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| Bikes Over the years there have been many new types of home fitness equipment innovations introduced to the market. Some have been short-lived gimmicky products and others are legitimate products that are here to stay. But through thick and thin, people have always tried different products to achieve the maximum comfort, motivation, and results, but stationary bikes have once again come roaring back to the forefront as one of the most legitimate and practical pieces of fitness equipment. Bikes are popular because the exercise motion is familiar, beginning exercisers can set an easy pace, and because relatively inexpensive models are available. Some people like bikes because it's easy to read while exercising. The biggest drawback with bikes is that they can become somewhat uncomfortable during a long workout. Also, because you are seated instead of bearing your full body weight, it may take longer on a bike than on other cardiovascular machines to achieve your target calorie burn, not to mention that the "non weight-bearing" facet of the exercise makes the perceived effort more difficult for many user's. As opposed to "non weight-bearing" exercise machines, such as treadmills and elliptical machines, whereby the user must move their own body weight, thus requiring the recruitment of more muscle groups and ultimately burning more calories with less perceived effort. Perceived effort is the diffuculty or ease of performing a given exercise. Prices: The book, "Fitness for Dummies" (IDG Books), reports that prices can range form $200 for a "no-frills workhorse" up to $3000 for a "high-tech super cycle." The Consumer Reports Buying Guide gives a range of $200 to $1500. The "Consumer Digest Buying Guide" recommendations ranged from $324 to $1,999. Bike Styles: Upright bikes are similar in form to traditional bikes. Historically, this was the most popular and largest selling style, although recumbent bikes have now become more popular due to the attraction that you can sit in a comfortable reclining padded chair while burning fat. That concept is very appealing to just about anyone! Semi-recumbent bikes have a chair-like, or bucket, seat that provides more comfort and lowerback support. The pedals are out in front of you instead of straight below. For people that enjoy reading while exercising, this style of bike also makes it very natural and easy for the user. Recumbent bikes are built close to the ground. Pedals are well in front of you, almost level with your chest. They permit you to exercise at a lower level, of working blood pressure. Dual-action bikes have movable handle bars or arm handles. Using them during your ride increases the intensity of the workout and provides some upper-body exercise. Feedback Mechanisms: At the minimum, you should have a speedometer, odometer and timer. Much more sophisticated programming is available. Bikes are also available with heart-rate monitors and controls. See the "Feedback" section under TREADMILLs and "Heart-Rate Monitors". Resistance: Four different systems are widely used: flywheels (bikes with a friction strap that tightens when you trun a knob), air (bikes with fan blades), magnetic resistance and the top of the line is electro-magnetic technology. Magnetic and electro-magnetic technology offer the smoothest, most gentle, quietest and luxurious ride of the various types of drive mechanisms. Other Features: Look for bikes that have a toe clip or strap to hold your foot on the pedal. All bikes allow you to change the height or length of the seat tilted forward or slightly upward is more comfortable and most upright bikes allow for this adjustment. Adjustable handlebars often are preferred if people of different sizes will use the bike. On recumbent bikes, side handlebars are the most desirable as this is a more natural location to place your hands as opposed to handlebars in front of you. Most high quality recumbent bikes offer both sides and front handlebars. Look for the higher quality models with the side handlebars that incorporate contact heart rate sensors for to help you keep your heart rate in your Maximum Fat Burning or Cardiovascular Zone. Comfort, Fit and Feel: Tall people should be sure the seat post is long enough and, at the proper length , stable. The pedal action should be smooth and consistent, without catching, at various resistance settings. Pay attention to the noise level! Tips on Using Stationary Bikes: Proper leg extension is important. The knee should be slightly bent--not absolutely straight--when the pedal is at its maximum distance from your body. This positioning provides the best workout for your muscles while avoiding the possiblity of hyperextending your knee. |
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