by Jackie Edwards
Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity in a week, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Today, exercise bikes have become a perfect option for people who want to get in shape from the comfort of their homes.
With one, you don’t have to halt your exercise routine due to adverse weather or getting late from work. They combine convenience, smooth performance and functionality to give you a great workout.
These machines come with a package of health benefits including better weight management, cardiovascular exercise, muscle strengthening and improved joint mobility. If you are looking for one, the guide below can help you get a good deal within your budget.
Know Your Needs
Before starting your search, you need to first ask yourself what level of fitness want to achieve. Whether you are looking for an athletic, rehabilitation or regular training stationary bike, the machine you pick should depend on how you plan to use it.
As every person has different goals, there is also a wide range of stationary bikes available that can suit your specific needs.
The space in your home should also be considered. Look for equipment that can fit within the available room without hindering your day to day tasks.
Set a Budget
When it comes to fitness, you don’t have to spend much to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This also applies to exercise bikes.
By checking out various options in the market, you can find a bike that is within your budget and gives you value for your money.
With around $200 you can get a new decent machine to help you meet your fitness needs. To drastically cut costs, you can opt for a refurbished or ex-demo model, and ensure all parts are fully functional before making the purchase.
Types of Bikes
Stationary bikes come in different forms, designs, and shapes. The most common types are the upright bikes where one rides in an upright position, spin cycles which have lower handlebars thus are ridden in a crouched body position, and the recumbent bikes which have their pedals in front of the rider and have a larger seat that has a backrest.
Recumbent bikes encourage better spinal posture, provide comfort and perfectly build leg strength. They are also ideal for people who are rehabilitating after an injury, individuals with back pain, seniors, and heavier users. Due to their comfort, they motivate us to workout more often.
Must-Have Features
Regardless of the exercise bike you want, you need to know if it has all the important properties. Resistance is the main criteria when picking a cycling machine. Go for a bike that has various resistant levels which you can easily switch in-between. Resistance can be manual or electronic.
The equipment should also have a basic computer that displays and monitor the cadence, time, distance, calories burned and heart rate.
Another optional feature you may need is a water bottle holder as it helps prevent disruption when you leave the machine to go and have a drink of water.
Ease of Use
Since you will be spending plenty of time on the bike, go for equipment that is easy to use and stable. This primarily relies on your body size and shape.
For a better experience, select a bike which you can adjust the seat and handlebar and reach the pedals without straining. An adjustable bike is beneficial as other members of the family can also utilize it.
Also, check the weight limit of the bike to ensure it can support you.
Consider If It’s Safe Enough
Safety is paramount when choosing a bike. If you have kids in your home, you will want to consider buying a bike that has enclosed mechanics. Parts like the chain and flywheel should be fully covered to prevent any injury risks.
The bike should also be easy to mount on and unmount, and its stabilizers should be suitable for your floor to avoid falling off.
As you will be using it on a daily basis, it has to be made of a tough and durable material that can withstand the harsh pressure.
Try Before You Buy
One of the surest ways to know that you are making the right decision is by first testing different stationary bikes that interest you. Some bikes may seem flawless in the product description but fail to live up to your expectations.
Testing it will help you get a clear picture of the actual experience and steer clear of poor products. Whether you want to make an online order or buy one in the shop, make sure you first try it out. You can visit a local spinning facility, a gym club or ask if you can test it in the supply store.
Whether you are a novice or an avid trainer, a stationary bike is an impressive machine that can extensively boost your fitness.
Acquiring one doesn’t have to be a financial headache for you. By knowing your needs, making comparisons, looking for discounts and inspecting the bike, you will easily find a cycling machine that has excellent features and within your budget.
(Now working as a writer, Jackie Edwards started her career as a life, health and fitness coach, but after becoming a mom refocused and decided to spend more time with her family. When she’s not writing, she volunteers for a number of local mental health charities and also has a menagerie of pets to look after.)
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