We’re all looking for ways to make exercising easier. Marketers depend on it, creating products that “make exercising easy” but don’t actually have any effect on your body. So when there are machines that clearly have some benefits and sound much easier than traditional exercising, those types of machines call out to consumers, because they represent real, tangible physical benefits without some of the discomfort of traditional exercise.
Recumbent exercise bikes are a great example. Traditionally exercise bikes are small and require you to lean over as though you’re actually biking. Recumbent bikes are designed to allow you to sit back and relax while pedaling an exercise bike, almost like you are in a chair. It’s easier on your back, a little bit more relaxing, and you are making the same biking motion as you would with a standard exercise bike.
But are recumbent bikes worth the purchase? This article will explore the pros and cons of purchasing and using a recumbent exercise bike.
Pros of Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes are much easier on your body physically. This helps reduce discomfort, which is beneficial for those that were experiencing too much discomfort with traditional exercise.
Multitasking is also much easier with a recumbent exercise bike. If you want to watch TV while you exercise you easily can. If you want to read a book you can do that too (although the book might shake a little as you pedal). Although these may sound like silly benefits, the truth is that watching TV and reading while you exercise is a great way to ensure you don’t find it to be boring which, in turn, will ensure you continue to use it.
Recumbent bikes also tend to be sturdier than standard exercise bikes, and their layout is more comfortable for those without much of an exercise history.
Cons of Recumbent Bikes
Unfortunately for prospective users, recumbent exercise bikes have several problems that make them not ideal for many homes.
• Recumbent bikes only use your legs, which makes it difficult to get your heart rate up.
• Recumbent bikes have a tendency to be uncomfortable on your rear.
• Recumbent bikes are not good practice for real biking and exercise.
• Recumbent bikes are more costly than standard exercise bikes.
• Recumbent bikes take up more space than standard exercise bikes.
Also, many experts believe that recumbent exercise bikes tend to discourage intense training, which makes them considerably less beneficial.
Overall Thoughts on Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent exercise bikes do produce measurable results. They burn calories and can improve your heart rate. The ability to multitask easily in these bikes is certainly beneficial, and for those that were experiencing too much discomfort biking regularly, using one of these bikes is definitely worthwhile.
But recumbent bikes are also prone to misuse, require more effort to get the same results, and are more expensive than standard exercise bikes. If you can find one for cheap and are willing to motivate yourself to use it often, it is worthwhile, but if money is tight you may want to purchase a treadmill or regular bike instead, since you will receive more benefits for less cost.
