. The longer and harder you pedal on this machine, the greater will be the amount of calories you burn every hour.
Benefits of Using a Spin Bike?
If you have ever ridden a bike before in your life, you will understand the benefits of using a spin bike at home. However, here are some of the common benefits of working out on an indoor exercise bike listed for your knowledge.
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Low Impact Workout
If you run or walk for long hours on a treadmill, you will feel the pressure on your knees and ankles. Upon regular use, your knees may also start paining. However, using an indoor exercise bike poses no threat to your ankles and knees. It provides a low impact workout, which does not put any pressure on your knees, hips, back, and ankles. Thus, the question of joint aches does not arise at all.
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Better Cardiovascular System
You probably know that using an indoor bike is excellent to shed those unwanted body fat and also tone your muscles. Apart from that, it is also true that exercising on a spin bike can improve the overall cardiovascular condition of your body. According to experts, if you work out on a spin bike for 20 minutes, it can increase the heart rate, which can reduce the chances of several heart diseases.
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Burns Calories
The amount of calories you burn every session is largely dependent upon the time you spend on the bike and your personal fitness level. The range of calorie burnt varies from 400 to 1500 every session. This is almost similar to a single meal. In other words, if you work out on a spin bike regularly, you can easily get rid of a single meal from your system.
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Save Your Hard Earned Money
Everybody knows that gym memberships are not free or cheap in any way. You have to pay a small fortune depending upon the facilities provided by the gym. If you use a spin bike at home, you can easily save your money on such memberships.
Common Points to Ponder While Shopping
For a Good Indoor Exercise Bike
There are various types of exercise bikes available at stores. Some have less features than others and also come with an affordable price tag. However, compromising on a few good features just to save money makes no sense at all. Here are some factors to consider while shopping for a good quality indoor exercise bike.
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Built-In Computer
There are many people who tend to choose an indoor bike which has minimal features. These bikes are quite pocket friendly. However, when it comes to using them and keeping a track of your daily workouts, you feel that something is missing. The best options is to choose such a spin bike which has a built-in computer. Such bikes can easily display a range of valid data pertaining to your workout routines and also help you keep a regular track of your exercises and where you stand in terms of fitness.
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Adjustability
If you buy a cheap spin bike you may have to alter your body to suit the bike. However, if you buy a good quality bike, you can easily customize it according to your body structure and comfort level. Seat positions, handlebars, and seat height can easily be altered to make you feel comfortable during your workout routine.
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Range Of Resistance
If you have to pedal every day at the same resistance level, then you may feel bored with your workouts very soon. Always choose a bike which comes with multiple resistance levels. You can change it as per your needs on a daily basis. It is needless to say that working out at a higher resistance will help you shed more weight faster.
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Flywheel Factor
It is mandatory for you to choose a spin bike which comes with a heavy flywheel. A heavy flywheel will ensure that you enjoy a smooth workout and it will also prevent the bike from shaking if you pedal hard.
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Adjustable Handlebars
It is important for you to choose a spin bike with adjustable handlebars. Since different users will have different body features, adjustable handlebars will ensure that every user enjoys a comfortable workout on the spin bike.
Time is important in helping you choose the right indoor exercise bike. If you take a hasty decision and choose a bike blindly, you may find it useless after a few days. It will also result in a wastage of money and time. If possible, always compare a few indoor workout bikes so that you can judge properly and take the right decision when it comes to choosing the best one as per your preferences. You may also take along a friend, who has proper knowledge about such machines.