Everybody should have an exercise routine, but sometimes it is not possible in our busy lives; we can take help from the gym but maintaining the gym also gives you a headache. We can use the workout equipment in our home; in that case, one of the efficient equipment is a recumbent exercise bike. Many people like seating positions when they workout. Recumbent exercise bike, which is popular exercise equipment for the seated workout.
Top Recumbent Exercise Bike
What is a Recumbent Exercise Bike?
Recumbent exercise is not like stationary bikes. It can reduce your upper body fatigue and focus lower body. You will get an excellent workout by the comfortable seat and proper back support. Usually, those are commonly used in the home, gym and fitness clubs to warm up your body. It allows to sit for a long time and encourage for a longer workout. It takes the weight off your body with full back support. You can get a recumbent exercise bike online. You will get from the near outlet but it will be hard to carry.
How Do Recumbent Bikes Work?
Recumbent bikes are unlike regular exercise bikes because of the human body-friendly design which supports your body parts and muscles absorbing all the pressures of your back and lumbar spine. You will seat and lean into the backrest and the pedals are in front of your body, not under your hip like other regular upright exercise bikes. There are armrests as well and all these features are for a person having back pain or neurological issues. So when you seat and lean back, the pressures of your spines already absorbed by the backrest and the lumbar spine are secured.
Now since in a recumbent bike, the pedals are in front of the body so it minimizes the bending of the knee and reduces the pain. You will slightly extend the knees and ride the pedals gently pressure on your ankles. There is no handle in the recumbent bike so that you don’t have to lean forward. The bottom line is if you are riding a bicycle, then the recumbent bike is nothing but easier for you. Just relax on the seat, keep your eyes closed and focus on pedaling.
Why Choose Indoor Cycling?
Cycling is one of the best exercises having wide ranges of benefits like body strengthening, fat burning, stress-relieving and many others. Some people usually choose to do it outdoor like on the road or on a mountain; on the other hands, some people rather choose indoor cycling and it’s the common and secured way of daily exercise. People have to keep in mind some issues while outdoor cycling such as-
- Stress level
- Road Safety
- The Unpredictable Weather (heat, cold and rain)
- The Road Riding Rules
- The Traffics And Your Busy Routine
‘Comfort’ is one thing that every person looks for. In that case, indoor cycling is the solution to all these troubles that are not in your hands. During indoor cycling, you can customize the exercise mood, the time, the features everything you want on your own. You can easily fit yourself with instruments like a recumbent exercise bike.
Recumbent Bike Benefits
There are some potential benefits of recumbent bike that’s why they are so popular. We will find out some benefits in the following.
- Makes you comfortable: Usually, we do not feel comfortable during exercise, sometimes we feel pain and give less time on a workout. A recumbent bike takes all your physical pains and you will get an adjustable seat position that will help you for a great workout and allows you to take more challenges.
- For better cardiovascular workout: High-intensity workout can improve cardio shape. A recumbent bike can be an excellent choice for cardiovascular routine.
- Supports Lumbar Spine: Riders feel more comfortable with the perfect backrest of a recumbent bike. The chair-like backrest helps the rider to reduce pressure on the lower back (lumbar spine). Strider who faces limited mobility or lower back pain should exercise with a recumbent bike.
- User-friendly & Less Spacious: The user manual is so simple that you can easily adjust the seating position moving it backward or forward to adjust with your body shape. It needs less space relatively so you can set it up at any position you want.
- Larger seat: Upright bike have smaller seat on the other hand recumbent bike is the most comfortable with the larger seat.
- Burn more calories: You can achieve your fitness goal with a recumbent bike. Since the exercise is less intense comparatively you will intend to give more time that will help you to lose much weight.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike
Today we will reveal some great best recumbent bikes brand names among so many models that are helpful for everybody who loves workout, especially those who are new with exercise. Keep reading to know about those recumbent bikes.
1. Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series
If you are looking for a good recumbent bike then Schwinn Recumbent Bike is one of them. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity, syncs with the Schwinn Trainer App and other apps for fitness tracking. It features with free downloadable RideSocial App and sees the world as you virtually ride alongside friends in real-time.
Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series includes 29 programs: 12 profile, 9 heart rate control, 4 custom, 2 fitness test, 1 quick start. It will encourage you with 25 levels of resistance for a wide range of workout intensity options. You will enjoy the three-speed fan, High speed, high inertia drive system with a perimeter weighted flywheel for easy start-up and smooth, consistent workouts.
It is Fully-loaded console with DualTrack blue backlit LCD screens offers 29 workout programs and visibility to workout metrics, even when the media tray is in use. Schwinn is the name of high-quality exercise equipment.
- Bluetooth connectivity with the Schwinn Trainer App
- Fitness tracking in real time
- 29 programs: 12 profile, 9 heart rate control, 4 custom, 2 fitness test, 1 quick start;
- 25 levels of resistance for a wide range of workout
- Three speed fan
- DualTrack LCD displays
- Speaker with MP3
- Box is too heavy; it makes problem to assemble due to weight.
- Plastic seat and back you can feel slightly uncomfortable
2. 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike
The 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike features an incredibly comfortable, adjustable seat and backrest which will conform to your body shape and size. Extremely well built and with a small compact overall length of 49”, the Elite RB Recumbent Bike will fit into spaces other bikes won’t.
Easy roll transport wheels and a smaller, easy to see over the upper console will make working out a breeze! With a user weight capacity of 350 lbs. and a 7-year parts warranty, the Elite RB Bike will feel like you brought the health club home.
Elite RB comes with an Infinite Airflow Mesh Flex adjustable backrest reclining feature. Easily adjust this seat back to a comfortable position during your workout.
- 7-year parts warranty
- Adjustable back rest reclining feature
- Simple and effective console
- Ergonomic Pedals & Frame
- Easy Handle Controls
- User weight capacity of 350 lbs.
- The wire is very flimsy.
- Wrist strap is uncomfortable
3. Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series
The Nautilus R614 Recumbent Bike features a DualTrack multi-display LCD console with goal tracking functionality enabling the set and track exercise goals, users can set individual exercise goals. It includes 22 programs: 9 profile, 8 heart rate control, 2 custom, 2 fitness test and 1 quick start.
DualTrack LCD displays featuring 22 workout programs. It has 20 levels of resistance for a wide range of workout intensity options. The High speed, high inertia drive system with a perimeter weighted flywheel for easy start-up and smooth, consistent workouts.
Vented seat back for a cool, comfortable ride. Sliding seat rail system for easy adjustment and solid locking, in-console speakers with an MP3 input port. It also includes a Media tray, a USB charging port, and an adjustable fan.
- It has 20 levels of resistance
- DualTrack LCD displays featuring 22 workout programs
- Media tray, USB charging port and adjustable fan
- 22 programs: 9 profile, 8 heart rate control, 2 custom, 2 fitness test and 1 quick start
- High speed; high inertia drive system
- Easy adjustment and solid locking.
- The backrest is not adjustable
- Only for lighter weight person
4. Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series-230
Schwinn 230 puts a higher level of fitness well within your reach with dozens of workout programs, easy to read displays and intuitive goal tracking. It allows you to set individual exercise goals like time, distance and calories.DualTrack LCD screen displays 22 preset exercise programs offering increased visibility to programs.
It includes 20 levels of resistance for a wide range of workout intensity options. The high inertia drive system for easy start-up and smooth quiet workouts. You can listen to your favorite playlist with MP3 input and Adjustable three-speed fan. It can carry maximum User Weight 136 Kilogram.
There are 22 preset workout programs: 9 profile, 8 heart rate control, 2 fitness tests, 1 quick start. Charging USB port to keep phones, tablets or music players at full battery life. Seat rail slider system with easy-adjust lever customizes the fit for each user.
- 2 user profiles for multiple user set up
- MP3 input to listen song
- Adjustable three speed fan
- DualTrack 2 LCD screen displays
- 22 preset workout programs: 9 profile, 8 heart rate control, 2 fitness test, 1 quick start
- Charging USB port
- Less comfortable for Plastic seat and back
- There is a small shelf blocks the main display
5. XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike
The XTERRA SB2.5r walk-thru recumbent bike is ideal for all users looking to lose weight, tone up or stays in shape. It’s easy to get in and out, and the densely padded molded foam seat will give you comfort and support. The reliable poly v-belt along with the 22lb flywheel system is smooth and quiet and with 24 resistance levels, you can challenge yourself as you reach your fitness goals.
A large, easy to read dual-color backlit LCD display also incorporates speakers for your MP3 player. The 5” x 2.5” blue and yellow backlit LCD is easy to read with all your important information. It includes Motivating programs include 12 preset, 1 body fat, 1 watt, 4 custom, 4 heart rate, 1 THR, and manual. You can monitor your heart rate at any time with the convenient seat handlebar-mounted pulse grips.
The Heavy flywheel, belt drive system, and friction-free magnetic resistance provide smooth, quiet, and maintenance-free operation. 24 resistance levels challenge users of all fitness levels.
- 24 programs including 12 pre-set, 4 heart rate, 1 target hear rate, 1 body fat, 1 watt, 4 user-defined
- Large 5″ x 2.5″ dual color backlit LCD display
- Audio Jack and speakers for MP3 player
- 24 levels of electronic resistance
- 22lb heavy duty flywheel
- The control panel button press beep is louder
- The seat is very stiff
6. Diamondback Fitness 910SR Seat Recumbent with Electronic Display and Quiet Magnetic Flywheel
The Diamondback Fitness 910sr recumbent bike is designed to fit you perfectly, it has everything that you are looking for. It starts with the built-in fitness test to determine what level you should begin your training. The bike is made of standard solid steel magnetic flywheel and steel-crafted components for a sturdy.
It offers 35 workout programs including target heart rate and 32 levels of gradual resistance. You will get real-time feedback with Brilliant blue LCD electronic display. You will also like QuickSet program keys and scrolling message center. It will give your body total comfort with Sculptured, adjustable seat base and back, adjustable console and armrest. It is very user friendly with a smooth and quiet frictionless eddy current braking system.
Diamondback Fitness 910sr recumbent bike has some premium features such as an integrated speaker system with mp3 connectivity, foldout tablet rack, adjustable cooling fan, water bottle holder.
- 35 workout programs including target heart rate
- 32 levels of gradual resistance
- LCD electronic display with real-time feedback
- Speaker system with mp3 connectivity
- Foldout tablet rack
- Adjustable cooling fan
- Water bottle holder
- It is helpful only for tall people
- The seat is not comfortable
7. Exerpeutic 4000 Magnetic Recumbent Bike
The Exerpeutic 4000 Magnetic Recumbent Bike with 12 Workout Programs can handle up to an extended 325 lb. It also includes our revolutionary ‘Air Soft’ seat which is over-sized and a generous 3 inch thick, with aerodynamic air flow that will make working out seem timeless. The Smartphones and tablets holder will allow you to watch a movie, read a book, and check your email on your device while exercising in the comforts of your own home.
‘Open Step In’ design providing very easy on and off capability. The precision-balanced flywheel and V Belt drive provide a quiet and smooth pedaling motion. The molded mesh and contoured designed backrest will help reduce any back stress and provide real comfort when working out.
A 12 Workout Programmable Computer with time, distance, RPM, Watts, Heart Rate Control and 4 individual settings. The 24 level Magnetic Tension system is adjusted by the user via the computer console.
- The 24 level Magnetic Tension system
- Extended Weight Capacity up to 325lbs.
- Air Soft’ seat which is over-sized and a generous 3 inch thick
- Arm Support With Elbow Rest Pads
- Comfortable Mesh Backrest
- A 12 workout programmable computer
- It’s difficult to setup & adjust
- Warranty only for 90 days
- No resistance
8. Progear 555LXT Magnetic Tension Recumbent Bike
The PROGEAR 555LXT Recumbent Bike allows you to program your Workout Goals, whether it is elapsed time, distance or calories burned targets, to achieve the workout you want. The infinite slider seat rail adjustments are smooth and easy and the bike is uniquely compact for tight spaces but delivers a great workout.
There is a Widescreen Computer LCD display that provides large numbers for easy viewing. ‘Step Thru’ Design allows easy on and off the bike. 250 pounds of weight capacity. Durable and stable steel frame construction. 14 levels of smooth Magnetic Tension resistance. Fully lab tested for durability, performance, and endurance.
Extended cushioned seat size for all users. Soft grip recumbent handlebars for pushing through intense workouts.Transportation wheels for easy relocation of the recumbent bike. Quiet Drive’s belt system allows noiseless and uninterrupted workout sessions.
- Wide screen Computer LCD display
- “Step Thru” Design allows easy on and off
- 14 levels of smooth Magnetic Tension resistance
- 3 Computer goal workout settings
- Extended cushioned seat size for all
- Infinite Slider Seat Adjustments
- Handlebars are pretty small
- Bit hard to peddle
9. Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike
The Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike is the solution for those who need performance, convenience, and namely, a total body workout. The bike features an upper body and lower body pedals that can be used either on their own or simultaneously.
It features with eight levels of quiet, magnetic resistance, you can get the intense, fat-burning workout you desire without waking up the entire house. There is a multifunction monitor that can track your progress is easy with the fitness monitor, which tracks speed, distance, calories burned, and your heart rate.
Total Body Recumbent also includes upper pedals for the hands, making it easier to work your back, shoulders, arms, and chest muscles. Padded Seat and Seatback helps to make your longer sessions more comfortable, the exercise bike is outfitted with a padded seat and seatback.
- Adjustable Magnetic Resistance
- Multi-functional digital Monitor
- Pulse Sensors
- Upper Hand Pedals
- Textured Pedals with Straps
- Sturdy steel construction
- Handles are bit noisy
- The tension button only goes up to Level 8
- The seat has a tendency to get loose
10. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
You can achieve a full-body workout and burn more calories with Cross Training Magnetic Recumbent Bike. The moveable handle bars transform this recumbent bike into the ultimate low impact home fitness machine. Handlebars move back and forth while pedaling involving, the arms, back, and shoulders, this will increase the amount of effort during the entire movement resulting in increased calorie expenditure.
The heart rate monitor- which quickly tells you how fast your heart is beating. The convenient scan mode displays your progress to assist you in tracking all your fitness goals. There are 8-Level Adjustable Resistance, with a simple adjustment, you can increase or decrease resistance.
The convenient step-through design on the Sunny Health and Fitness makes getting on your recumbent bike easy and safe. You can monitor and maintain your target heart rate. Measuring your pulse rate is an important tool for exercising correctly and efficiently. Extra padding and cushion to ensure proper blood flow in the glutes for prolonged and vigorous workouts.
- Digital Monitor screen
- 8-Level Adjustable Resistance
- The convenient step through design
- Pulse Sensor
- Extra padding and cushion
- Transportation wheel
- Arms are a slight bit high and aren’t adjustable
- Seat is little uncomfortable
11. EXERPEUTIC 300SR Heavy Duty 300 LBS Weight Capacity Foldable Recumbent Bike
The Exerpeutic 400XL recumbent bike, which folds up for easy storage and fits inside a closet, corner, or other compact space. It’s the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of a recumbent workout without dedicating an entire room to your exercise equipment.
It is also designed to support up to a weight capacity of 300 pounds. Features like 8 levels Magnetic Tension control system, the high torque 3 piece torque crank system, heart pulse, and a ‘double drive’ transmission system are all included for a very affordable price.
3 piece ‘high torque’ cranking system provides a smooth and consistent pedaling motion. An easy to read large LCD display that indicates distance, calories burned, time, speed, scan, and pulse. An 8 level Magnetic Tension control system allows the user to adjust the tension level. Large seat cushion and backrest for users of any size. It is High-Quality Products at Value-Oriented Prices.
- Foldable recumbent exercise bike
- Precision-balanced flywheel
- 8-level adjustable magnetic tension control system
- Easy-to-read LCD display tracks
- Large seat cushion and backrest
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Only German instruction
- Tricky Assembly
12. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
If you are looking for an easy way to shed unwanted pounds and increase cardiovascular endurance without sacrificing precious floor space than you can choose ME-709 magnetic recumbent exercise bike. It is Featuring heavy-duty construction 14-gauge steel tubing with a powder-coated finish, the step-through design allows maximum mobility during training for quick mounting and dismounting that is created easier for the knees and back.
This bike uses a magnetic resistance mechanism with 8 levels of resistance. The tension knobs control the difficulty to simulate riding on different terrains and customize your workout according to fitness level. The ultra-functional LCD computer screen acts as an odometer and has a sharp panel display that shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned in extra-large numbers for great readability.
The equipment has an ergonomically designed saddle furnished with comfortable high-density foam. It features contoured foam-covered handles for extra support of the back and arms to help maintain proper form when exercising.
- Adjustable Seat
- LCD Computer Display
- Adjustable Resistance
- Recumbent Handlebars
- Pedals with Safety Straps
- Transport Wheels
- Only 8 resistance; not perfect for expert level
- If you are dealing with a bad knee it can be quite painful
Key Consideration Before Buying a Recumbent Exercise Bike
You need to find some consideration before buying the best recumbent exercise bike otherwise it makes you frustrated either any defective product you get. There are some points you need to consider:
Design
If you want low impact exercise bike you will definitely need to concentrate on the design which makes the Recumbent bike unique and special. The comfortable backrest, armrest, the in-front pedal everything is specially designed to reduce the risk of fracture, and pain occurred usually while exercising. So you should concentrate on design for risk-free exercise.
Adjustable Seat Position
The most important mechanical benefit of a recumbent exercise bike is its adjustable sitting position. If you want comfort when riding exercise bike you need to confirm the perfect position of the seat such as height and distance. Here in the recumbent bike, you have to be confirmed yourself whether the height of the seat is adjustable according to your body shape.
Flywheels
Flywheels are the key mechanical parts of the resistance. Since resistance level is important during exercise flywheels are the options to consider as an important tool. Flywheels create the pedal harder or easier to ride, so you will consider your strength and fix the level of adjusting the flywheels.
Data Tracking
The bike features a display with helpful information that is useful to track your fitness condition. It encourages you to give more concentration when you know the time, calories and distances you have done. You will be updated on your progression.
Speakers and Fans
Some Recumbent bike features fan which is really helpful to stay cool and the speaker allows listening to your favorite list so that you can enjoy the session with relaxing.
Resistance Adjustment and Pre-Programmed Workouts
The modern bikes are special because of features like digital display where you can control and customize the manuals according to your strength. From the features, you can choose the resistance level considering your ability. Keeping the resistance level at a high or low rate, either your muscle will get stronger or your heart rate will get higher. Since these features are available in recumbent exercise bikes, you should keep this in mind while going for buying one for you.
Console
As modern equipment, the most recumbent bike has a console panel with LCD displays. Some have dual track LCD screens for easy view. There are programs and features which can control the mechanical body such as distance, height etc. You have to look for options like time, pedal speed, rpm, pulse, odometer, calories and presets programs when you go to buy. Some bikes also avail of mp3 input and USB charging port. So all these features available in a recumbent bike is perfect and you can choose for you.
Weight Capacity
Recumbent exercise bike usually should have weight-capacity ranges from 250 lbs. to 350 lbs. considering the average human weight. If you are planning to buy for personal use then consider your bodyweight. On the other hands, you have to choose the much-weighted bike for multi-users. Around 350 lbs. weight capacity bikes are for several users or heavy-duty exercise.
Warranty
A solid warranty gives you the confidence to buy the product and it is necessary to save your money if it doesn’t work properly. Sellers warrants for the body parts for several years. So you should check the body parts and their warranty time. Carefully read their maintenance and replacement support rules of the seller.
Price
The price of recumbent bikes in the market varies according to features and intense uses. More features cost a higher price. On the other hand, if you want a heavy-duty exercise bike you will have to spend more money. The heavy-duty recumbent bike will cost around 450- 950 USD and fewer features will cost around 200 USD.
Other Considerations
Wear Proper Shoes
You should wear proper shoes for exercise. It helps you to keep safe your ankles and move fast. Choose any type of running shoes to move gear fast.
Workout Clothing
You should not wear any loose clothes while cycling. There are many sports costumes designed especially for workout considering the intense use, body temperature, etc.
Recumbent Bike Maintenance
Though it is easy to maintain you have to do the check regularly once or twice a month. The revolving parts need to be oiled and dust around the fan needs to be cleaned properly.
Frequently Asked Questions on Recumbent Exercise Bike
Can you get a good workout on a recumbent bike?
The recumbent bike is one of the best exercise tools for a workout. For beginners, it is really cool since it’s a low impact stationary bike. It relieves joint pain putting less stress on your knees and lumbar spines. The more you work out the more you will get fitness benefits still having comforts.
How long should I exercise on a recumbent bike?
It depends on how you want to get benefitted. For a cardiovascular workout, you should spend as long as 30 minutes around but for weight loss, you will have to double the workout duration and it could be 5 times in a week. So for more benefits like weight loss give more time on a workout.
What muscles does a recumbent bike work?
Recumbent bikes can be called total body trainer. It increases the muscular endurance of the legs especially the quadriceps, calf muscles, hamstrings and this helps to strengthen tendons and ligaments.
Is a recumbent bike as good as walking?
Walking or recumbent exercise both are low impact exercise. Walking makes much stress on the lower part of the body while recumbent exercise keeps your joint and lumbar spine safe putting less stress. Both the exercise are perfect for lower body exercise but in terms of comfort and safety, you must have to choose recumbent exercise.
Does recumbent bike burn belly fat?
Best Recumbent bike is for a slow and steady workout but will improve your fitness burning belly fat once and make it stable. It will improve your fitness without hurting or any injuries. Daily workout for around 60 minutes will burn calories.
Can you lose weight on a recumbent exercise bike?
One of the outputs of exercising a recumbent bike is weight loss. In that case, it will require intense workout since the recumbent bike is a low impact exercise toll to reduce stress on the user. It absorbs the pains and stress of your body giving comfort while workout. So you will have to give a lot of time to lose weight.
What does a recumbent bike do for your body?
The feature of riding a recumbent bike is to improve your fitness but in a comfortable way. It will burn your calories, provide you a cardiovascular workout, relax your joints and back pain, and improve your metabolism. If you are a beginner or have issues with back pain or cardiovascular, you can trust this bike.
Are recumbent bikes good for knees?
Since the pedals of the recumbent bike are in front of the body so it requires less bending of the knees. You will have to put less stress on your knees and it keeps your knee joints safe.
Can You Use a Recumbent Bike to Rehab from an Injury?
Best Recumbent bike is useful for people going through rehabilitation from injuries. Because the backrest, armrest, and less bending of knees reduce the pressure of movements. If you have limited mobility, back pain or joint pain you should exercise with this. Because it will accommodate you with much comfort and less stress. Cardio patients should also use a recumbent bike.
How Does a Recumbent Bike Compare to Walking?
The main resemblance of walking and recumbent bike exercise is that both are low impact. Walking causes stress on lower body joints but the benefit of recumbent exercise is the position keeps the joints stress free. So recumbent exercise burns rather many calories same time keeps your joints and spine safe.
How much weight can be lost riding a recumbent exercise bike?
Since recumbent exercise is low impact, losing weight depends on how intensely and how often you work out. If you work out for one hour on every day of the week you will burn 1 pound around in a week. So much workout will burn many calories.
Closing Thoughts
Finally, a recumbent bike is perfect for those who are worried about stress, design, workout output, physical limitation or age. Its designed to give you both comfort and active workout. It doesn’t matter whether if you are a beginner or recovering from injuries or older or having joint pain or back pain; because best recumbent bikes are designed to give you comfortable low impact exercise giving your body less stress or putting less pressure on joints. It ensures you to burn your calories and makes your lower body muscle stronger.
So, to recommend honestly, we have tried to focus on the best recumbent exercise bike, people who have issues with back pain or mobility problems, outdoor cycling or walking, might plan to buy a recumbent bike as easy to use, hassle, free maintenance and having many features and presets.
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