Pedaling on an exercise bike helps strengthen the muscles in your back, legs, thighs, and hamstrings while burning calories. It’s also low impact, which means it doesn’t put as much stress on your joints as running does. Cycling is a great option for people who want to improve their cardiovascular health and get their heart pumping, but who may not be able to run or go to the gym at the same time.
Exercise bikes come in a variety of styles, including upright and recumbent bikes. An upright exercise bike looks the most like a traditional bicycle, with handlebars that you lean over and pedals located underneath your feet. Some models have caged pedals that work with most gym shoes and others have clip-ins that require special cycling shoes.
A recumbent exercise bike has a wide and comfortable seat with a back to support you while exercising. It’s generally considered the lowest-impact style of exercise bike and it can help reduce strain on your back and knees. It’s great for those with back problems or who are recovering from an injury.
Another consideration when choosing an exercise bike is its resistance mechanism, which determines how customizable your workout can be. Bikes with magnetic resistance tend to offer more customization options than those with friction-based systems. Other factors to consider include the bike’s overall size, whether it has a water bottle or tablet holder, and its functionality. For example, some bikes come with built-in virtual workout programs or the ability to sync your workouts with your favorite fitness apps.