Which gym bike is better

An upright bike forces you to hold yourself up and use a bigger range of muscles. Stationary bike seat size: One of the most enticing features of the recumbent bike is the larger seat. The upright bike typically has a smaller seat that can be uncomfortable, especially for beginners. Stationary bike safety: Recumbent bikes are generally safer because you are almost in a reclined position.

Muscles used while biking: On a recumbent bike, you are mainly using your quadriceps, hamstrings, tibialis anterior, calf muscles, and glutes.

With an upright bike, you are using those same muscles plus your abdominal and arm muscles to hold yourself upright. This means the upright bike is considered more of a total body workout than the recumbent bike. Size of stationary bike: Recumbent bikes tend to take up more space than upright bikes do. So take the space in your home gym into account when deciding which bike style is right for you. If you are training for a triathlon and the weather stinks…head for the upright instead.

At the end of the day what matters most is showing up for your health. That means finding a way to exercise…no matter what equipment you choose. Limit one per person. First time guests only. Must be local resident. No other discounts can be used with this offer. Must be 18 years old or 12 years old with a parent. Personal Training and Kids Club services available for an additional fee. Valid photo I. As I pointed out, upright exercise bikes have been popular for a long time, and there are even more reasons for you to like them now, as each new model issued comes equipped with new and advanced features which enhance your workout immensely.

One area where upright bikes have the edge over their recumbent counterparts is the price. They usually cost a lot less money, so if your budget is already spread thin, you still have the chance to have yourself a quality workout.

Also, upright bikes take up far less space, and can often be folded and put away easily for later use. As far as the workout itself concerned, I find upright bikes to be less restrictive and more versatile. When I ride an upright bike, I can use it in the same way I would use an actual bike. I can get off my seat and stand up, and pedal that way, which gives my legs a far more intensive exercise.

But, since I went down the road of comparing an upright bike with a regular outdoor bicycle, I have to say that their seats can be equally uncomfortable. I would not recommend this type of exercise bike to elderly people or people with chronic back pain or other lower back issues.

Recumbent exercise bikes, meanwhile, are designed so that users cycle in a more reclined rather than upright position — the word recumbent is defined as lying down or leaning back so you are almost lying down. You stretch your legs out in front of you to reach the pedals, as the crank is usually horizontally in line with the seat.

Recumbent bikes can provide a more leisurely workout with a lower impact on your lower body, and many users can read or watch TV while using the bike. If you're wondering how effective they are, we have a guide to how to get the most out of your exercise bike , which will help you exercise more efficiently. Both of these styles of exercise bike provide a low-impact form of fitness, as cycling does not put a strain on your hips, knees and ankles, especially when compared to higher-impact sports such as running.

Cycling works the gluteal muscles, rectus femoris, hamstrings and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the lower leg. In addition to this, upright cycling in particular works the abdominal muscles as you work to keep your body upright, and back muscles to maintain a stable posture while riding.