An exercise bike is perhaps the most common and well-known sports equipment today. It can be found both in fitness clubs and in home mini-gyms. The popularity of this unit is due to the fact that it is not difficult to use, safe and comfortable. The exercise bike allows you to regulate the load as accurately as possible and is quite compact, and therefore does not require a specially equipped room for training. It is ideal for rapidly strengthening the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to help you lose weight and gain a great figure. If you are seriously thinking about how to choose an exercise bike, we will show you what to look for when buying.
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- Beltexercise bike - one of the simplest and most compact. The load in it is regulated in a rather primitive way: using a belt that covers the flywheel wheel. The uneven load often affects the joints, therefore, such a unit is not suitable for people with problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Belt Bike - Shoe (Inertial)The exercise bike is semi-professional because it is indispensable for training with high loads. Not everyone likes this device, as it provokes a strong noise effect during exercise.
Shoe (Inertia) Exercise Bike - The magneticexercise bike is one of the most popular types. A uniform load in it is created by magnets constantly moving towards the flywheel.
Magnetic exercise bike - An improved subspecies of the magnetic unit -electromagneticexercise bike, or ergometer, regulates the amount of load using current. It is durable and quiet, is particularly smooth, and therefore is often used for therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes.
Types of exercise bikes according to the load system
In recent years, manufacturers have offered customers various types of exercise bikes that vary quite a bit in cost. It mainly depends on the type of load and the braking system, thanks to which each of the units works. Mechanical devices (they are represented by belt and shoe models) appeared on the market earlier. The more advanced ones - magnetic and electromagnetic - have recently been gaining popularity among consumers.
The effectiveness of a stationary bike is largely dependent on the weight of the flywheel. Ideally, this part of the device will weigh at least 7 kg. The higher the mass of the flywheel, the more noticeable the result of the exercise.
Advantages and disadvantages of different types of exercise bikes
Type of exercise bike | Load Regulation |
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Belt | By increasing or decreasing the tension of the belt connecting the pedals to the flywheel | Low price. Ease of use. Compact | Failure to accurately adjust the load, which harms the joints. High noise level during exercise. A minimum of additional functions. The load-regulating belt stretches over time |
Shoe type (inertial) | press firmly against the flywheel from the outside | Low price. Ease of use. Compactness. Fully simulates riding a regular bike. Due to the massive flywheel, it is able to deliver maximum load | Inability to accurately adjust the load. High noise level. A minimum of additional functions. Pads wear too fast. Oversized |
Magnetic | By changing the distance between permanent magnets and flywheel | Quiet operation. Smooth, even running. Electronic display with data about the current workout. The device is more reliable and durable due to the lack of friction force. Ergonomics | High price. More complex and expensive repairs |
Electromagnetic (ergometer) | Due to the effect of the electromagnetic field on the flywheel | The most advanced loading system to date. High level of comfort during training. Smoothness of movement. Low noise level. Durability. Excellent technical equipment. Ergonomic Integrated computer with many functions | High price. The device must be connected to the mains |
Advantages
DisadvantagesTypes of exercise bikes by method of seating
both vertical and horizontal. The more common -vertical- outwardly resemble a familiar bicycle and are primarily used for fitness. They have a handlebar and a high seat for the user to lean on during exercise. The vertical trainer puts a fairly high load on the back and leg joints, and therefore is not suitable for people with excess weight, with spinal injuries, with diseases of the hip and knee joints.
UprightExercise Bikes are characterized by the fact that the pedals are extended far forward and are almost flush with the seat. During training, the user can remain in an almost supine position, and with his back rest on the backrest of the seat with an adjustable level of inclination. The practitioner seems to be in a comfortable chair, due to which there is no unnecessary load on the lower back and joints. Such a simulator is suitable even for people who have had myocardial infarction - it is so comfortable. Instead of a steering wheel, there are handrails on the sides of the seat, which you need to hold on to during exercise. Horizontal trainers are often used in rehabilitation centers for the recovery of patients with musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems.
It should be noted that the recumbent bike is much more expensive than the upright bike. By the principle of operation, vertical and horizontal simulators are no different.
Maximum user weight
When choosing an exercise bike, please note that most of them are designed so that the weight of the person exercising will not exceed 100 kg. Basically, these are more affordable models, mechanical and some types of magnetic. If you need the simulator to support a user weighing up to 130 kg, take a closer look at more expensive electromagnetic devices.
Built-in exercise bike computer
Simple and affordable models, usually equipped with sensors for time, distance traveled, speed, calorie consumption. More expensive and "sophisticated" exercise bikes offer to estimate the amount of excess weight, use special built-in programs for training or create your own - taking into account the individual characteristics of the user. To enhance the effect of training, you can use special modes - driving on the ground, on asphalt, over rough terrain. The computers of many exercise bikes are capable of operating from the motion of the flywheel, without the use of electricity. But to do this, be sure to rotate the pedals.
Almost every exercise bike is equipped with heart rate sensors: either a clip on the ear, a metal plate on the handrail of the unit, or a wireless device on the belt. Their use is mandatory if the user has heart problems.
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