5 Benefits of Using an Exercise Bike
If you are looking for ways to stay active, but you dread going to the gym every second day, and you want a simple workout routine that will make you feel strong and toned, look no further. An exercise bike can be the answer to all of your fitness-related questions.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that this piece of gym equipment is one of the most popular ones. In fact, every gym has at least a dozen of these. Moreover, those who decide to purchase an at-home exercise machine usually opt for an exercise bike, as well.
So, what makes this unit so popular?
It doesn’t come as a surprise that this piece of gym equipment is one of the most popular ones. In fact, every gym has at least a dozen of these. Moreover, those who decide to purchase an at-home exercise machine usually opt for an exercise bike, as well.
So, what makes this unit so popular?
1. A Low Impact Activity
Unlike walking or running, cycling doesn’t put a strain on your joints. And not only that, it also reduces the strain on your lower back. So, if you are looking for a low-impact exercise that is still highly effective, cycling is the right one for you.
While you cycle, there is no impact on your joints, only a smooth pedaling motion that will help increase your heart rate and burn calories. Also, the exercise bike allows you to increase the resistance according to your personal preferences.
With no sore knees, back pain, or anything similar, you will be able to enjoy your workouts more than before. Plus, once you realize how enjoyable exercise can be, you will start doing it regularly - that will give you the results you have always dreamed of.
Our recommended bike is the Ultrasport F Bike, which is a great option for beginners.
While you cycle, there is no impact on your joints, only a smooth pedaling motion that will help increase your heart rate and burn calories. Also, the exercise bike allows you to increase the resistance according to your personal preferences.
With no sore knees, back pain, or anything similar, you will be able to enjoy your workouts more than before. Plus, once you realize how enjoyable exercise can be, you will start doing it regularly - that will give you the results you have always dreamed of.
Our recommended bike is the Ultrasport F Bike, which is a great option for beginners.
2. It’s Good for Your Heart
Just like all of your external muscles, your heart is a muscle, too. In order to keep it in good shape, you need to train it regularly.
And how are you supposed to do that? - With cardio exercises - naturally.
When your heart is well-trained, the result is a lower heart rate, both during exercise and while you rest. When it beats less frequently, your heart is less stressed. Furthermore, your blood pressure, which manages blood circulation in your arteries, will also become lower once your heart becomes stronger and starts to eject a larger volume of blood with every contraction.
Regular cycling will help you improve your cardio-respiratory capacity, too. All of these benefits help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, those who enjoy regular physical activity are less likely to suffer from a stroke.
If you are reading this and thinking that you are a long way from reaping these benefits - you are mistaken. It takes only a couple of weeks of exercising for these health benefits to appear. Use your bike to cycle at least two to three times a week for 30 to 45 minutes, and you will be able to notice the difference.
Try measuring your pulse after three to four weeks and you will definitely see the improvement.
And how are you supposed to do that? - With cardio exercises - naturally.
When your heart is well-trained, the result is a lower heart rate, both during exercise and while you rest. When it beats less frequently, your heart is less stressed. Furthermore, your blood pressure, which manages blood circulation in your arteries, will also become lower once your heart becomes stronger and starts to eject a larger volume of blood with every contraction.
Regular cycling will help you improve your cardio-respiratory capacity, too. All of these benefits help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, those who enjoy regular physical activity are less likely to suffer from a stroke.
If you are reading this and thinking that you are a long way from reaping these benefits - you are mistaken. It takes only a couple of weeks of exercising for these health benefits to appear. Use your bike to cycle at least two to three times a week for 30 to 45 minutes, and you will be able to notice the difference.
Try measuring your pulse after three to four weeks and you will definitely see the improvement.
3. Not Only An Amazing Lower-Body Workout
Your back, abdominal, and arm muscles will work, too. What’s more, all of these muscles will start working especially hard once you increase the resistance on your exercise bike. It’s best to use a low resistance level to warm up and improve endurance. To build muscle, though, use a higher resistance level.
Here is how all of your muscles work on an exercise bike:
If you want to focus on the muscles of your arms and lower back, there’s a way to do that as well. Stand up from the saddle of your bike, put the resistance level on a high setting, and start cycling. In this scenario, your arm and lower back muscles will work harder than your leg muscles.
Here is how all of your muscles work on an exercise bike:
- Your glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves (lower-body muscles) work permanently while you cycle.
- Back and abdominal muscles help you maintain your position and thus work, too.
- Your biceps and triceps (arm muscles) allow you to hold the handlebars, and they work most intensely during an intense effort (when you tighten the handlebars).
If you want to focus on the muscles of your arms and lower back, there’s a way to do that as well. Stand up from the saddle of your bike, put the resistance level on a high setting, and start cycling. In this scenario, your arm and lower back muscles will work harder than your leg muscles.
4. It’s Great for Weight Loss
Cycling on an exercise bike is not only for those who wish to build muscle and improve endurance - it is also great for those whose goal is to lose weight.
While you cycle, you burn calories and thus lose weight. In order to make the most of your weight loss, pay attention to the intensity of your workout. The higher - the better. When the intensity is high, you will be able to burn the most calories.
But, you should know that higher intensity requires more strength. So, you probably won’t be able to cycle for a long time at first. Try to find the right balance. It’s best to combine long cardio workouts (low to medium intensity) with high-intensity workouts.
While you cycle, you burn calories and thus lose weight. In order to make the most of your weight loss, pay attention to the intensity of your workout. The higher - the better. When the intensity is high, you will be able to burn the most calories.
But, you should know that higher intensity requires more strength. So, you probably won’t be able to cycle for a long time at first. Try to find the right balance. It’s best to combine long cardio workouts (low to medium intensity) with high-intensity workouts.
5. It’s Practical
While some pieces of gym equipment take up a lot of space, that’s not the case with the exercise bike. Even if you live in a small apartment, you will be able to fit this machine in a corner of your home. Plus, you can even find a model that you can fold and put away when you are not using it.
Moreover, exercise bikes are very quiet, and you will be able to use one whenever you want without disturbing your flatmates. This also means that you can watch your favorite TV show while you exercise, or listen to music.
Finally, an exercise bike is ideal for people of all levels and ages. It doesn’t matter whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, improve your endurance, or simply boost your overall health - whatever your goals are, the exercise bike will help you reach them.
So, have we convinced you yet? Select an ideal model for your needs, and start pedaling your way to a better and stronger life!
Moreover, exercise bikes are very quiet, and you will be able to use one whenever you want without disturbing your flatmates. This also means that you can watch your favorite TV show while you exercise, or listen to music.
Finally, an exercise bike is ideal for people of all levels and ages. It doesn’t matter whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, improve your endurance, or simply boost your overall health - whatever your goals are, the exercise bike will help you reach them.
So, have we convinced you yet? Select an ideal model for your needs, and start pedaling your way to a better and stronger life!