- The recumbent exercise bike is different from the standard upright bicycle because your legs are out in front of you and not underneath you. You get the comfort of a bucket seat, instead of one of the more uncomfortable saddle-type seats offered on an upright bicycle. Recumbent bikes are better for the elderly and people who are just starting to get into a workout routine. Some bikes have built-in screens so you can watch TV while you're exercising. Also, the extra back support makes it easier to read while exercising. The time flies by if you're exercising while reading a good book.
- The recumbent exercise bike provides excellent health and fitness benefits. You can burn up to a whopping 1,000 calories during a one-hour workout on the bike (see References section). A slower workout will burn more fat than if you were peddling as fast as you can. This type of workout concentrates more on the hips, while the upright bikes target the thighs.
Recumbent bikes provide an excellent cardio workout, and many bikes allow you to choose between flat, hilly, easy and difficult to get the most from your workout. Because your back will be comfortably supported, you can cut your workout time significantly by combining weight training with your riding. Use hand weights to build up your biceps and triceps while you peddle. By moving the seat of the bike higher, you can even work out the lower abs, cutting some of the time you spend doing crunches. Women can work out their major problem areas--the butt, thighs, hips and stomach. - The price of a recumbent exercise bike varies according to its features. You can pay as little as $200 for a standard recumbent bike or as much as $3,000 for one with all of the bells and whistles. Even the bikes in the lower price range can give you an excellent workout, so there is no need to empty your savings account in the name of fitness. Many department stores have recumbent bikes that you can try out to help you choose the one you like the most.
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