Exercise Bike Information and Options

Exercise bikes are a staple in nearly every gym in America, and it's no surprise why. The exercise bike has existed for hundreds of years, originating back to 1796, when Francis Lowndes invented the 'Gymnasticon'. These first exercise bikes were created with the idea of physical therapy in mind, and were touted by Lowndes as a way to cure various different diseases that afflicted people back during that time. The primary vision for the bike was to help people struggling with joint pains and problems.

Eventually, the stationary bike evolved and took on different forms and purposes. Some exercise bicycles were used to help competing cyclists warm up before the start of the race, but it wasn't long before the fitness world discovered the value that the stationary bike could bring to workout goals and plans. Viewed as a viable cardio alternative to running or swimming, gyms and workout centers jumped at the opportunity to add the bike to their collection of exercise equipment because they required much less space and maintenance than a running track or a lap pool. (Eventually, treadmills came and fixed the first problem, but consumers still wanted an option other than jogging or walking to add to their workout regimen.

Finally, as we progressed and the home fitness era of exercise took off, many people flocked to the idea of the exercise bike as their at-home option for cardio. They were simple, easy to use, and provided a great workout. For many consumers, it was a no-brainer, and the stationary bike has become a staple in home fitness equipment everywhere.

INFORMATION

Stationary bikes work on the principle of adding resistance to the wheels as they spin, creating the illusion of pedaling down a long stretch of road or up a steep hill, based on how much resistance there is. Typically, the resistance is added by one of three mechanisms. On some earlier bikes, friction was used to create resistance. Typically this is achieved by having some sort of constant break that can be loosened or tightened by the riding in order to adjust the amount of resistance. Other earlier bikes used a fan instead of friction. This type of exercise bike was very popular in earlier decades and they are almost an iconic piece of equipment. The last and most recent method of providing resistance was the use of magnets and electricity (this is commonly what is seen in gyms and fitness clubs around the nation.)

Most modern bicycles will now offer hand sensors that can measure your heart rate, and screens that will show you how many calories you've burned and the amount of distance you would have traveled if you would have been on an actual bike. Some even offer TV screens so that you can watch the news or your favorite movie as you pedal along.

OPTIONS

Now the number of exercise bike options have grown so numerous and become so complex that sometimes it is difficult making the right choice when investing in your own exercise bike. There are a few options that you need to be aware of. First, some exercise bikes are 'recumbent'. They don't look like a classic bicycle, but rather a regular seat and the pedals are set horizontally to the chair, so when you pedal, it looks like you are leaning back on a recliner rather than sitting up on top of a bike. But don't confuse the recliner look with an easier workout. On a classic bicycle, you have gravity working to your advantage when you pedal, but on a recumbent bicycle, the pedal location means that you depend 100% on your own strength to move the pedals. One of the benefits of a recumbent bicycle is that some exercisers feel that the recumbent bicycle is easier on their back because of the classic seat design rather than balancing on top of an uncomfortable traditional bicycle seat.

On the other hand, if you are a cyclist that actually does like to get out and take your bike for a spin, then the recumbent bike might not be your best option. Some report that the strength and endurance gained on a recumbent bicycle does not transfer as well to an actual bicycle.

This is just one example of the options for exercise bikes, but it is the most important one to figure out. Hopefully you can weigh the different options and styles that are given to you to make the best choice for your home gym.