One of the popular equipments used for exercise are bikes. It is a great machine especially for beginner and overweight people. There are different types of bicycles available in the market. The oldest and still the most common is the upright bike its low impact and great for legs and buttocks exercise. Recently however recumbent exercise bike is also gaining popularity for outdoor and indoor exercise.
Recumbent bikes or a bent is a bicycle that places the rider in a reclined position making it more comfortable for travel. If you use the traditional bike chances are your bottom will be sore even with a padded seat. Recumbent bikes since its using seats your bottom will not get sore no matter how long you use it. If you are overweight you might prefer this type of exercise bike since it distribute the weight evenly and reduces strain in your body.
If you suffer from neck or back injury then this is a great bike for you as compare to the traditional upright bike. Your hands don't have to support your back so you don't have to worry about injured wrists, fingers or hands. Recumbent bikes are ergonomics aside from reducing strain on your bottom, back and hands it also reduces strain in your breathing since you don't have to bend over, blood flow and circulation also increases. Recumbent bikes are also faster than upright bikes and since it's more comfortable and do not restrain breathing you can enjoy using it for longer hours. It's great for touring and long rides.
There are also disadvantages in using recumbent exercise bikes just like in any other exercise machine. One of the disadvantage is recumbent bikes are 10 to 15 percent more expensive than upright bikes. Another down side is if you use it for travel it is difficult to balance because of the lower center of gravity and it's also harder to shift the weight for steering. It's also more difficult to maneuver especially at low speed and tight spaces.
There are also some debates as to which bikes offer more cardio vascular work out. Some believe that since recumbent bike is more comfortable and offer less restrain it won't give you much in terms of worked out. Upright bikes since you can maneuver and change position easier you will be able to give you a better work out. Other argue that since recumbent bikes gives more comfort you can use it longer hours without much of problem making it more reliable as an exercise machine. And it doesn't mean that's because it's easier to use its not that effective it just mean you will be less prone to injury.
If you like the more traditional bike and you feel that you will get more out of your exercise using its still a good equipment to use for fitness. If you prefer comfort and want less strain on your neck and back then recumbent exercise bikes will be a good choice for you. Either way, a good cardio exercise will definitely contribute to your well being and good overall health.
