Winter has come, and you take out warm clothes, prepare your bike for winter storage, and prepare yourself for a long winter in a warm place, on a soft sofa and no longer think about cycling? And then what about the sports form that you gained in the summer? Is it really necessary to start all over again when spring comes? Not at all! And your main assistant in keeping your muscles in good shape will be an exercise bike. In this article, we will figure out what kind of exercise bikes exist, the positive and negative characteristics of different types, and what is best to buy for training at home.
Firstly, I must say that a constant and properly planned workout on a stationary bike will help you maintain (or gain) good shape, remove excess weight. Exercising on a stationary bike is good for the cardiovascular and respiratory system, and is also not a bad stress reliever . Of course, the choice of an exercise bike is best approached responsibly, just like you choose a bike.
According to the principles of operation of the braking systems, exercise bikes are:
Shoe BikesShoe Bikes
Already from the name it is clear that wheel braking is created by pads pressing against the flywheel, just like on bicycles.
Pros:
small price;
Minuses:
the load cannot be accurately adjusted;
pads wear out quickly.
Belt exercise bikesBelt exercise bikes
Resistance here creates tension on the belt connecting the flywheel to the pedals. For this exercise bike, the flywheel mass will be relevant. It is best to purchase an exercise bike, where the mass of the flywheel is from three to four kilograms. You don't need to buy more mass, since the price will be high, and less mass - too uneven pedaling.
Pros:
small price;
Minuses:
the load cannot be accurately adjusted.
Magnetic exercise bikes
The load in this type of exercise bike is regulated by a magnet, which can be controlled mechanically (move closer to or away from the flywheel). There are various opinions that a magnetic Magnetic exercise bikesexercise bike can be distinguished by different loads when the pedals rotate (either too easily or not at all), but this problem can only arise on simulators where the flywheel mass is insufficient. Because of this, it is most often recommended to purchase a magnetic exercise bike, where the mass of the flywheel is not less than 7 kg.
Pros:
the load can be adjusted accurately enough;
Minuses:
a good model is expensive.
Bicycle ergometers
They are the most high-tech of exercise bikes. These simulators have an electromagnetic system to support the load, which ultimately gives excellent accuracy. In addition, such exercise bikes have a strictly defined load value (watts), which will allow them to be used as professional equipment for cycling training or Bicycle ergometersthey can be used for rehabilitation after injuries. This type of exercise bike is well suited for professional cycling athletes. It makes no sense for an ordinary tourist to spend money on such an expensive purchase, and it is better to pay attention to other types of exercise bikes.
Pros:
excellent load regulation;
Minuses:
the price is very high.
By design features, exercise bikes are:
Vertical exercise equipment
Boarding such an exercise bike can be compared to boarding a regular bicycle;
Horizontal exercise machines
Landing on such an exercise bike is somewhat more comfortable, but the load will go exclusively to the legs, and the back muscles and abs will not be involved at all. This type of exercise bike can be recommended for those who suffer from back pain if they train on an upright exercise machine;
Portable exercise equipment
They consist of pedals with a load block and a computer. You can put it next to your favorite chair and pedal in a familiar environment. There is no need to talk about any workout on this stationary bike, but such simulators can be useful in order to just stretch your legs while sitting in the office. In addition, this simulator will be very useful for an elderly person.
Recommendations for choosing an exercise bike
Finally, you have decided on the type of exercise bike, figured out the necessary weight of the flywheel, and now you need to take a closer look and understand what distinguishes exercise bikes that are the same at first glance.
First of all, pay attention to the maximum load calculated for the exercise bike. A cheaper model, quite often, is designed for 80-100 kg, an expensive model - for 120 - 140 kg. It is better to choose what you need, you do not have to overpay for the "strength" of the simulator.
Pay attention to the number of load steps and the availability of different training programs. It is much more effective and more interesting to train according to a certain program (for example, "hilly terrain" or "lose weight") than to set the value of the load yourself.
Take a closer look at the bike computer and its functions: they differ a lot on exercise bikes. A prerequisite for a full workout is a heart rate sensor (how to attach it should be chosen taking into account your own preferences: someone will put their hands with the sensor on the steering wheel, someone will tie the sensor around their belt, and someone will attach the sensor to the ear) ... With the help of such a sensor, you can calculate the load level most necessary for you. In addition, there is a useful function that will show the cadence. Other functions (speed, calculation of calories, time spent on the road) will be optional - and you can choose them to your liking. Study the interface and ergonomics: sometimes there are systems that are difficult to understand, even with instructions on hand - you do not need to purchase such systems.
Ask the sellers whether it is necessary to connect the exercise bikes to the 220V network. Energy will be required to power the computer (some exercise bikes are equipped for this purpose with battery power or energy while pedaling), but, for example, all ergometers are connected to the mains in order for the load system to function
Design, comfortable fit and much steering and seat settings are also a significant factor. Choose an exercise bike carefully so that it suits you, otherwise the workout will turn into torture, and soon you will stop exercising, throwing the exercise machine into the closet.
We wish you to achieve your goals and train effectively!