Exercise Bike

One of the most popular fitness equipments is the Exercise Bike which can be seen in gyms, clubs and even homes. The Exercise Bike is also known as a stationary bicycle. This cycle is equipped with a saddle, pedals, and handlebars without wheels.

The Exercise Bike also features an ergometer which gives the measurement of workout by the exerciser. Hence it is also known as bicycle ergometer, cycloergometer or cycle ergometer.

One can also convert an ordinary bicycle into a stationary bicycle by putting it on a trainer or bicycle rollers. Before racing or training, racing cyclists often use rollers and trainers to warm up.

Types of Exercise Bikes

Various new types of Exercise Bikes are available in the market nowadays. There are exercise bicycles in recumbent positions and upright bicycles on sale. Cycling enthusiasts can even buy indoor cycling bikes for cycling classes. Most of these bikes feature a resistance mechanism in the pedals which can be used to increase the exercise intensity. The mechanisms for resistance include fans, friction mechanisms and magnets.

There are also models where cyclists can pedal backwards for exercising their antagonist muscles. These muscles are not exercised in forward pedaling. Mini exercise bikes feature resistance parts and pedal only without handlebars and saddles. These are used for exercising and not for bicycle riding training.

The bikes require less space and are also cheaper. It can be installed on the floor and pedaled by sitting on a chair. One can try out different forms of exercise by turning the pedals by hand also.

Uses of Exercise Bikes

The cycles are used not only for exercises and general fitness but also for cycle event training. These bikes have been known for its low-impact, safe, effective cardiovascular exercise uses. While using the bike one has to put less stress on joints and doesn’t include sporadic motions. One advantage of using the bike is that one can gain weight loss while exercising on it. A person burns nearly the same calories while taking a one hour ride as running an hour at 7 miles per hour.

Some bikes are equipped with a video game console which shows a race being performed by the cyclist. Here one can find out one’s speed while pedaling on the stationary bike and try harder to compete in the virtual world.