Recumbent Exercise Bikes?

[Corporate Thug]

I ran across what looks ot be a nice deal on a Recumbent Exercise Bike on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-A20-Re...+Exercise+Bike

I was thinking about buying and throwing it in my parents' house for quick cardio once in a while when I visit.

Can someone explain to me how Recumbent Exercise Bikes compare to regualar exercise bikes? Is one better than the other?

THanks.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Recumbent is awful if you're looking for something for cardio. Unless you specifically need non load/weight bearing cardio (for physical ailments and/or recovery from injury), you don't get the same benefits.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Recumbent is awful if you're looking for something for cardio. Unless you specifically need non load/weight bearing cardio (for physical ailments and/or recovery from injury), you don't get the same benefits.

so is it mainly used by people with injuries or physical restrictions?

 

[highland145]

Recumbent is awful if you're looking for something for cardio. Unless you specifically need non load/weight bearing cardio (for physical ailments and/or recovery from injury), you don't get the same benefits.

Why would there be any different than a stationary one?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

so is it mainly used by people with injuries or physical restrictions?

In the physical therapy clinic, it's something we use to get people moving without loading their legs up too much. To be honest though, if you work hard with HIIT and do intervals on it, you can get a sweat up. On a normal bike, you're sitting upright and using your arms for support, which uses a lot more muscular effort. You're also moving a lot more at your hip, which recruits the hip musculature more than the recumbent bike. It's not a bad machine - you just have to make an effort to get your heart rate up.

 

[Druidx]

Just my personal opinion but I would stay away from recumbent bikes. When I use to do a lot of long distance cycling, I sometimes used a commercial quality recumbent bike during the winter months. They are better in theory than practical use. For long term use, I found the peddling motion with my legs out in front very uncomfortable when compared to a normal bike. You burn less calories on a recumbent when compared to an upright because you don’t engage other muscles besides your legs. I would definitely recommend testing one during a full workout a few times before buying one.