Exercise Bikes - What's on The Market

By Martin Smith

There are available two types of exercise bikes. The upright
bike is stationary and it resembles a typical road bike.
Added stress is put on the joints because the pedals are
positioned below the rider. The pedals of the recumbent
bike are out in front of the rider so that pedaling is more
natural and less stressful on the hips and knees and the
seat resembles a chair.

There are other styles of bikes available as well. There are
double action upright exercise bikes that have moveable
handlebars or arm handles. Your arms as well as your legs
are used on this bike. This bike will provide you with aerobic
activity and upper body toning. Some variety can be found
with resistance bikes also.

The resistance on Direct tension bikes can be adjusted
manually. An exercise bike with flywheels has a cycling very
much like regular biking. The resistance of air resistance
bikes get it by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade.

Out of all resistance exercise bikes, the magnetic frictionless
resistance bikes are the most sophisticated. Resistance
bikes are the most advanced resistance bikes. A greater
variety of workout levels can be had on this bikes.

The feedback mechanisms show the following readouts:
speed, time, distance, total calories and fat burned,
program mode, resistance levels, pulse, heart rate, and
work out level (RPM, watts, METS, mpm¡¯s, and mph/kph).
Your needs and wants will determine the bike you choose
buy. Your choice of bikes will also depend on the type of
workout you want.

You will get a great cardio workout that focuses on the
quadriceps. On a recumbent bike you are seated in a
reclining position. Your legs are out in front of you and your
back is supported by the seat. The hamstrings and the
glutes are given a workout. A recumbent bike is much
easier on your lower back.

Upright bikes could come with handlebars the move back
and forth in a rowing like motion. This motion will work your
arms, your chest, your abs and your back muscles. These
bikes will give you a terrific cardiovascular workout as well
as a calorie burning experience.

Your size should be matched to the bike. Exercise bikes can
be easily adjusted for almost any body type. Exercise bikes
are used by people for a variety of reasons. In the off
season, cyclists often use them to maintain their level of
fitness. Because many people feel embarrassed about
exercising in front of people they use them at home.

To promote healing and the regaining of the use of knee
and hip joints, physical therapy programs also use exercise
bikes. They are also used by some cardiac rehabilitation
programs to improve endurance and greater cardiac health.

If you go to Wal-mart, Sears, or sports stores and if you
look online you will be able to buy an exercise bike. When
buying them from a store it¡¯s much easier to get a bike that
matches your space your budget, and your body size. You
might not always get what you want when getting online.

The bike may be bigger or smaller and without the exact
specs than what you ordered. Ordering online has another
issue, the taking delivery of your order. In most cases the
delivery company will leave it at your door and you will have
to bring it in and put it together.

Unless you contract with someone to do the entire process
including setting it up, this is also true of buying it in a
store. Service contracts can be purchased in stores like
Sears, in case there is a problem. Regardless of your
reasons for buying an exercise bike it will only work if you
use it.

As with any exercise program check with your doctor and
make sure that you are healthy enough to exercise. Your
endurance will improve if you start out slow. Be healthy,
have fun, and be safe.

If your looking for tips and advice on Exercise Bikes or fitness equipment in general, Martin Smith had a resource of information available. From Bikes to Home Gyms you'll find something. http://www.1st-4-fitness-equipment.com