Stationary Bikes - Upright or Recumbent?
Stationary bikes, used as exercise equipment, have saddle saddles, pedals, and handlebars that are arranged as that of a bicycle. Also used to exercise for weight loss, they are considered safe and effective. Furthermore, they provide low-impact cardiovascular exercise, hence, they have long been used for physical therapy.
lady using recumbent bike
Also referred to as exercise bikes, stationary bikes have two basic types – upright and recumbent. The upright model enables the user to sit very much like he or she would on a regular road bicycle.
While some prefer this position, others feel too much pressure in the lower back or groin area after using the bike after a short while. The recumbent model, on the other hand, was made to answer the issues posed by some of the users of the upright model. It is reclined in order for the user to sit go-cart style, which enables the person to stretch out his or her legs rather than extend them downward.
Thus, it suits the people who have lower back problems or chronic back pain.
As whether to choose the upright or the recumbent bike is a matter of preference, those who have interests in purchasing one are advised to try out a bike in a store.
This will help them decide which model they feel more comfortable using.
Furthermore, these are some of the features that one should be looking for when checking an exercise bike,
as the experts say:
- the bike, whether or upright or recumbent, should easily adjust to the height of the user;
- when the user happens to have little children at home, he or she should look for a shrouded wheel and chain to avoid the children’s small fingers getting pinched;
- as a heart rate monitor allows the exerciser to pace himself or herself for optimal fat burning or cardiovascular levels, it would be a great option; and
- the equipment should have an at least one-year warranty including labor.
As many of us would agree, health is one of the essential things that we have to invest our resources on. We may resort to buying and using the most expensive stationary bikes, or resort to the old ways like walking and engaging in sports. If the training program or the set of activities that we are in to makes us feel good about ourselves, increases our self-esteem, and makes us more productive, then we are most likely on the right track, although we should not forget to consult with our health care providers once in a while.
Elliptical Trainers Tips & Advice
lady on elliptical cross trainer
Designed to simulate walking or running, elliptical trainers are the newest members of the exercise equipment used in health clubs and home gyms. While using the machines, your legs extend and your hips rotate as if you are running or walking. Thus, you gain the benefits of running or walking without causing your joints excessive pressure. They are also gaining popularity, and are often compared to
treadmills. The machines do not exercise a single part of your body, but they exercise your legs, arms and thighs all at the same time. Furthermore, rather than building the muscles, they are designed to give a non-impact cardiovascular workout.
There are different models of elliptical trainers. Most of them exercise your upper and lower body. However, there some that do not have moving upper body components. There are models that aim to change the burdens on various muscles in your legs by making the incline of sloping roller ramps below the pedal-links adjustable, thus producing different pedal motion paths. On the other hand, some trainers are designed so as you can drive them in a reverse as well as in a forward direction. But regardless of the models available, the trainers are made common by the benefits they give, which include an ease of use through guided movement, aerobic and cardiovascular workout, adjustability for various fitness levels, and low impact on knees and joints.
As the machines are gaining popularity, quite a great number of stores are selling different models and at different prices. They could be confusing, and tricky sometimes. To help you make a better judgment in purchasing the machine, you may follow a few pieces of advice:
- Be sure that the machine fits your size and movement range;
- The machine must be very sturdy and must neither move nor have the tendency to tip over when in use;
- The side rails should also be very sturdy and provide for enough balance; and
- The area around the machine should have adequate headroom and space for leg and arm motion.
It is also important that you educate yourself on how to use the elliptical trainers. Be sure to familiarize and follow the manual on how to set up and use the equipment properly. Also, remember to maintain the correct posture when exercising by keeping your shoulders back, head up, chin straight, abdominals tight, and arms relaxed. Remember that while the equipment is designed to help you keep your body fit, its purpose can also be defeated by misuse and lack of knowledge.
