These days, many people work in sedentary jobs that require little movement. On top of that, quick snacks during lunch breaks often lead to health issues and, of course, excess weight.
Each of us knows that exercise solves many problems. It not only protects you from various diseases or obesity but also helps you achieve a stronger and more attractive physique.
But what if you have the motivation and willpower, yet work or family responsibilities don’t allow you to find the time to go to the gym and train regularly? Then work out at home – push-ups, sit-ups, and other basic exercises. Still, the foundation of fitness lies in cardio exercises, which can become the core of your workout.
One of the most effective and time-efficient cardio workout tools is the exercise bike.
EXERCISE BIKE VS. BICYCLE – ARE THEY REALLY COMPARABLE?
You may often hear that an exercise bike does not provide as many benefits as a regular bicycle and is nothing more than a poor imitation for the lazy. This negative opinion exists because people tend to value only what they see as “authentic.”
For example, the movie Titanic is a classic, and its actors are known worldwide. If the film were to be remade by another producer, its success would be almost impossible to replicate. In our case, the saying “don’t reinvent the wheel” perfectly illustrates the attitude of those who look at exercise bikes with skepticism.
So, what is the truth? Can an exercise bike really not compare to a regular bicycle?
Riding a bicycle is much more enjoyable when you feel the breeze, breathe fresh air, and the workout feels like fun. However, exercise bikes, just like regular bicycles, train the same muscle groups:
- Upper legs
- Lower legs (calves)
- Back and abdominal muscles
- Upper body
When pedaling, the leg muscles are fully engaged, and because you perform a leg flexing motion, both the main and side abdominal muscles are effectively worked. In addition, the upper body – including the arms, shoulders, and back – also comes into play, as pedaling involves slight side-to-side movement while holding onto the handlebars.
As mentioned earlier, it is often thought that exercise bikes are bought by those who are too lazy to ride a real bicycle. However, with an exercise bike, you can pedal in winter or summer, in the rain, or even if you live in the middle of the city in an apartment building. In other words, such equipment only gives you more opportunities to stay active!
HOW TO CHOOSE AN EXERCISE BIKE?
All exercise bikes may look similar on the outside, but they come with a wide range of different features and functions.
An exercise bike is a long-term investment, so choose the features that suit your needs. To help you decide what is most important, we’ve highlighted a few key points to consider when choosing such equipment:
- Don’t forget what matters most – don’t get too focused on technology like a large monitor or multiple sensors. Start with the seat – it should be comfortable and adjustable. And if, after longer use, the seat turns out to be uncomfortable, you can always replace it with another one.
- The pedals should also have straps to secure your feet and prevent them from slipping while pedaling.
- Before choosing additional features, think carefully – you’ll save money if you focus only on what you really need. Modern exercise bikes come with many innovative functions, which are often less useful than they are marketed to be in order to attract buyers.
- Supported weight – every exercise bike has a specified weight limit, so make sure to consider it, as exceeding the limit may damage the equipment or make workouts unstable.
- Noise – if you are not buying online, test the exercise bike to see whether the sound it makes causes any discomfort, as all bikes operate differently.
IS IT WORTH BUYING?
An exercise bike is an excellent option for staying active when you don’t have the opportunity to ride a real bicycle or go to the gym.
Such equipment will serve you for many years and bring great well-being, making it an investment in your health. An exercise bike is like buying health itself – a purchase truly worth your money.
