Exercise Bikes

1. Exercise bikes are the preferred form of indoor exercise for a great many Americans. Why? They provide accessible, variable workout programs designed to keep us healthy and fit. Many bikes are adjustable to accommodate different sized family members, feature preset workouts for varying fitness levels, and allow us to multi-task during use.

2. For those of us looking for high-intensity, low-impact exercise, nothing quite beats the exercise bike. Because it offers users the opportunity to build strength, increase endurance, all while improving cardiovascular health, this is one of the most versatile indoor, at-home workout options on the market.

3. In order to maximize your exercise bike workout, remember one word: adjustable. Be sure you choose a bike that is adjustable in a number of ways to increase your efficiency, enhance your muscle strength, and improve your comfort level. A good exercise bike will allow you to adjust seat height, handlebars, foot straps, resistance levels, and saddle angle. In this case, more is more.

4. Always be sure that you approach the exercise bike in a responsible, thoughtful way. Be sure to warm up, plan a safe, customized workout regimen, and understand the long-term goals of your exercise plan. Remember, too, that posture is key in creating the most efficient, healthy workout on the bike.

5. Upright exercise bikes and spin exercise bikes are the most well-known, most-used exercise bikes in gyms and homes across the country. These are standard exercise bikes that operate just like your run-of-the-mill outdoor bicycle. Users love them for their ability to provide intense, high-cardio workouts that are easy on the knees and ankles.

6. Recumbent bikes are quickly gaining popularity among exercise bike aficionados. These bikes feature a reclined seat, allowing users to sit back while still achieving a thorough aerobic workout. Some people prefer this method because it is more comfortable and frees your hands to multi-task while working out, while others appreciate that it offers a slow, fat-burning solution for both men and women.

7. Mini exercise bikes are excellent alternatives to home workouts for those of us who live in apartments or have crowded homes. These mini alternatives offer the same cardio benefits as their larger counterparts but they store much more easily. Plus, mini exercise bikes can be placed on a table and pedaled with your arms to give you an all-over body workout. Can your big bike do that?

8. When shopping for an exercise bike, pay attention to the included features. Check out bikes that offer timing systems, solid construction, folding ability for storage, adjustable resistance knobs, bottle holders, pedal adjustments, and LCD displays of fitness data like speed, calories burned, and distance count. Exercise bikes are investments- make them last.