Stationary bikes are one of the oldest and most practical pieces of exercise equipment. They provide an inexpensive platform for low impact aerobic exercise without taking up much space. The upright exercise bike was the first of these machines, and is still the most popular.
Upright exercise bikes are more practical than their cousins, the recumbent bikes, due to their simplicity and compactness. Recumbent bikes are much heavier and longer than upright models. Upright bikes can be moved when not in use, and most can be quickly disassembled if necessary. Although, sadly, some machines do end up as clothes racks, most can be quickly returned to service. An upright exercise bike also gives road cyclists a practice platform during inclement weather. This enables them to maintain fitness levels obtained through long hours of on-road work.
An upright exercise bike can vary from the roller-mounted road bike to a computerized model that generates its own electrical power. Most bikes use a friction brake to create the resistance that is essential to aerobic exercise. The typical upright bike has only two adjustments. The seat is adjustable for leg length, and the resistance can be changed to suit the intensity of the desired workout. In computerized models the resistance can be programmed to vary while exercising, as though the bike were going up and down hills. This feature gives a more rounded workout and fights the boredom that is the biggest enemy of exercise.
Because of the ease with which it can be mounted and dismounted, the fitness upright exercise bike is a terrific compliment to other workout equipment. Football players will frequently be seen on the sidelines riding upright bikes while the other squad is on the field. This prevents cramps and warm up/cool down problems. Although most folks engaged in home workouts do not have this problem to the same extent as a professional athlete, a bike can be used to maintain pulse levels and blood flow between rounds of weight lifting or other resistance exercise. This is a handy way to ensure whole-body fitness without overtaxing any specific muscle group.
Upright exercise bikes are practical, inexpensive, and simple to use. They are ideal for the small apartment, while providing the workout flexibility needed to maintain good fitness levels. And, because of its easy adjustability, it can serve as many users as needed.
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