According to a study in 2010, indoor cycling for 45 minutes per day for 12 weeks along with a certain amount of calorie intake helps to reduce fat and weight. Though Recumbent bikes are not hard to ride, so you can use them while reading a newspaper or enjoying your favorite TV show. Also, these bikes have proven to be great at lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels as well.
Anyway, recumbent bikes usually refer to two types of bikes.
- First of all, these are indoor exercise bikes that help people of all ages stay fit and build muscle.
- Others are special bicycles designed for seniors to ride on the road.
In this article, I will present some important information about the recumbent bikes used for indoor exercise. To know more about these bikes, please keep reading till the end.
Who Should Use a Recumbent Bike?
Recumbent bikes are generally suitable for people of all ages and types. Even experts recommend these bikes for some specific groups of people. Below, Iโll explain this matter in detail.
๐ People With Back Pain
Cycling can be pretty difficult or inconvenient for people with back pain. Not just cycling, any other exercise is often difficult for them. But the comfortable seats on the recumbent bikes allow them to continue exercising.
๐ People With Joints Pain
People who are suffering from joint pain cannot put much weight on their feet. Thatโs why riding a normal bike is more likely to increase their leg pain. But a recumbent bike has the opportunity to set different resistances. Therefore, they can use recumbent bikes with no problem by setting a tolerable level of resistance.
๐ Who Want To Keep Fit Themselves
We need to exercise regularly to keep our bodies fit. But sometimes, there is no opportunity for outdoor exercise due to weather circumstances. In this scenario, during those seasons a recumbent cycle/bicycle can help us continue our regular exercise and keep our bodies fit.
๐ People With Neurological Conditions
People with neurological problems cannot maintain their body balance properly. So it is almost impossible for them to ride a bike outdoors. But they donโt have to worry about using a recumbent bike indoors.
๐ Who Want To Lose Weight
Although cycling alone is not enough to lose weight, recumbent bikes can help you lose weight. Using a recumbent bike by setting a harder resistance level will help you lose excess weight quickly.
๐ Elderly People
Elderly people also have poor body balance and outdoor activities like bike riding can be dangerous for them. But a recumbent bike can help them the most to stay fit.
๐ Who Want To Build Muscle
Recumbent bikes work on different muscle groups in the body. Therefore, regular use of these plays a very effective role in the formation of various muscles of the body, especially the muscles of the lower body.
When Can You Ride A Recumbent Bike?
Now you should understand that any enthusiast can cycle recumbent bikes at any time at their convenience. That means, there is no set time to use it, but you can use a recumbent bike whenever you have time.
For being an indoor tool, no season can be blocked in the way of using recumbent bikes. This means you can use recumbent bikes equally in all seasons, including winter, snowy, summer, or rainy days.
Are Recumbent Bikes Hard To Ride?
No, recombinant bikes are very easy to ride. These bikes have comfortable wide seats, which are also quite safe.
Furthermore, a person who cannot maintain proper body balance can also use a recumbent bike safely. Because the seats on these bikes are especially convenient for those who suffer from back pain.
Also, people with joint pain can use the bikes for a long time by setting low resistance.
Drawbacks Of Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes have many advantages as well as some disadvantages. Below I am describing those facts.
๐ At Times, It May Seem Boring
Recumbent bikes, like any indoor tool, can seem boring to you at times. And, you may find it annoying to use them for a long time in an indoor environment.
๐ Expensive
A recumbent bike requires many materials and technologies to make a standard recumbent bike. That is why their prices are much higher.
๐ It May Require More Space To Set Up
Setting up a recumbent bike demands more space than a typical upright bike. So if you want to set up in the house and there is less space, you may get it difficult.
๐ Less Effective In The Upper Body
Although recombinant bikes are very effective for toning the muscles of the lower body, they are not as effective for the muscles of the upper body.
๐ Not Effective Like Resistant Training
Usually, people follow different resistance training to build muscle. Although recumbent bikes play a role in muscle building, they are not as effective as resistance training.
๐ Burns Fewer Calories
Recumbent bikes can burn much fewer calories, especially if they are used with low resistance.
Why Are Recumbent Bikes Not Popular?
The biggest reason recumbent bikes are not popular is because of their price. To purchase a standard recumbent bike, you have to spend around $1000 to $2000, which is an enormous investment.
Moreover, they require a little more space to install, so it is harder to install in many homes.
And, these bikes are not as effective as other resistance training for calorie burning and muscle building, which also makes them less popular.
Final Words
The benefits of recumbent bikes are that they are not hard to ride and suitable for all-ages people.
You May Like:ย Are Recumbent Bikes Good For Seniors?
Yes, Recumbent bikes can be ideal for older people who cannot ride a bike or do other exercises while maintaining body balance.
And, when the weather is unfavorable at different times of the year, recumbent bikes can play a very effective role in keeping the body fit for cyclists or other people too.
