If you are planning to buy a stationary bike for your home gym, remember that there are two types of exercise bikes: Upright bikes and recumbent bikes. Upright bikes are those that look more like a regular bicycle without the wheels. A recumbent stationary bike, on the other hand, features a reclined position that some users claim to offer more comfort and relaxation to the body. Here we will discuss what recumbent bikes have to offer for your workout routine.

This equipment is called a recumbent bike precisely because it puts the user into a recumbent position while exercising. Upright bikes mimic the physical position that you adopt when riding a traditional bicycle, sitting up straight above the pedals with your hands holding on to the handlebars in front of you. On a recumbent bike, however, you will be sitting behind the pedals and at a much lower level than on a typical bike. The handlebars on a recumbent bike are usually located on each side of the seat.

The reason why some people prefer the recumbent stationary bike over an upright bike is that the design changes your body's angles while you ride. Many users also feel that recumbent bikes provide workouts of the same or similar intensity levels as uprights, but are a lot less stressful on the body. A recumbent bike is ideal for people with lower back problems as well as those with less core strength, such as beginners. Because of the general perception that recumbent bikes provide a lot more comfort and relaxation than uprights, it has become very popular for home use. However, if you want to simulate hill climbing or bike racing on your stationary bike, remember that this can only be done on an upright bike.

Even when you have decided to buy a recumbent exercise bike as opposed to an upright, there is still a wide variety of models for you to choose from. Some bikes are very traditional, providing nothing more than the seat and pedals in a recumbent design. More modern designs include such features as programmable resistance settings, heart rate monitors and computer displays. Due to its seat position, a recumbent bike tends to be longer than an upright, so you can expect it to take up more space in your house. This may be a significant factor, especially if you live in a cramped apartment.

The advantages of using a recumbent stationary bike versus an upright bike are a bit controversial and inconclusive. Suffice it to say that upright bikes are advisable for regular cyclists who need to match their in-house workouts to their usual road-riding style in order to gain maximum benefit, and recumbent bikes may be adequate for those who simply want to get a good workout in the comfort of their own home. Whichever type of stationary bike you choose, be sure to adjust the seat height and handlebar distance to the appropriate settings so as to avoid injury or unnecessary strain. Getting the settings right is essential for an effective and pain-free workout.