When seeking the best equipment for a convenient, easy to use, low impact cardio workout, many people opt for exercise bikes. These bikes are excellent choices for those wanting to improve their cardiovascular fitness while burning calories without putting a strain on their knees and joints.
However, with so many choices, it can be difficult to choose the right exercise bike for both your fitness goals and budget. To enjoy the advantages this type of aerobic workout offers, keep the following buying tips in mind, so you are sure to find the bike that is perfect for both.
The Two Types To Choose From
An exercise bike comes in two different forms that include the recumbent bike form and the traditional upright bike
form. The most popular style are uprights. They resemble a traditional outdoor bike. They provide a great cardio workout, and they are small so they can easily fit in tight areas without taking up too much space.
Recumbent bikes offer lower back support than uprights as they place the rider’s body in a semi-reclining position. They typically provide a more ergonomic workout with adjustable seating and heart rate control programming. A recumbent bike provides a better lower body workout than an upright bike does.
Other Factors To Consider When Buying Exercise Bikes
Additional things to consider when buying an exercise bike include size, resistance, feedback mechanisms, and the warranty provided.
Size
This equipment doesn’t offer a one size fits all solution. It is crucial to make sure the one you choose fits you and the space you have. A tall person may end up buying a different bike than a smaller person, depending on the size adjustments possible. In addition to your height, make sure your cardio bike is appropriate for your weight. If you live in a small apartment, an upright bike may work better for your space, but that also depends on your fitness goals and other health issues.
Resistance
Choose the resistance that best fits your fitness goals. Manually adjustable direct tension offers resistance as you pedal against the airflow of a fan. Magnetic resistance is the most sophisticated as a magnetic airflow creates and tracks the amount of resistance, providing a more variable cardiovascular workout.
Feedback Mechanisms
Choose styles with monitors that display the speed you’re traveling, the distance you’ve gone, your heart rate, pulse, fat and calories burned, and other information relating to your body’s performance.
Warranty
Different brands and models offer different warranties, so look for one with an adequate warranty that suits your need and budget. Common warranties range from ninety days to lifetime and often include certain parts and labor. For example, the frame may have a lifetime warranty, but the parts and labor for repair may only last six months.
By keeping this information in mind when buying an exercise bike, you should be able to make an investment that will improve your cardio fitness for a lifetime.