Exercise Bikes
It's probably the most user-friendly exerciser on the market today. The stationary bike has been a fitness mainstay for years and continues to provide one of the best all-around workouts. A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association even recommended bicycling for fighting the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
Here are a few must haves in a quality stationary bike:
Recumbent vs. Upright
Stationary bikes come in two styles:
the traditional upright and the more modern recumbent. Which form you
choose basically comes down to personal preference. But recumbent bikes
provide better support for users with back problems.
Resistance
Most stationary bikes have some form of adjustable
resistance. The best offer electronic versus manual resistance. There's
nothing worse than stopping your workout to adjust knobs and levers.
With electronic resistance you simply press a button and keep moving'.
Workout Feedback
To get an efficient workout, it's important
to track your progress. Speed, distance, time-they're all important.
Make sure your bike has these three at the minimum. Other displays can
include pulse, resistance and even calories burned.
Warranty
It's only common sense. A good bike should come with
a good warranty to back it up. Usually, the longer the warranty, the
higher quality the bike. That's why most dealers and manufacturers agree
one year on parts and labor is safe.
