Bike riding is a great exercise that may improve the way you walk, balance and climb stairs. It will strengthen your heart and leg muscles. There is the standard upright bike that you learned to ride when you were a kid and then there are the ones that you can ride indoors – the exercise bike. There are stationary recumbent exercise bikes as well as upright exercise bikes. Both are a great way to get exercise in your own home.
| Recumbent Bike | Description |
|---|---|
| SH&F Premium, SMART, Recumbent Bike SF-RB4850SMART | SunnyFit® App, Bluetooth Connectivity, 24 built-in programs, 6.6 lb. flywheel, 300 lb. weight capacity |
| SH&F Magnetic Recumbent SF-RB4953 | Quiet, Belt-driven, 8 levels resistance, 275 lb. weight capacity |
| JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike | Quiet flywheel, Belt-driven, 8 levels resistance, 300 lb. weight capacity |
| Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike | 8 levels of Magnetic Resistance, 300 lb. weight capacity |
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Review of Stationary Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Sunny Health & Fitness
1-Premium, SMART, Magnetic, Recumbent Bike SF-RB4850SMART
This bike has a wide bike seat and breathable back support. The bike seat adjusts from an inseam of 23.6″ to 33.1″ and is powered by a quiet, maintenance-free, belt-driven mechanism.
This sturdy bike has a 300 lb. user weight capacity. Sixteen levels of magnetic resistance can be controlled through the console. There are 24 built-in programs to meet your fitness level.
On-board transportation wheels make it easy for you to move from room to room.
Warranty:
- 3-year on structural frame
- 180-days on other components and parts
Specs:
- Dimensions: 61.81″L x 25.98″W x 47.24″H
- Item Weight: 86.4 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Pros:
- 300 lbs. weight capacity.
- 16 levels automatic magnetic resistance controlled through the console.
- 24 built-in programs.
Cons:
- Most reviews were positive. Some got damaged during shipping.
What Customers Say:
- Seat is comfortable and supportive.
- Quiet
- I am glad I purchased it.
- I like the free workouts on the website.
- Controls are not intuitive.
Sunny Health & Fitness
2-Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4953
Strengthen your cardio exercise routine with this comfortable, effective, and low-impact recumbent exercise bike. The step-through design makes mounting and dismounting safe and easy.
The wide seat is adjustable and has lumbar support for your comfort. Track your time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. The monitor tracks even more data. It has a calendar, thermometer, clock, and a BMI calculator.
There are 8 levels of resistance which you can control with the twist of a knob. It has a weight capacity of 275 lbs.
Warranty:
- 3-years on parts and components.
- 180-days on parts and components.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 57″L x 25″W x 45.5″H
- Item Weight: 74 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 275 lbs.
Pros:
- Monitor tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
- Device holder.
- 8 levels of resistance.
- Seat easily adjusts with a lever.
Cons:
- No warranty outside of USA.
What Customers Say:
- I love it! Exceeds my expectations!
- Good value for the money.
- Not made for short people.
- Looks good, simple to operate.
- Noisy clicking sound.
3-JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike
Are you looking for some low-impact exercise? Look no further than this good quality budget exercise bike. A great way to get some cardio exercise for anyone at any fitness level.
The walk-through frame makes it easy to mount the bike. It is designed for those with an inseam length of 27 “to 39”, and a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.
The LCD monitor tracks your fitness data such as time, speed, distance, and calories. There are 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
Warranty:
- Lifetime quality assurance to every customer.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 53.5″D x 19.3″W x 39″H
- Item Weight: 62 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Device Holder
- 9 position seat adjustment.
Cons:
- Pedals close to the floor.
- Pedal size is small.
What Customers Say:
- Smooth, quiet, just what the doctor ordered!
- Good for rehabilitation.
- Follow assemble instructions carefully!
- Good quality for for money.
4-Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
Marcy has been a leader in the fitness industry for over 35-years.
This heavy-duty exercise bike is made of 14-gauge steel tubing. It has a step-through design to easily mount the bike. Great for seniors, physio therapy, or those who are pregnant.
The tension knob allows for 8 levels of quiet magnetic resistance. The seat is designed for your comfort, with high-density foam and the bike has contoured foam-covered handles.
The weighted pedals are designed to provide maximum foot support and control.
Warranty:
- 2-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 58″W x25″D x 38″H
- Item Weight: 61 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Pros:
- Knob with 8 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance.
- Compact Design
- Convenient transport wheels.
Cons:
- Difficult to adjust the seat position.
- No back-light on the digital readout.
What Customers Say:
- This is a great simple bike.
- Super quiet
- Seat is fairly comfortable.
- Used by the family and it has lasted 5 years.
What is So Special about Stationary Recumbent Exercise Bikes?
The stationary recumbent bike has a wide seat and a full back support. Your feet pedal the bike in a forward position so you have less strain on your knees. Your upper body can relax as you concentrate on developing your lower body strength. In comparison, the upright exercise bike is more like the one that you learned to ride as a kid. It has a regular size saddle and the pedals are beneath your knees.
Stationary recumbent exercise bikes bring many health benefits. Mostly you get good cardio exercise from bike riding. You will also improve and tone your lower back and legs. By burning those extra calories, it may even help you slim down!
Just think, you can get that exercise in the comfort of your own home.
A computerized recumbent bike tells you how many calories you have burned, how far you have pedaled and how long you have been exercising. It may even tell you your heart rate. However, you don’t need a lot of features on your bike, because it is the muscle power in your legs that gives you a good workout.
1- Multi-task with Stationary Recumbent Exercise Bikes
While using the stationary recumbent bike, you can read or watch TV. Some bikes even have a desk attached to them so that you can use your computer while riding the bike. These have become so popular recently that they are hard to find! They are a great way to get your work done at home and get some exercise at the same time!
A recumbent bike is more comfortable to ride as it has a larger seat and a full back support, while the upright exercise bike has a smaller seat and limited upper body support.
2- Stationary Bikes Improve Lung Capacity and Strengthen Your Heart
The cardio exercise you get from a stationary recumbent exercise bike improves your lung capacity.It strengthens your heart, decreases your resting heart rate, and reduces high blood pressure as you regularly exercise with the bike.
This low-impact exercise is beneficial for those with low back injuries as it strengthens your core and your lower limbs. It is easier on all your joints and is an excellent indoor workout regardless of the weather outside.
The exercise bike is great for cardiovascular exercise. You will be doing your heart a favor by giving it regular cardio workouts. This can easily be done on the stationary recumbent exercise bike.
“The average heart is fist-size and weighs about the same as an apple. After a long life, it can be credited with approximately 3.5 billion beats. Show it some love. Give this incredible muscle the exercise it deserves.” – Source: Health.com
3- Cycling Encourages Weight Loss
Indoor or outdoor cycling combined with a reduced calorie diet is effective in reducing body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) as shown in a 2010 study. Cycling lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well. Just think how handy it is to get that workout indoors, when the weather is bad.
Five days a week, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise on the recumbent bike for weight loss.
Move the seat closer to the pedals – it forces you to use your abdominal muscles to give your abs a good workout.
Cycling is great for cardio. You should round out your exercise routine with some strength training two or three times a week. This way you will target all the muscles in your body.
Aerobic exercise releases endorphins to the body. They are the feel-good hormones that may make you feel young at heart.
4- It is a Low Impact Exercise
When sitting on a bike, you are being easier on your feet and knees than you would be if you were jogging. The wide seat of a recumbent bike is easier on the hips as well. The recumbent bike is less-demanding on all of your joints.
5- Safer than Road Cycling
You can safely ride a stationary bike indoors and never have to worry about road safety. Traffic and road conditions are not a concern when you are getting your exercise inside.
You can use a recumbent stationary bike, whether you know how to ride a traditional bike or not.
6- Fitness Apps
If you have a fitness app that lets you stream, you can do cycling workouts on your phone, tablet, or TV.
Do not push yourself beyond your own limits. If you are cycling in a group class or are new to an exercise program, ease your way into your workout.
Gradually increase your workout to more difficult levels. Muscles that are fatigued can’t absorb as much pressure. This places extra stress on the knees. Be kind to your knees!
7- Consult Your Doctor First
Before beginning any new exercise routine, discuss it with your healthcare practitioner, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries.
Conclusion
Stationary recumbent exercise bikes give great cardio exercise. They can help you strengthen your muscles and help you lose weight, while being kind to your joints.
As with any exercise program, it gives you benefits in return for the effort that you put into it. The effectiveness of your work out depends on how much work you put into your training period. If you are diligent and consistent in using the recumbent bike, you will be well rewarded.
Purchase one to use in your own home!
Disclaimer: If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. No content on this site should be substituted for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare practitioner. The information contained here is for informational purposes only. It is from my research and personal experience.
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Bike riding is absolutely a nice way to exercise the body and at the same time catch fun…so far its been my best form of exercise that at a NY point in time I do not have any excuse not to go…I could remember a friend a had a minor diffraction in his leg due to an accident and didn’t go for much medical Treatment. He absolutely was fine after constant biking with me for few weeks.
So if you feel other form of exercising are really boring and that discourages you from exercising then I must say you go biking and see how relieved you would be.
It is great to get out in the fresh air and go biking. I would not advise bike riding if you had an injured leg, however. It would be best to wait until it was healed.
If you cannot go outside and get exercise, a stationary bike is a great way to get exercise indoors.
It’s fun riding bike as a kid and over the years its been an exercise I find really cool and easy to go with. The muscles of the leg are some of the muscles most people do not take time to build especially when working out and so, with the aid of a stationary recumbent bikes, you have just what you need to do it. I have heard quite about cycling for old people that it increases their chances of prostate inflammation, how true is it?
Hi Benson, and thanks for the comment. The stationary recumbent exercise bike is a safe way for those who would like to get exercise and are not physically up to using the typical upright bike. It is easy to keep your balance on it since it has a comfortable seat and a sturdy back support. I have never heard that it increases instances of prostate inflammation. I would need to do more research on that topic.
Thanks, and all the best.
I agree with you that the level of your commitment goes a lot in determining the level of your results. If there’s the right energy and exercises level and diligence, then one will gain very much from using the recumbent stationary bikes. This is really golden and thank you so much for sharing this here.
Thank you Angela for your comment.
The recumbent stationary bike is especially beneficial for whose who want to get exercise, but cannot use the traditional upright bike. The comfortable seat and backrest make it a safer alternative.
As with any exercise, it does require commitment to keep it a priority in our schedules and make time for it. Adding exercise to our life will help us maintain good health.
All the best.
Riding bikes are a very wonderful way to get the best out of our body system and do the exercise. The problem is in this period, I can’t ride my bike anywhere. The idea of a stationary bike in my house is very nice.
The way you have written all the benefits makes it very mouth watery. I believe that it would be able to go a long way in my own house with one. Which of your reviewed bikes here do you consider the best?
Hi Riley, thank you for your comment. Yes at this particular time, many people must stay at home. So this would be an excellent time to have an exercise bike in your own home. It depends on your needs as to which of the bikes would be the best for you.
If you have a small apartment, with little room to store a bike, the Exerpeutic foldable magnetic upright bike would be the best for you.
If you would like to travel, then the Schwinn 270 Recumbent bike would give you a smooth and effective workout with the ability to explore the world with its virtual app.
And if you were serious about your workouts and wanted to use your bike often then the Sunny Health and Fitness Pro Indoor exercise bike would provide long-term, reliable use.
It is all up to you. An exercise bike can give you lots of cardio exercise when you have to stay indoors.
Cycling is one of the exercises that I really enjoy as it takes the weight off my joints, while giving me a good workout as well. I have been considering getting an exercise bike to enable me to exercise while watching television. I have been looking at upright exercise bikes, but after reading this review, I feel a recumbent bike might provide me with a better all-over exercise.
I particularly want to firm my tummy muscles, so would a recumbent exercise bike be better for tummy workouts than an upright bike? Thank you.
Hi Line, and thanks for stopping by. I do believe that on a recumbent bike, the closer you slide your seat toward the pedals the more it works your abs. For a good ab workout on a recumbent bike, it would depend on the intensity of your pedaling. I hope that answers your question.
The fitness routine one can accomplish with the stationary recumbent exercise bike is humongous.
I am describing my personal experience with this bike at a commercial gym almost regularly for more than 4 years. I was changing to elliptical a few times a week per my physician’s recommendation. Here are some of the problems I brought to the doctor’s attention.
I had some knee pain, and earlier had back pain for which I had to go for physical therapy. My belly had left from my pregnancy. I had high sugar as well.
Biking is so comfortable, I read journals, listen to music from the iPhone and so forth while doing my exercise. I changed my diet per my dietitian as well, and take a vitamin-D supplement daily. Everything worked out so well. I am perfectly healthy and fit now, Thanks to this awesome bike that truly adds to your health in every season, every day.
Hi Anusuya, thanks for stopping by! I have had a recumbent exercise bike for many years. It has changed my health and mobility so much for the better. I am glad that you have had a positive outcome as well. All the best!
The 3-Jeekee Recumbent exercise bike might be just what I am looking for. I have had sever injuries to my back from dirt bikes and skate boards and was looking for a way to ride again. I was afraid to just get on a bike and ride around town but I love the exercise and the feeling I got from it. You have provided great information to help me decide what I am looking for, thank you.
Hi Tammy Lou, I am sorry for your injuries. Back injuries can be painful and take awhile to heal. Before trying any new type of exercise it is wise to first consult with your healthcare practitioner.
A recumbent bike is the best option to be safe while exercising. In my experience, the bike with a supportive seat is what physical therapists often have in their office.
All the best as you recuperate.
A few years ago, I used a recumbent bike to help me shed 25 pounds and keep it off to this day. I love the fact that you can get in a good workout to burn calories but at the same time it’s easy on the joints. Plus it gives you the freedom to also watch tv or read while you’re working out. There’s definitely a ton of healthy reasons why anyone should consider adding it to their routine.
I’m now looking for a stationary recumbent bike for my elderly mother who no longer can do traditional workouts. She needs to lose some weight and has trouble with arthritis, so your article has given me some insights. Some of these bike options that you’ve listed look like they could be an excellent fit. Thanks so much for sharing this helpful information. It’s going to make the final decision easier.
Hi Lee, thanks for stopping by. I too, have had great results with a recumbent exercise bike. I’m glad this post could give some options to your mother. All the best as she uses this low-impact way to increase her health.