Stationary bikes have been a fixture in gyms both home and commercial for decades!! As fitness fads have come and gone the stationary cycle has kept its place.
A bike can offer a safe nonimpact cardio session and the correct program can really push you during your session.
Firstly there are two models you may see advertised, a recumbent bike and a stationary bike. The recumbent bike will suit those users that perhaps have a history of back problems or find it very uncomfortable to sit on a standard bike.
So what are the key elements to look for in your perfect Stationary bike?
The seat post should if possible be angled to allow the correct pedaling position and the correct position of the knee over the pedals. This increases the efficiency of the pedal stroke and ensures correct form. The seat post should have a good range of vertical adjustment options to allow you to get just the right blend of comfort and efficiency in your stationary bike workout. In addition, you should check that once clamped the seat post is held in place firmly and does not squeak or move.
The pedals should be as wide as possible to allow all foot sizes and shapes to properly rotate and roll in the pedal so as not to put undue and unnatural stress on the joints, this also allows the knee to be in the correct position when pedaling to ensure the efficiency of stroke and safety when exercising.
The handlebars should be adjustable to ensure you can set them at the correct height and distance from the saddle for your specific body shape, again to increase the efficiency of the stroke and to ensure you are not held in an unnatural position during the workout. The handlebars should be comfortable to hold, well-padded, and ergonomically designed.
The seat should be wide and comfortable to allow a range of shapes to sit happily in the cycle and enjoy a workout. A good seat can also ensure you are in the correct pedaling position. A good seat shape can also eliminate chaffing and saddle soreness post-exercise.
Your cycle should have a wide and varied range of programs and resistance levels; this will ensure progression at a suitable pace without huge jumps in effort and will also mean that workout boredom is kept at bay. The resistance should be smooth to ensure it doesn’t place undue stress on the knees.
As with any piece of fitness equipment, make a thorough study of the build quality of the machine as it will be put through a lot of stress. Check the welding joints, any noise from the resistance settings, any noise from the joints, and also how stable the cycle is when being used. Be sure to go for a stationary bike with a magnetic resistance setting.
