Exercise Bikes | Northern Fitness Canada

What are the different types of stationary bikes?

Recumbent - Recumbent bikes are the most low-impact type of bike. They have more of a reclined seat with a back to it, and the pedals are out front, so the legs are more extended in front of you while cycling. While low impact, recumbent exercise bikes engage fewer muscles, as the core doesn’t engage.
Upright - Upright bikes have a more upright design than typical bikes, with pedals directly underneath you and handle bars closer to the body for an upright posture. Upright exercise bikes allow for sitting or standing while cycling, and are considered more low-impact than a standard exercise bike.
Indoor cycles - Indoor cycle bikes are the most recognizable and popular type of indoor bike, and they closely resemble a road bike you’d see on a street. You can move from seated to standing easily, and they are great for high-intensity cycling. These are the type of bikes you’ll likely see in a spin class. You can find models with many features, such as heart rate monitoring, adjustable resistance, customizable workouts, and more.
Air bikes - Air bikes tend to use a dan rather than a fly wheel, and the resistance increases the harder you pedal. Additionally, many of them feature moving handlebars (similar to ellipticals) adding an upper-body component for a full-body workout. They offer a high-intensity workout and are great for interval training.

Is a stationary bike good cardio?

A stationary bike can provide an excellent cardio workout. Compared to some other types of cardio, a stationary bike can put less stress on your joints while still offering an effective cardio workout. Exercise bikes can be very low-impact if you use low resistance and pedal slowly, so for an effective cardio workout, ensure you’re working out at a level that raises your heart rate.

Is an exercise bike good for weight loss?

An exercise bike can be a great addition to your weight loss plan. However, any exercise or workout routine may not be an effective method for losing weight on its own. A proper diet or nutrition plan is key to losing weight, and any exercise is an essential part of a good weight-loss plan. An exercise bike is a great way to burn calories, increasing your total calorie expenditure in a day.

For an even more effective weight loss plan, incorporate some strength training exercises in addition to your cardio. You want to ensure you’re losing fat, not muscle, so incorporating strength training ensures you’re maintaining muscle mass and can help you achieve your desired shape. Explore our dumbbell and barbell collections for some strength training home gym equipment.

Is 30 minutes a day on an exercise bike enough?

This depends on your goals. 30 minutes a day is enough to improve cardiovascular health and endurance, and overall health. However, it may not be enough to lose weight or improve cycling endurance. It all depends on the intensity of those 30 minutes.

This study on women with fibromyalgia has shown that 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise improves psychological variables, pain perception, quality of life, and physical conditioning in women. Another study found that stationary cycling exercise relieves pain and improves sports function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. So it’s probably safe to say 30 minutes a day on an exercise bike is good for your health overall!

Is an exercise bike better than a treadmill?

There is no overall better option, but there is likely a best option for you based on personal preferences and goals. A treadmill is ideal for cardiovascular health, endurance building, and calorie burning, while an exercise bike offers an effective cardiovascular workout with a focus on the lower body. They are especially beneficial for individuals seeking a low-impact exercise option, reducing the risk of knee and back stress.

So, an exercise bike is better than a treadmill if you’re looking for a low-impact option. For a more in-depth look at the differences between exercise equipment and which is right for you, check out our Treadmill vs Exercise Bike vs Elliptical blog.