Cycling is an age old technique to get back in shape. You will find a lot of people cycling out in the parks to stay fit and get rid of unwanted body fat. Sometimes you may think that spending time exercising may not be possible due to your work pressure. There is a great solution to this problem. If you feel that cycling out in the open is not possible all the time, then you can choose a recumbent bike for your daily workouts. It is basically a stationary bike which works just like a normal bike. You can use it in your leisure hours at home or in office.
Recumbent Bikes – What Is It All About?
Most of you may not know much about a recumbent bike. This is a kind of exercise bike to be used indoors. You need to sit on the seat in a backward position in order to work out on the bike. The seat of a recumbent bike is positioned in such a manner that the weight of a user is shifted from the upper back while cycling. This allows a user to concentrate on his legs during the workout. In a way, recumbent bikes are great news for people suffering from back problems. Since the weight is taken off from your back while exercising, you need not worry about any further injuries while using this workout bike.
Benefits of Using a Recumbent Bike
Just like you can enjoy several benefits upon using any type of workout machine, recumbent bikes can also provide many benefits to your body. Some of these have been listed below for your knowledge.
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Low-Impact Intense Workout
If you carefully compare some of the popular workouts with cycling on a recumbent bike, you will come to know that plenty of downward thrust is involved in most of the exercises. It is needless to say that downward thrust of pressure to your legs can cause a number of problems to your hips, knees, back, and ankles. You may not feel the effects within a few days of workout. However, over a definite period of time you will surely feel pain in these body parts. On the other hand, using a recumbent bike poses no threat to your ankles, hips, knees, and back at all. Since you have to sit on the bike in a backward position, the entire weight is shifted off your back. This helps your hips, back, and other joints to relax while exercising.
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Burn Calories Effectively
Unlike popular beliefs, working out on a recumbent bike can help you burn several hundreds of calories every hour. However, the amount of calorie burnt is largely dependent upon your fitness level and weight. You may alter the intensity of your workout by changing the resistance levels and choosing a suitable preset workout program.
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Good for Your Cardio System
Spending hours on a recumbent bike can help you tone your butt and legs like no other exercise machine. However, the primary factor which makes everybody interested is the ability of a recumbent bike to boost your cardio system. It has been tested that just 20 minutes of workout on the bike can help your cardio system reach a commendable fitness level. With regular usage of the bike, you can also lower down the chances of a heart ailment considerably.
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Saves Your Money
If you have a recumbent bike at home, you can save a lot on gym membership. You can workout anytime you want and also save your hard earned money at the same time.
Make a Note of Some Features
Before You Choose a Recumbent Bike
There are several models of a recumbent bike in the market. Although this gives you a lot of options to choose from, it can also confuse you when you decide to buy one for your own use. This is why there are several features to consider while choosing such a bike. Some of the key features have been mentioned below.
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Data Tracking
There are several recumbent bikes in the market which come with a computer system that allows the machine to store data of different users at the same time. It keeps a record of the information pertaining to distance, calories, and time of individual users. This is a good way to help you understand where you stand in terms of your fitness level. Before you decide to buy a recumbent bike for your own use, always choose a machine which comes with such a computer system. This will prove to be a good investment in the long run.
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Preset Workout Programs
When you decide to choose a recumbent bike, always go for a machine which comes with preset workout programs. This will help you get some fun in your daily workout routines and also get more out of your exercises. Also opt for a bike which comes with multiple resistance options. You can alter the resistance according to your needs.
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Flywheels
If you wish to enjoy a load-free and smooth workout, then go for a recumbent bike which has a big and heavy flywheel. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother will be your workout routine.
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Adjustable Seating
Not every family member in your house will have the same height and body feature. This is why it is very important that the recumbent bike you choose comes with adjustable seating arrangements. This will make the workout routine pleasant for every family member and also help you enjoy a comfortable exercise.
No matter which exercise machine you wish to buy, it is very important that you take your time and then choose the right one after careful considerations. Always compare a few good models and take recommendations from experts so that you can get a proper idea as to which models to choose from for your own use. If you take hasty decisions then you may end up choosing a useless machine, which will also result in a waste of your money.