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Fitness and Convenience with an Exercise Bike
An exercise bike is another of the more popular workout machines easily accessible to any household. Also called stationary bikes, this type of equipment is also found in commercial gyms. Using an exercise bike for several minutes in a week increases your heart rate, giving you extensive cardiovascular workouts. If used properly applying a variety of workouts, an exercise bike can strengthen and tone your muscles and help you lose weight.
For people who would rather exercise within the confines of their home or are too busy to visit the fitness center, buying an exercise bike is a sound decision. It is a good way to stay in shape minus all the hassle of paying expensive gym memberships and feeling somewhat forced to attend sessions and waiting for your turn to workout using a particular machine. With your own bike, you can stay fit and healthy at your own pace in a less stressful environment.
With the benefits of effective exercise bike training, it is time to retrieve that old one of yours that has been gathering dust in the basement or the attic. Today is the best time to start. Now if you are just planning on making a purchase, it helps to determine your goals and your purpose for buying an exercise bike. Are you going to need an exercise bike as your primary exercise equipment or as part of a number of aerobic workouts? Is it just going to be used as a pastime or an alternative for rainy days? You may also consider the following options to help you decide on which exercise bike you should get:
Budget
There is an exercise bike to suit any budget. The quality and the features of the more expensive ones, of course, are not really comparable to the less expensive models. But this doesn’t mean that a cheap bike doesn’t work. In some cases, as when you are not really committed to doing serious exercises but merely wish to stay in shape, a manual bike with all the basic features will suit you just fine. If you do not wish to compromise quality, a bike worth $700 to $800 should be enough to keep you satisfied for many years.
Used Bikes
Try asking the health club you are a member of if they have any plans of upgrading their exercise bikes. Because if they do, they would surely be willing to sell the models they have been using to members at much lower prices. Try checking buy-and-sell classifieds or online listings for used or reconditioned exercise bikes. You might just chance upon a good bargain.
Model and Design
The model of the exercise bike you are buying of course also relies on how much free space you have available in your home. If you can afford it and have sufficient space to store it, you may go for electronic bikes that feature programmable workouts. Be prepared, however, because electronic bikes require high-maintenance. On the other hand, manual bikes are less bulky and more preferable for small spaces. You may even set it up in your living area.
Another choice you have to make is between upright and recumbent exercise bikes. Upright bikes are what we commonly see while recumbent bikes are those wherein the user exercises in a slightly reclining position. Recumbent bikes are non-impact, best for rehabilitation purposes. It is best to test out a bike to make sure it is comfortable for you.
Pointers
To make the most out of your exercise bike, it has to fit be the right size for your height and weight. You may have the seat height adjusted so that you are in the most comfortable position possible each time you exercise. Keep your upper body relaxed and sit lightly on the bike seat. You may use padded shorts or a gel seat cushion for more comfortable seating.
Start your workouts with modest goals. For beginners, using the exercise bike ten minutes at a time provides sufficient cardio workouts. Build up and intensify your workouts as you progress. You can do this by changing the intensity and program options on the bike, if it is available. Get to know your equipment and practice safety measures at all times.