This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
There are two very good reasons to get an exercise bike for home. Exercise bikes provide a great home cardio workout and put much less strain on your joints than running on a treadmill.
If your joints are a concern, or you’re just getting started, a recumbent bike could be best. They suit beginners, seniors, or anyone who doesn’t want to put much pressure or weight on their knees and hips.
But where to start? Well, right here. We’ve got all the information you need to ride.
What is a recumbent bike?
An upright bike is what you’d typically think of when you picture a stationary bike. You ride it like a normal bicycle, with your body straight up and down. Think of a Peloton. A recumbent bike is an exercise bike that positions you in a reclined form while pedalling. Think of it sort of like a rowing machine, but your feet pedal instead of your arms pulling back a cord. And unlike a typical stationary bike, the pedals are in front of your body rather than underneath it. Because you are leaning back, a recumbent bike can feel a bit awkward before you master it.
What are the benefits of a recumbent bike?
A recumbent bike has a larger seat more like a chair, so you avoid that uncomfortable soreness you’d typically get from a bike seat. The reclined position of the seat is easier on the lower back. Plus, most recumbent bikes have seat backs for more support than you’d find in an upright bike. You won’t be hunched over handlebars like you would be on an upright exercise bike.
What features do recumbent bikes have?
It really comes down to design and resistance. Look at the design of the bike and think about how it’s going to work with your body. If you have a bad back, you’ll want a bike with a more supportive seat. While on the topic of seats: short people, make sure the seat will slide to a position where your feet can reach the pedals comfortably. An exercise bike is worthless if you can’t use it properly and safely.
The levels of resistance are also important. They will determine how tough your workout is, using magnetic friction that makes it harder to pedal. If you’re new to the world of stationary biking, you can probably stick with lower resistance, but if you’re a regular cycler, you’re going to want those extra levels of restraint to get the most out of your workout.
There are other features to know about too, such as preset workout programmes, app and music connectivity, and real-time stats that keep you informed of progress as you pedal. These features vary depending on the model.
What is the best recumbent bike?
Selecting the right bike for you can be tricky. We’ve tried to make your life a little easier by lining up a selection of the best models from top brands. There should be something for everyone and every budget in this list.
These are the best recumbent bikes to add to your home gym in 2023.
