- Exercise that gets your heart rate into a training zone will have many positive and important effects on your health:
- Weight loss – engaging in moderate intensity cardio for 30 minutes will typically burn over 300 calories.
- Lower your stress and raise your energy level with cardio workouts.
- Improve memory and brain functioning with exercise. This has been clinically proven through multiple medical *studies.
- Regulate your blood sugar and prevent type II diabetes with regular exercise.
- Sleep and recover better – A 30-minute time investment in a cardio-vascular exercise will actually add time INTO your day.
- Immune system and overall health improvement – Given the current pandemic, this may be the most important benefit.
- Training at home can be done on your schedule and in private. No more worries about club hours, insufficient social distancing, or distractions.
- Safety: When you train at home you are off the roads, and you control the environment including the temperature and music/TV entertainment.
- Save money: One quality piece of fitness equipment can serve the whole family and eliminate the need for paying monthly dues to a health club.
- A stationary bike is non-impact and non-weight bearing. It can be a wonderful option for anyone recovering from an injury or needing to ensure joint safety.
- Exercise bikes can specifically target lower body muscles better than almost any other type of equipment. Tone your quads (front of thighs) hamstrings (back of thighs) and calf muscles efficiently with an exercise bike.
- Indoor bikes have an incredible ability to make adjustments in resistance level. You can begin at a very low level of intensity and progress in small increments. You can also crank up your cycle to “Tour de France” effort levels if desired.
- Save space and money! Indoor bikes are the smallest and least expensive fitness option when compared to treadmills, elliptical machines, and other types of similar quality exercise equipment.
TYPES OF INDOOR EXERCISE BIKES:
Upright bike
This popular option is similar in positioning to a regular outdoor bicycle, given that the pedals are located under your body and – as the name suggests – you are sitting up as you exercise. Upright bikes will have larger, more comfortable seats than the indoor cycle configurations seen in models like the Peloton. Upright bikes and indoor cycles are also the most space-efficient types of indoor exercise equipment, making them perfect for smaller workout areas.
Indoor cycle bike
This is the most common style of bike used in indoor cycling classes and is similar to an upright bike, however, these bikes have elevated seats (in comparison to the handlebar positioning) which are typically smaller and more narrow. These changes allow for a more aggressive pedaling style and intense workouts.
Recumbent bike
On this style of bike, you sit in a comfortable reclined position on a larger seat that’s positioned behind the pedals. These bikes also incorporate a backrest. The advantage here is that his type of bike puts less stress on your upper body and low back. Recumbents are considered the least intense of the three main styles of indoor exercise bikes.
Precor RBK 635
Dual-action bike
A dual-action bike is the least like a regular road bicycle. It has handlebars that move back and forth to target your upper body muscles. So, while you’re pedaling and working your legs, you’re also able to get an upper body workout for your arms and shoulders. Dual-action bikes often substitute air or fan resistance instead of the magnetic resistance most commonly found in the bikes discussed above.
Assault Air Bike Elite
The BEST Bike
So, after all that, what is the best indoor bike for you?
Well…that of course depends on several factors such as your current fitness level, the type of ride posture you prefer, if you have space limitations in your home, whether you are nursing any injuries or joint issues, etc. The good news is that Premier Fitness Source has several showrooms in which a qualified fitness professional can fit you on the right bike for your personal needs and exercise goals. We have bikes in all styles, all price ranges and with options from simple and basic, to totally engaging with personalized classes, Internet access and entertainment features such as Netflix. Stop in to any location and take a test ride today!
*Neuroscience study: https://neurosciencenews.com/exercise-memory-bloodflow-16440/