Recumbent Exercise Bikes VS Upright Exercise Bikes

Exercise bicycles have come a long way over the years.  There are several kinds of exercise bikes from which to choose, including recumbent exercise bikes and upright (stationary) exercise bikes.  Between those two choices, which one makes the most sense for you?

You can get a good, low-impact workout on either the upright bike or the recumbent exercise bike.  Both types of exercise bikes can help you burn calories and fat.  Both can help you build endurance, tone muscles, and reach your fitness goals.

Yet, there ARE differences between recumbent exercise bikes and upright exercise bikes!  How do they differ?  Are these differences significant?  Is one style of exercise bike better for you than the other?

Upright (Stationary) Exercise Bikes

The upright exercise bike is one kind of fitness equipment that has been around for several decades, because it works!  The upright bike simulates outdoor bicycling and can really give you a great cardiovascular workout minus the impact that many other types of cardio exercises create.  Because it doesn’t put stress on your joints, the upright bike is easy on the knees and ankles. 

Unlike a regular bicycle, an upright bike is stable and requires no balancing skills.  There is very little likelihood that you would fall off an upright bike.  It doesn’t require any special skills or coordination.  Basically, all you have to do is sit down on the seat and start pedaling!

Since its beginning, the upright bike has seen some nice improvements.  For instance, many modern upright bikes have digital displays for monitoring the progress of your workouts.  You can adjust the resistance on these bikes with the touch of a button.  The seats are shaped and padded to provide more comfort than the seats on old stationary bikes.

The downfall of upright exercise bikes is that, due to their design, people often tend to lean over the handlebars while pedaling.  This can lead to back stress and pain.  Maintaining good posture while exercising on an upright bike is very important. 

Recumbent Exercise Bikes

The biggest difference between an upright exercise bike and a recumbent exercise bike is “level of comfort.”   What makes recumbent bikes more comfortable?

Recumbent exercise bikes are technically stationary bikes, too.  After all, they don’t go anywhere when you pedal them.  This particular style of stationary bike, however, comes with a nice, wide bucket seat that feels comfortable even to larger individuals.  Recumbent bikes also allow you to sit back and lower to the ground as you pedal.  The angle at which you sit on a recumbent bike prevents your body weight from putting stress on the knees, back, and ankles. 

Because recumbent exercise bikes are impact-free, doctors often recommend them to their patients…even those who have suffered problems with their knees and backs. 

Whether you’re a beginner exerciser or an avid athlete, you can safely and easily get the kind of workout you need on a recumbent exercise bike.  Beginners can use little or no resistance until they’ve achieved a higher level of fitness.  More advanced athletes can set the resistance high and get a cardio workout comparable to riding uphill.

In addition to getting a great aerobic workout on a recumbent exercise bicycle, you can also strengthen and tone your calves, thighs, and derriere.  If you adjust the seat so that it sits closer to the pedals, you will work your lower abdominals as well. 

Other Benefits of Both the Recumbent Exercise Bike and the Upright Bike

Regardless of whether you use an upright exercise bike or a recumbent bike, you can use it in the comfort and privacy of your home.  Having your own stationary bike allows you to exercise, even when outside weather conditions are extreme. 
You can also exercise on a stationary bike while listening to music, watching TV, or reading a book.  If you have young children, you can keep an eye on them while getting in your workout. 

With either a recumbent exercise bike or an upright exercise bike, you can improve your fitness in a safe, convenient manner.  The type of stationary bike that works best for you is the one that you will use regularly.