Exercise Bikes

If there is one classic piece of exercising equipment, it is the exercise bike . It has been there forever. No matter what new innovations have been introduced in the fitness equipment industry, the exercise bike has remained a favourite not only for fitness fanatics, but also for trainers.

So what has actually been so special about the exercise bike that has not been a part of any other fitness equipment? Fitness enthusiasts believe that it is the feature of the exercise bike to provide an overall fitness programme that has not been found in any other machine. From cardiac exercise to flexibility to muscle building programme, the exercise bike is an all in one machine.

Heart Conditioning

A balanced exercise plans requires work on the cardiac muscles too that can take care of your heart rate. A healthy routine demands that you raise your heart rate up to 50 percent of the highest heart rate you are capable of achieving. This is for people who have just started out. Seasoned fitness enthusiasts need to push theirs up to 70 percent. This can be done either by running, jogging, brisk walking, aerobics, cycling, etc. this is where the exercise bike comes in. it can be used indoors at one's own convenience, and it performs all the functions that, say, jogging would. In addition, exercise bikes come with indicators now-a-days that help you monitor the heart rate you have achieved.

Upright or Recumbent

Exercise bikes have provision to choose your seating position, depending upon which area you want to work on. One position is the upright posture. This helps a great deal if you want to strengthen your knees, as it requires more effort from that region to push the pedals. Another position is the recumbent posture, which can be inclined to any degree that the rider wishes to. This is ideal for those who wish to exercise their abdomens and hips more.

Resistance Type

Another feature to look out for in an exercise bike is the kind of resistance it provided. The rider can choose the amount of resistance he desires based upon the mount of effort he would like to put in. resistance can be either magnetically, manually or electronically powered. Resistance is generally created by friction. In some bikes riders are required to rotate a fan in the opposite direction with the help of the pedals to feel the resistance.

Special Purpose

There are some bikes that also help you work out your arms and abdomens in addition to just the thigh muscles and the heart. An exercise bike is indeed a multi-purpose equipment.