Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
Today’s topic is all about the best recumbent exercise bike. I have 10 amazing ones that are sure to complement any home gym.
When you walk into a gym, you're probably going to see a plethora of treadmills. Then, you’ll surely also see a bunch of regular stationary exercise bikes. And a lot of them are bound to be occupied, as well.
If you are not all that familiar with gym equipment and you didn't try out more than a few machines, you'd probably hop on a regular exercise bike sooner than on a recumbent one. It is not necessarily a mistake, but a recumbent exercise bike has a lot to offer.
Sure, it looks a bit weird. And it also doesn't look like it provides a super effective workout because you're almost reclining in it. But don't judge it by its looks because a seated exercise bike has so much benefits (which we will get to later).
Hop on and let's see some recumbent exercise bike reviews, what it is about recumbent exercise bikes that makes them so cool, and which ten are currently the best ones out there.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike.
Our top-pick choice is a Evo-Fit. With 24 levels of resistance, it does not matter if you see a recumbent bike the first time or if you already have experience with them. You can adjust the resistance to whatever feels comfortable for you and set the intensity you want.
Top 10 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes Reviewed
- Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike – Top Pick
- NordicTrack Commercial R35 – Runner-up
- KEPANE Foldable Exercise Bike – Best Folding
- Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike – Budget Pick
- Sunny Performance Interactive Recumbent Bike – Best With Moveable Handles
- Schwinn Fitness Recumbent Bike 230 MY20
- JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower – Best Recumbent Bike + Rower
1. Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike – Top Pick
The list starts with my favorite – the Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike. It is the absolute winner in its category and offers exceptional workouts.
- Dimensions: 62.6L X 25W X 49.2H inches
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): Min 26 In/Max 34 In
- Display: Digital
- Resistance Mechanism: Electro-magnetic
- Product Weight: 100 lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required, paid
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Special Features: Floor stabilizers, integrated fan, dual device holders
- Warranty: 3 Year Structural Frame, 180 Days Other Parts And Components
- Package (What’s Included): Machine
With 24 levels of resistance, it does not matter if you see a recumbent bike the first time or if you already have experience with them. You can adjust the resistance to whatever feels comfortable for you and set the intensity you want. And if you don’t really know what you exactly need, have no fear – 36 built-in programs will adjust the resistance based on which one you choose.
If you like working out to your favorite music, the Evo-Fit has your back (literally and figuratively!). You can use Bluetooth to connect any of your gadgets to it and crank up your favorite tunes. And don’t worry where to place the mentioned gadget. This bike has 2 device holders, so there’s more than enough room for everything you could want to connect to it.
The seat is super comfortable. It’s ergonomic and supports your back so your focus can be on your workout. And you can adjust the seat however you please. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need to put some muscle into setting it up because the handle is a tiny bit stiff.
I love it when manufacturers design their products with care, and the really did a good job here. They included floor stabilizers and wheels, so you can be sure the bike won’t wobble even on uneven floors. You can also easily roll it around your home. This recumbent bike is as close to perfection as you can get.
Positives:
Built-in programs to automatically adjust the resistance
Floor stabilizers to keep it from wobbling
Plenty of device holders
Could be better:
The handle for adjusting the seat is stiff
It’s quite heavy
Assembly can be lengthy
2. NordicTrack Commercial R35 – Runner-up
This bike is a league of its own. I honestly wouldn’t expect anything less from NordicTrack, but they still managed to surprise me.
- Dimensions: 68.22" L x 23.69" W x 53.42" H
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): Max 53.42’’
- Display: HD Touchscreen
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 192 lbs. (package weight)
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Special Features: Speed Monitor, Foldable, Adjustable Seat
- Warranty: 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty
- Package (What’s Included): Machine, 30 days free iFit membership
This one’s definitely at the top of the pack, the apex in the recumbent food chain and whatever else you can think of. But it’s still the Runner-up. So, what gives?
The interactive touchscreen, smooth adjustments, iFit workouts, everything about it feels high-end. And it’s especially good for beginners. Sure, you’ll have to pay for it after your free trial, but the value you get for the membership is absolutely fantastic. It adds a crazy amount of variety to your workouts and the iFit trainers can actually adjust the resistance on your bike in real time. Technology has come pretty far, right?
The pedals are wide and comfortable, and the straps keep your feet comfy and secure. The seat is also oversized and provides exceptional lumbar support.
This is premium in every sense of the word, which unfortunately includes the price. I will say: the value for the money is superb, but…
That price is sure to take a hit on your wallet. Hard. Still, gym equipment is always an investment, and if you want a high-end machine that will last for a long time, this is it.
Positives:
Premium feel
30-day free iFit trial
Wide pedals
Excellent lumbar support
Could be better:
Most expensive recumbent bike on this list
Heavy
Required Subscription for iFit (if you want to get the full experience)
3. KEPANE Foldable Exercise Bike – Best Folding
In position number three we have the “Best Foldable” KEPANE folding exercise bike. This bike is quite unique when it comes to recumbent bikes as it is more of a hybrid with its semi-upright construction with a seat that is reminiscent of traditional recumbent bikes. It also has a higher seating position than what you’d get on recumbent bikes, but quite lower than on upright bikes. An exciting entry, for sure!
- Dimensions: 29.52’’ L X 16.2’’ W X 41.3.3–45.3’’ H
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): Min 41.3’’ /Max 45.3’’
- Display: LCD Screen
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 38lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Special Features: Transport wheels, <20dB operation noise, phone/tablet holder
- Warranty: 1-Year
- Package (What’s Included): Machine
This compact recumbent bike features it’s small-frame design (32L X 18.5W X 46H inches) plus, on top of that, it’s foldable. If you’re limited on space and have no spare room to place a large recumbent bike in your workout area, then the KEPANE might be a sound solution. The bike’s very convenient to handle. When you’re done with your workout, just fold it up and roll it to the nearest closet by using its hidden mobile scroll wheels. This bike will fit in a standard-sized closet just fine.
The size of the seat and backrest is substantial. You’ll be able to sit on a 10.6’’ in width and 8.3’’ in length, oversized, and foldable backrest. And the seat is filled with high-resilience, high-quality memory foam. You can work out for a long time, and your back is going to be comfortable and supported. The seat is adjustable, of course, with a 7 levels of height adjustment – going from 41.3 inches in height all they way up to 45.3 inches. The handlebars and adjustable pedals add even more to the comfort.
The large LCD screen monitor shows your progress and helps you stay motivated. You can see everything you would want on it, like calories you burned, distance, speed, time… No metrics missed here! The bike also features a phone/tablet holder which can be handy if you’re doing a long exercise.
The 8 adjustable levels of resistance are pretty good, but I would like to see more of them. Compared to 20+ levels some bikes offer, 8 seems like it’s not enough.
The bike is also very quiet compared to some of the other bikes on this list. But quiet is to be expected when it comes to magnetic resistance. With the below 20 decibel noise level, you likely won’t disturb others. Top top all this off, you’ll also get a 1-year warranty, which is a bit slim, but it is still better than nothing!
Positives:
Super compact and foldable
Easy to store away
Performance monitor with essential metrics
Adjustable seat for a tailored fit
Memory foam seat cushioning for added comfort
Could be better:
Only 8 resistance levels
Provides less stability due to its lightweight construction (when working more intensely)
4. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike – Budget Pick
My budget pick proves you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a good quality machine! Marcy made a compact, affordable recumbent bike that will last you a long time and provide a great workout.
- Dimensions: 25"D x 58"W x 38"H
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): 27’’-36’’
- Display: LCD
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 53 lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Special Features: Weighted pedals
- Warranty: 2 year limited manufacturer
- Package (What’s Included): Warranty card, user manual, machine
The LCD screen will give you all the information on your workout, but if you want to listen to some music from your phone or tablet while you work out – you won’t be able to. There’s no device holder, but the bike is so silent, you can just turn your TV on and play some music, watch Netflix, or whatever it is that entertains you.
photo by @doriswhatley
The counterbalanced pedals have straps for security and the seat is nicely padded. You’ll be able to work out for quite a while and you’ll get bored of it sooner than you’ll get uncomfortable. Usually with affordable machines, you’ll notice that features like padding, straps, handlebars, etc. are where the manufacturer decided to save some money. Not with this one, though. Everything is really nice on this one.
Your workouts will be surprisingly efficient for such a compact bike. You can burn some serious calories with it without it taking up half of your room. And all of this for such a great price. Good job, Marcy!
Positives:
Affordable
Nicely padded seat
Weighted pedals
Could be better:
No device holder
Limited adjustability
Basic display
5. Sunny Performance Interactive Recumbent Bike – Best With Moveable Handles
Moveable handles make all the difference, and they make your whole body involved in the workout! Recumbent bikes with moveable handles are excellent, and Sunny makes the best one.
- Dimensions: 63.8L X 26.4W X 49.6H inches
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): Min 29.9 In/Max 38.6 inches
- Display: Digital
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 77.4 lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 265 lbs.
- Special Features: Connects To SunnyFit® App
- Warranty: 3 Year Structural Frame, 180 Days Other Parts and Components
- Package (What’s Included): Machine
This one has all the benefits as a regular recumbent bike does. The seat is comfortable and adjustable and there are several levels of resistance to adjust to your liking. The pedals are non-slip, and the straps do a great job at securing your feet in place.
The digital screen is minimal but shows everything you need. There’s no fancy touchscreen here, but there is absolutely nothing the digital screen lacks. The frame is super sturdy, and the Sunny Fit App is a fantastic addition to your workouts! You can track your progress, get personalized workout plans and compete with other people to get on top of the leaderboard. I find that a little healthy competition can give you that extra boost so you can get results faster than you usually would.
And you know what will help you get those results even more? The moveable handles. You’ll work your entire body with this bike, and after you’re done, you’ll feel it in all the right places.
This one is slightly noisier than other recumbent bikes on the list, and I’m assuming the handles play a part in this. But even with that, your workout will still be silent enough not to disturb other members of your household.
Positives:
Moveable handles for a full-body workout
Access to Sunny Fit app
Non-slip pedals
Could be better:
Noisier than some other bikes on the list
The max weight limit of 265 lbs might be insufficient for some
Has a basic display
How can I review gym equipment without including something from Schwinn? They almost never disappoint and I’m happy to confirm that this is the case with their recumbent bike as well. This one has some really great features for a reasonable price.
- Dimensions: 64" L x 27.7" W x 49.9" H
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): Min 54’’, Max 78’’
- Display: LCD
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 80 lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Special Features: Telemetry heart rate enabled
- Warranty: 90-Days labor, 2-Years parts, 1-Year electronics, 10-Years frame
- Package (What’s Included): Machine
Don’t you just love it when you can connect your device via Bluetooth and use your favorite apps to track the progress? Personally, I much prefer it to just tracking the information on the machine’s monitor. There’s something about having all the metrics easily accessible on your phone that’s so convenient.
The 5.5’’ screen has 13 different workout programs to offer, and if you’re a beginner, this is more than enough to keep you motivated and to give you results.
photo by @thenowhinecellar
Weighted pedals with straps are another great feature I always appreciate, and the seat on this one is really interesting. The back is quite large, and it has holes in it for ventilation. That’s a thoughtful addition, don’t you agree? Keep in mind, though, the seat is not padded whatsoever. You may be able to work out for about 15 minutes without a cushion on it, but for anything longer than that, I suggest you to get something soft to put on the seat. Otherwise, you’ll be distracted by the plastic seat, and get very uncomfortable very fast.
Positives:
13 workout programs available
16 resistance levels
Holes in the back of the seat for ventilation
Could be better:
No padding in the seat
Might be harder to move around due to its weight
Limited warranty compared to others on this list
Seeing a lifetime warranty on any machine warms my little fitness-loving heart. I just figure that if the manufacturer thought it could break easily, they would just give you a 30-day warranty, and then you’re on your own, and they don’t have to be bothered. But to buy something and know that you have lifetime support for it is just fantabulous (Get it? Because fantastic is an underestimate).
- Dimensions: 53.5"D x 19.3"W x 39"H
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): 27 "to 39"
- Display: LCD
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 61.7 lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Special Features: iPad holder
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Package (What’s Included): Machine
The best thing about this bike by far is how much thought went into the design. It was made by rehabilitation professionals, so this one is suitable for obese and elderly people, or pregnant women, and even for people recovering from injury.
The seat has 9 positions, and there’s 8 levels of resistance. I usually like seeing more resistance levels, but I don’t mind it with this one. Obviously, this bike wasn’t meant to be used predominantly by fitness fanatics, and it has to cater to a lot of different types of people.
The 8 neodymium magnets and dual-belt system make it silent and smooth so it’s perfect for any home, gym, or even a living room. The backrest is ergonomic and has a 10° tilt. There’s more than enough padding and it’s just overall super comfortable.
The only issue with it is its size. The bike is nice and compact but sits pretty low, so your feet can sometimes touch the floor. I don’t see it causing any significant discomfort, though; it’s more of an annoyance.
Positives:
Suitable for a lot of different types of people
Ergonomic, nicely padded seat
Lifetime warranty
Could be better:
Sits a bit low
Limited resistance levels
No advanced features
This bike has one of the nicest seats I ever saw. Even the padding is ergonomic and you wouldn’t believe how much more comfortable it makes the entire workout.
- Dimensions: 51.2"D x 19.3"W x 42.5"H
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): 28" to 41"
- Display: LED
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 53 lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 380 lbs.
- Special Features: Water bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year
- Package (What’s Included): Machine
I like seeing Bluetooth connectivity as one of the features because fitness apps are my favorite, and I love seeing all of the information on my phone. This app, however, was really not good. I decided to chance it despite poor ratings, but it did not live up to my expectations. It seems unfinished, and the app is in Chinese, so unfortunately, this is the only feature that seems unusable.
But everything else works fantastically. The machine itself is smooth and silent, and that seat… Oh, you could fall asleep in it, it’s so nice. The monitor shows all the data you want, and it’s good quality.
The quick release and lock pedal strap is a great addition that makes mounting and dismounting fast and easy. Overall, this is a super nice machine you can count on to give you a good workout. Just don’t bother with the app.
Positives:
Extremely comfortable seat
Convenient eater bottle holder
High weight capacity
Could be better:
The fitness app is not good
Assembly can be a bit tricky
No advanced features on the display
If you thought Marcy had only 1 exceptional recumbent bike to offer, you’re wrong! This one is another fantastic piece, and I can see it having a lot of fans.
- Dimensions: 56" L x 25" W x 44" H
- Adjustable Height (Min/Max): 36’’-41’’
- Display: LCD
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 63.4 lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Special Features: Ergonomic handles
- Package (What’s Included): Warranty card, User manual, recumbent bike
The seat has 5 different positions, and it’s very comfortable and easy to adjust. I don’t think anyone will have an issue with the adjustments because the bike will work perfectly fine regardless of your height. It will wobble sometimes while pedaling, but it’s nothing tragic. It’s not like you’ll feel it can catapult you off it.
The handles are ergonomic and foam-covered, so there’s no worry you won’t be able to keep your stability – the handles take care of that.
If you are one of those who is recovering from injury or has mobility issues, you’ll be happy to know that mounting and dismounting is incredibly easy; you just step in and out, and that’s that.
Transport is another great thing about this bike because it has wheels, so you can roll it around without breaking a sweat. This one’s a winner as far as I’m concerned!
Positives:
Ergonomic handles
Easy to transport
Suitable for people with mobility issues or recovering from injury
Could be better:
The seat wobbles a bit sometimes
Limited with only five preset seating positions
No advanced features
10. Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Exercise Bike/Rower - Best Recumbent Bike + Rower
Why settle for a recumbent bike when you can have a recumbent bike, a rower, and still do upright rows and curls – all with a single piece of equipment?
- Dimensions: 78" L x 23" W x 31" H
- Display: Digital
- Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
- Product Weight: 96 lbs.
- Assembly (Required/Not, Paid Assembly/Not): Assembly required
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Special Features: Supported by müüv
- Warranty: 3 years frame/90 days parts
- Package (What’s Included): Machine
This machine is going to engage all your muscle groups. Your upper body will get an excellent workout out of it, and you can adjust the resistance easily to whatever you feel most comfortable with.
The recumbent bike will be great for toning your lower body and it’s low-impact. The rower, on the other hand, is low-impact as well and will work all of your major muscle groups. This means that it’s just going to torch those calories in a blink.
The rowing handle is padded to make it more comfortable and the machine is supported by müüv. If you haven't heard of it – you need to get on board. It's an app that has personalized workouts, iHeart radio, and assembly videos.
And while we're on the subject of assembly, I have to say that this takes a bit longer than expected to put together. But once you do, you'll get a workout like no other!
Positives:
Includes rowing and biking
Access to müüv
Space-saving
Could be better:
Complicated assembly
The bike is heavy
Lacks adjustable height features
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7 Recumbent bike benefits
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to get a recumbent bike or not, then you might look at some of the benefits, more precisely eight of them, that it brings to the table – that’ll definitely help make your mind up!
✅ Less stress on the lower back
The most prominent advantage of recumbent bikes over the more traditional upright bikes is the reduced stress and work on the lower back. That is due to the comfy and reclining seating position. Because of that position, the spine maintains a natural alignment while you’re pedaling, which reduces the risk of straining your back.
✅ Comfort
The position at which you’re seated may look a teensy bit strange if you’re not familiar with recumbent bikes. But it’s actually highly comfortable. Your back won’t be strained as much as it would with regular bikes, and the seats are usually ergonomically designed.
✅ Great Cardio
Working out on a recumbent bike is great cardio! It improves circulation, and it’s very good for heart health.
✅ Leg Strength
The workout you do is basically pedaling like crazy, repetitively. That’s great for increasing leg strength and toning leg muscles.
✅ Weight Loss
It’s cardio, so it surely burns a ton of calories and promotes weight loss. Please ensure you choose the workout intensity wisely because with different levels come different results. If you watch what you eat and work out regularly on a recumbent bike, you’ll most likely lose quite a few pounds.
✅ Joint Mobility
Regular workouts on a recumbent bike can significantly increase the flexibility of your joints, and it can do wonders for your range of motion. At the same time, please keep in mind that the riding mileage or time should be increased progressively.
✅ Rehabilitation
The nature of a recumbent bike is low-impact, and its workouts are usually gentle. That means it’s great even if you’re recovering from an injury or surgery.
Recumbent bikes vs regular exercise bikes: 4 Main Differences
Let me just preface this section by saying, there’s no winner here. You won’t see me saying one is better than the other. There are pros and cons to each of them, and this is meant to help you decide which would be more suitable for your needs.
1. Seating Position
If you’re working out on a recumbent bike, you’re in a reclined position, which is very friendly to your back. Regular exercise bikes, on the other hand, put you in an upright position.
2. Comfort
I know I said there’s no winners here, but in this category, the regular bike has nothing on the recumbent bike. The recumbent bike has a large, usually padded, ergonomic seat that supports your back. The regular bike is okay for a shorter workout but can cause back and neck discomfort.
3. Muscle Engagement
Both recumbent and regular bikes mainly target the lower body (quads, hams, and glutes). However, with the regular bike you also have the option to target the upper body (not with the same level of effectiveness as the lower body) if you opt to use the handlebars intensely. With recumbent bikes, you can also opt to target the core if you focus your efforts on maintaining stability during the whole exercise. But, regardless of what you do, the majority of the engagement in both bikes, when it comes to muscles, is towards the lower body.
4. Impact on Joints
Recumbent bike for home use has far less impact because your weight is distributed over a large area. Regular bike, however, puts more impact on your joints.
What to look for in a recumbent bike
Let’s imagine you’re sold on the idea of getting a recumbent bike. But you’d like to do your own research on which one is best for you. That’s amazing! Here are a couple of pointers on what you need to pay attention to when looking for one that will fit your needs the best.
1. Adjustability
Your recumbent bike needs to be adjustable to different heights and body sizes. Look for straps, adjustable seat positions (at least 5 positions), and large pedals.
2. Comfort
Recumbent bikes are known for being comfortable, but there are still a few things you need to pay attention to. A padded seat is a must, or you’ll have to put a cushion on it, which can sometimes throw your balance off. An ergonomically designed seat is a huge plus. Try sitting on your bike before buying it and check if it provides enough support.
3. Drive System
You can usually choose between a belt drive or magnetic resistance. A belt drive will make your workout smooth and silent, and magnetic resistance will make adjustments very precise.
4. Assembly
Like any other machine, these need to be assembled. For that, you’ll need clear instructions (unless you want to pay for the assembly). Make sure your bike comes with a user manual and straightforward explanations on how to put it together.
5. Portability
Wheels, wheels, wheels… You want built-in wheels so you can roll it around your house without difficulty.
6. Price/Quality
Don’t go into debt because of a recumbent stationary bike, but don’t buy a cheap, flimsy bike that will break on you after a month. Strike a balance between price and quality. Today, there are a lot of recumbent bikes that come at a great price and offer exceptional quality.
7. User Interface and build-in programs
Recumbent bikes come with screens to track your progress. You want an interface that’s user-friendly and intuitive that shows all the information you need – time, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned.
Another critical aspect is the built-in programs. From preset to routines and interactive training features – a top-of-the-line recumbent bike will offer diverse and effective programs for an enjoyable working experience.
Tips From the Champ
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
How to use a recumbent bike
Beyond the classic “Sit down and pedal!”, you might be looking for a bit more comprehensive guide on how to use recumbent bikes. Well, here you go!
1. Make the Adjustments
The first thing you need to do is to adjust the seat height and the distance between the pedals on your stationary recumbent bike. Your knees need to be slightly bent after you make all the adjustments.
2. Resistance Levels
That is another thing you need to adjust. If you’re a beginner, start with a lower level.
3. Warm Up
It’s important to warm up before any training, and this one is no different. Pedal slowly for 5-10 minutes to prepare your body for the workout.
4. Smooth Pedaling
Don’t do any jerky movements; your pedaling should be slow and controlled.
5. Breathe
Pay attention to how you breathe. Keep your breath relaxed and at a steady rhythm.
6. Mix it Up
Don’t get stuck at the same level of intensity. You’ll get bored and soon get to a plateau. Mix it up, combine high-intensity intervals with some recovery periods.
7. Cool Down
Just like you need to warm up, you also need to cool down. Slow pedaling for 5-10 minutes should do the trick.
FAQ
Do recumbent bikes give a good workout?
They sure do! They’re great cardio, can do wonders to your cardiovascular health and burn calories. The workouts are low-impact, so your joints like recumbent bikes, too.
Is a recumbent exercise bike better than walking?
Yes and no. Both are great, but recumbent bikes’ workouts are low-impact, more so than walking (which is a weight-bearing exercise). In case if you’re recovering from injury or have joint issues, recumbent bikes are a better option.
Is 30 minutes on a recumbent bike good exercise?
It is. 30 minutes is enough to improve cardiovascular health, burn calories and strengthen your leg muscles.
Is it safe to ride a recumbent bike every day?
Yes, riding a recumbent bike every day is safe. However, the most important thing is to listen to your body. If you feel exhausted, rest for a day or two.
Conclusion
We rode all the way to the end of the recumbent bike reviews! The absolute winner in the category of the best recumbent bikes is the Evo-Fit Recumbent Bike so if you’re looking for a new addition to your gym – look no further. If you don’t like any of my recommendations, now you know how to choose a bike for yourself and what you need to pay attention to.
So, what do you think? Do you like recumbant exercise bicycles or prefer regular ones? Have you tried any that I reviewed, and what do you think? Do you have a bike to recommend that I may have missed?
If you have anything to add that I might’ve missed, or if you have any questions regarding recumbent bikes – please do reach out via the comments section below!
Also read:
References:
- Lucinda Bouillon, "Comparison of Trunk and Lower Extremity Muscle Activity Among Four Stationary Equipment Devices", NCBI, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27104052/(accessed Apr 11, 2016).
- Maddy Biddulph, "Are exercise bikes good for weight loss?", LiveScience, https://www.livescience.com/are-exercise-bikes-good-for-weight-loss(December 14, 2021).
- Catherine M. Said, "Recumbent cycling to improve outcomes in people with hip fracture", BiomedCentral, https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-021-02321-8(accessed June 29, 2021).
- Raoul F Reiser 2nd, "Knee loads in the standard and recumbent cycling positions", NCBI, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15133932/(accessed Jun 1, 2004).
- S C Bonzheim, "Physiologic responses to recumbent versus upright cycle ergometry, and implications for exercise prescription in patients with coronary artery disease", NCBI, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1729865/(accessed Jan 1, 1992).
Why Trust Us?
Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
Experience: 21 years
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).
After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by expert with proven experience. When writing the article we use our expertise and data from open sources with strong reputation, scientific or medical based. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles) PhD in Sport Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCP, physiotherapists and other. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.