Recumbent bikes allow you to pedal in a seated position for a stable and strain-free workout. They’re ideal for everyone, no matter their fitness level, disability or body weight. Here are the other recumbent exercise bike benefits you should know.
Allows Low-Impact Exercises
Running, jogging, jumping and hiking are excellent exercises.
However, they also put a lot of stress on your joints, particularly the ankles, knees and hips.
These high-impact moves can easily make you tired or more prone to injury.
They also prolong recovery time, which affects your workout routine and consistency.
One way to avoid all these is to try recumbent cycling.
This low-impact cardio exercise puts less strain on your joints as you’ll be in a reclined position.
The best part is a recumbent bike gives you good muscle strengthening and cardio workout without the soreness and pain.
Suits Beginners and the Elderly
One of the best recumbent exercise bike benefits is that anyone can use this fitness machine.
Unlike other fitness equipment, recumbent bikes are not complex.
People new to exercising or cycling will quickly feel at ease, too.
The lower seat and backrest of the recumbent bike are also perfect for seniors.
It gives their back ample support. Plus, it won’t be difficult for them to hop in and out of the bike.
The hands-free design of this machine also allows users to enjoy the ride while reading a book, watching videos or listening to music.
Accommodates People with Weight Issues or Injuries
A recumbent bike can help those recovering from an injury or combatting obesity get back on track.
One thing that’s common among these users is limited mobility.
But because of the low bike seat design, the recumbent type is ideal for their successful weight loss or rehabilitation.
The reclined positioning while using this indoor bike is also another factor. For instance, recumbent cycling keeps your core more relaxed.
As a result, you put considerably less strain on your hips and back, which is ideal for people with back pain or injuries.
The recumbent bike position also lessens the load on your legs, making it best for knee rehab or physical therapy.
In a 2004 study, the researchers even noted that recumbent biking helps patients recover from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
Also, compared with upright bicycles, your knees and hips do not flex as much on a recumbent bike.
That means users with arthritis or sciatica can use this exercise equipment without hurting their sensitive joints.
Ensures Comfortable Workouts
A recumbent bike is highly customisable. Depending on the model, you can adjust its seat angle or move it closer to the console.
Some also have adjustable pedals to achieve your preferred leg extension level.
Aside from the lower seat height, the bike chair is wide and well-cushioned, too.
This bike is for comfortable workouts. And because of this, users are more likely to work out regularly, even for extended periods.
In turn, they gain plenty of recumbent exercise bike benefits.
Strengthens Lower-Body Muscles
People think recumbent bikes are not for muscle building.
It’s partly true because recumbent cycling is too low-impact for this fitness goal.
Moreover, sitting down throughout the cardio session means you won’t be targeting other muscle groups.
However, regularly riding the recumbent bike can still strengthen the muscles of your upper and lower legs.
This exercise can also build up your muscular endurance, allowing you to perform tasks like playing sports, climbing the stairs and more.
Offers Balance and Stability
Balance improvement is one of the crucial recumbent exercise bike benefits.
As the recumbent bike seat is closer to the ground, you don’t have to climb up or swing your leg to get on the machine.
Chances of falling or being off balance during exercise are also low, if not unlikely.
With regular recumbent cycling, you can strengthen your legs, improve your endurance and, eventually, address your balance issues.
Boosts Cardio Fitness
Cardiac rehabilitation is probably the most vital recumbent exercise bike benefit.
After all, recumbent cycling is a form of aerobic exercise. And making it a part of your fitness routine can significantly improve your heart and lung function.
Also, remember that recumbent bikes cater to all ages and fitness levels.
That means you can start your cycling habit early in life and lower your cardiovascular risk during your senior years.
However, recumbent biking still benefits those with pre-existing cardiac limitations.
Researchers of a 2017 study attributed this to the recumbent position, which puts less strain on the cardio system.
Previous research also concluded that atrial fibrillation patients achieve safe and efficient cardiac rehabilitation through recumbent exercise.
Conclusion
People often associate recumbent bikes with rehabilitation and therapy. However, we now see that these bikes are for everyone.
This bike type can help beginners gain confidence in working out.
It’s ideal for strengthening your lower-body muscles and cardio health. It keeps the seniors physically fit and helps the injured recover faster.
And as it ensures comfortable workouts, a recumbent bike might be your key to consistent exercising and a more active lifestyle.
Ready to start gaining those recumbent exercise bike benefits? Check out my reviews and buying guide to know more.
Related Questions
1. How is a recumbent bike different from an upright exercise bike?
Recumbent bikes let you cycle in a reclined position, whereas upright bicycles encourage you to sit straight while pedalling. The recumbent type also offers a lower-intensity workout, making it ideal for seniors and people with joint issues. But if your fitness goal is to lose weight or build muscles, riding an upright bike is a better choice.
2. Is riding a recumbent bike better than walking?
Walking and riding a recumbent bike are good exercises for meeting your daily moderate activity needs. However, they have distinct characteristics. For instance, walking is best if you want better bone health without buying a cardio machine. On the other hand, recumbent cycling is perfect if you prefer to burn calories while staying indoors. Ultimately, the choice depends on your workout goals and preferences.
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