Upright Bike or Recumbent Bike? Which is the Right Bike for You?

Working out is one of the most important things you can do for your mental and physical health. Bikes are an excellent way to both work on your cardio and build muscle all in one workout. There are two main types of bikes, upright and recumbent. Choosing the right bike for you can go a long way toward building a workout program you love and will stick with. Let's take a look at each type of bike and the benefits they can bring to your workout.

Recumbent Bikes

A recumbent exercise bike is a bike on which riders have the ability to ride in a reclined position with the pedals out in front of the rider. Many riders find this position to be comfortable, allowing them to extend the length of their workout for maximum benefit. Recumbent bikes also offer excellent lower body workouts, focusing on hamstrings, quadriceps, shins, calves, and glutes. As for the cardio aspect of the workout, don't be deceived by what looks like an easy ride. Recumbent bikes offer a great opportunity to get your heart pumping, expand your lung capacity, and work on your cardio. Recumbent bikes also help foster flexibility as they keep your body moving and your muscles warm, allowing them to stretch and contract and become more flexible in the process. There are a plethora of workout plans for recumbent bikes that involve sprints and varying routines to help you get the most out of your recumbent bike. Recumbent bikes are a great way to get an excellent cardio workout all at one time.

Upright Bikes

Upright bikes have been a part of home and professional gyms for many years. These bikes have riders seated in an upright position and offer a multitude of benefits that include working the lower body and the cardiovascular system. Upright bikes are terrific for working a variety of muscles, including more than just your lower body. They work your core, back, glutes, heart, lungs, calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps all in a fun and heart-pumping workout. In addition, upright bikes are great training for outside riding so if it's raining or snowing you can continue any training plan you are already on and not miss a beat. There are many online apps and programs that offer workout plans that include sprints and hills just to start. 

Which Bike is Right for You?

Recumbent bikes and upright bikes both offer great workouts for your lower body and for your cardiovascular system. The recumbent bike offers a comfortable riding position that takes the pressure off of your back and still gives your lower body, and your heart, a great workout. The positioning of this bike also lends itself to longer workouts since it is a more natural and comfortable position. Upright bikes offer a riding position that engages your core and your back, as well as your lower body. The position on the upright bike is a little more demanding and engages more muscles, therefore burns more calories during the course of a workout. Both bikes offer great workouts that will help strengthen your heart and your muscles. Chose the bike that best suits your needs, or you can work a combination of both into your workout schedule.

Bikes offer a great way to work out both your lower body and your cardiovascular system. They have been a part of home and professional gyms for years. There are two main types of bikes, recumbent and upright, both of which can contribute to you being healthier and stronger. Landice can help you to find the perfect bike for your workout, your body, and your mind.