Recumbent Bike for Exercise
Using a recumbent bike for exercise may find you looking forward to exercising, since they can be so much fun. These bikes are known for their comfort, strong ergonomics and good cardiovascular workout. They also provide a good workout for your leg muscles and joints. If you are used to an upright bike, you might be surprised about how many health benefits the recumbent bike for exercise will offer you.
-
Ergonomic Benefits
-
Using a recumbent bike for exercise can provide numerous health benefits simply because they are so comfortable to ride. This is due to the fact the bikes are ergonomically friendly. You can avoid typical upright bike discomfort such as neck strain, limited visual fields and seat pain, according to Gunnar Fehlau.
Ergonomically, recumbents are easy on your wrist, back, hands, shoulders, neck, arms, crotch area and lower back. Your shoulders, arms and hands are in a relaxed position that does not bear the weight of the torso. Your arms are alongside your body while riding the bike.
The seats provide full back and seat support, so even larger sized people will be comfortable riding their recumbent bike. There are no more saddle sores. This larger seat results in a much broader distribution of weight, according to Paul Nolan, MD.
Since your head and neck are upright and aligned, your visual field will be improved. There is no craning of the neck, as in an upright bike. The rider is more aware of their surroundings. Eye contact with other riders is easy to do. You will avoid neck and/or cervical pain or discomfort, according to Paul Nolan, MD.
Your legs will be at or slightly below heart level while riding the recumbent bike. This results in improved circulation. Your breathing also improves because of this positioning. This results in increased endurance.
All of the combined ergonomic benefits result in a more efficient and pleasurable exercise program for you.
Other Benefits
-
Your chances of falling over on a recumbent bicycle are pretty low. The bikes have a low center of mass and are a short distance from the ground. Head injuries are diminished since you won't be thrown over the handlebars.
-
Workout
-
While using a recumbent bike for exercise, Truth for You.com states you could burn about 1,000 calories per hour while experiencing a strong cardiovascular workout lasting an hour. This can be done either indoors or outdoors. Use flat surfaces for riding your recumbent bike outdoors. There are recumbent bike races you may want to get involved in for exercise. Or, there may be local bicycle groups.
Varieties of Bikes
-
Riding a recumbent bike for exercise can be done either indoors or outdoors. Using the indoor variety, you could watch a video or even use your laptop while pedaling.
Outdoors, the recumbent bike allows you to take in scenery while pedaling at your own pace. You will experience a more relaxed, yet efficient, exercise regime.
Drawback
-
If you use a recumbent bike for exercise outdoors, you will probably draw crowds of people whenever you stop. According to Paul Nolan, MD, don't ride a recumbent if you are an introvert.
-
