Exercise Bikes

Exercise Bikes are perfect for those who are looking for a simple piece of gym equipment for the home. Many exercise bikes feature handlebars that are connected to the pedals so that the upper body can be exercised at the same time as the lower body. Most exercise bikes provide a mechanism for applying resistance to the pedals which in turn increases the intensity of your workout. A new feature of many exercise bikes is the ability to let you pedal backwards, this works on the antagonist muscles which are not exerted in forward pedaling.

Exercise Bikes are the ideal for those who are looking to improve their stamina and cardiovascular fitness and also tone up and increase the strength in their legs. If you are looking to just keep fit, then we recommend you use an exercise bike for 20 minutes 3 times a week. To lose weight and burn calories, try cycling for 30-45 minutes about 5 times a week. Many of the latest exercise bikes have screen monitors, which allow you to monitor your progress and feedback calorie burn, BMI and body fat percentage. By using an exercise bike on a regular basis you can also improve your cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.

Exercise Bikes have been a firm home fitness favourite for many years. They are an inexpensive when compared to other forms of home fitness equipment such as treadmills and cross trainers due to their engineering. They are also well suited to low entry beginners as most people can operate a bike, and with the low weight-bearing nature of the exercise it makes it particularly easy on body parts that often take much of the weight and strain of exercise such as the hips, knees and ankles.

A good example of a exercise bike workout is the Aerobic Exercise Bike Workout:
To start with warm up for 10 minutes, gradually increasing your heart rate. To increase your fitness level and burn fat at the same time, exercise for 20 to 30 minutes at around 65 percent of your maximum heart rate. This is a good target to aim for, because exercising for 30 minutes at 65 percent of your maximum heart rate burns approximately 300 calories. 300 calories is reported to be the point you need to achieve to not only burn fat but keep it off. Then warm down for 10 minutes.

If you are unable to achieve your 65 percent heart rate, ride at a lower percentage, for longer. For example, working out at 50 percent of your maximum heart rate will mean that you need to train for 45 minutes.

When purchasing an exercise bike there are several things that should be taken into account.

Warranty - As with any other piece of home fitness equipment be sure to check the warranty on a exercise bike before making your purchase. Most exercise bikes come with at least a one year parts and labour. Mid- and higher-end manufacturers offering two or even three years.There are certain exercise bikes from selected fitness brands that often come a lifetime warranty of the frame and some models will even come with a lifetime warranty on magnetic breaking systems.

Space – Exercise bikes are relatively small in comparison to other types of fitness equipment such as treadmills and rowing machines. Although exercise bikes are compact it is recommend that before purchasing your exercise bike you measure the space in which you intend to place the exercise bike. Most exercise bikes will need to be plugged into the mains and so require a power socket nearby.

User/Users - It is important to consider who will be using the exercise bike. Different types of users may have certain types of requirements. Exercise bikes provide a low impact and smooth workout which makes exercise bikes suitable for most people as they don't put too much strain on your body and joints. For those who are overweight and over 60 we recommend that you consult your GP before undertaking exercise.

Exercise Bikes are the ideal for those who are looking to improve their stamina and cardiovascular fitness and also tone up and increase the strength in their legs.

Types of Exercise Bike – Exercise bikes come in three variations.

Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Recumbent exercise bikes adopt a more horizontal cycling position then upright exercise bikes and training exercise bikes. They are easier to mount and dismount and have supportive seat with a back support, which is more comfortable if you’re pedalling and training for long periods of time or recovering from knee/back injuries.

Upright Exercise Bikes>- Upright exercise bikes are the standard model of exercise bike. Upright exercise bikes keep you in the same cycling position as normal push bike. You adopt a raised position and tend to sit forward. A large advantage of an upright exercise bike is they are more compact then recumbent bikes which is great if you are short on space. Some upright exercise bikes are known as tripe action bikes, these are upright bikes with handles which are designed to offer a rowing upper body motion. Triple action consists of either the pedalling or “rowing” action on its own or the two simultaneously.

Training Bikes - Training bikes are the exercise bikes which are used in gyms and health clubs, as spinning bikes in spinning classes. Training bikes are ideal for those who are looking to use an exercise bike for vigorous work-outs and training sessions. Each variation of exercise bike have their advantages and some disadvantages but it really just depends on your preference, your fitness requirements and the quality of the cross trainer.

Resistance – The resistance on exercise bikes is usually provided in two types of forms. Magnetically or electromagnetically. Magnetic exercise bikes are quiet and smooth. High end exercise bikes are likely to have electromagnets, which produces near silence when pedalling. Adjusting the resistance is either done manually, by adjusting knobs or electronically by simply pressing a button. Electronic resistance adjustment is recommended as it doesn't interfere with your exercise bike workout.

If you are looking for an exercise bike with a wide resistance range then we recommend you choose a bike which has a large flywheel and has certain types and sizes of magnets as these are what determines the exercise bikes resistance. For those who are looking for a vigorous exercise bike workout then we recommend you choose a bike with a large flywheel and wide resistance range.

Computer and Programmes – Most exercise bikes available all come some form of electronic feedback display which displays your workout data such as speed, time and distance. Many exercise bikes also present you with data such calories burned and heart rate.

Exercise bikes often come with a variety of motivational and simulating programmes which allow you to create your own workout programmes or control aspects of your workout such as heart rate. Many exercise bikes feature heart rate training programmes which automatically adjust the resistance of your exercise bike to keep you in your ideal heart rate zone. This provides you with a safer form of exercise. Heart rate training programmes are ideal for those who want to lose weight and improve physical performance.

If you are the type of person which becomes easily bored whilst exercising we recommend that you look for an exercise bike which features a wide range of programmes as they may help to keep you motivated.

Another great way to stay motivated is to purchase an exercise bike which can be hooked up to a video, I pod, CD player or the internet for interactive programmes.

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For easy and accurate BMI and body fat measurement, Gymworld recommend the Withings WiFi Body Scale.