What is the Best Exercise Bike?
By Stacey Foley, DPT, MTC, Cert DN, LSVT certified therapist
Which Exercise Bike is the Best?
Today’s topic is to discuss which type of bike is better, air or recumbent and why? I do not believe that one is better than the other, it just depends on your circumstances, goals and fitness level. Finding a piece of equipment that makes you feel confident and comfortable will improve whether or not you are compliant with maintaining an exercise routine.
Man on a Recumbent Exercise Bike
Can you get a Good workout from a Recumbent Bike?
Yes, you can get a cardiovascular workout from biking while decreasing stress to your joints and maintaining lower extremity mobility. Since a recumbent bike has lumbar support, it does not require core and postural muscles to work as hard while biking. It requires less balance and is easier to get onto a recumbent bike versus an upright bike such as an air bike.
Is a Recumbent Bike or Air Bike Better for Exercises?
Both bikes are good depending on your goals. Recumbent bikes are better for those with less mobility and have balance deficits but still want to remain active. Air bikes are a full body workout which is the biggest difference from other types of bikes. An air bike allows you to use the arms and legs to pedal the bike. An air bike allows you to get your heart rate up which can be a more effective form of exercise for cardiovascular training and weight loss.
The Air Bike is a Full Body Workout
What are the Disadvantages of a Recumbent Bike?
Recumbent bikes take up more room than other bikes and you will need a longer workout versus an air bike to achieve the results you want.
Is a Recumbent Bike as Good an Exercise as a Treadmill?
Different pieces of equipment are used for different purposes depending on the individual. Treadmills can be used for walking on level ground, walking up an incline and can challenge walking speed. Treadmills are also great for those that want to be able to jog and run to return to increase wellness, cardiovascular strength, endurance or weight loss. The disadvantage of a treadmill is that it takes up a lot of room and is difficult to move once it is in place.
Exercise Bikes and Fitness
Overall both bikes offer many health benefits. The recumbent bike offers individuals the ability to cycle and exercise without as much strain on the joints. It also includes a wide seat that is made for the comfort of the user. An air bike is a machine that allows you to get a full body workout in addition to cardio on one machine. The air bike requires more user output in comparison to the recumbent bike. It is always best to consult with your physician on which will be the best fit for your personal life and goals. Keep this in mind when choosing an exercise bike to fit your needs.
Written By: Stacey Foley, DPT, MTC, Cert DN, LSVT BIG certified therapist
Related Articles:
For more content from JOI & JOI Rehab subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.
Image of Book An Appointment with a JOI Physician