The exercise bike is the most popular means of maintaining excellent physical shape. If you train wisely and systematically on it, you can relieve stress and lose extra pounds. Also, classes on an exercise bike can increase immunity, strengthen the heart, leg muscles and respiratory system.

Now the market is oversaturated with various models at prices ranging from 5 to 120 thousand rubles. What determines such a spread in cost? In this article, we will tell you how to choose an exercise bike for your home.

Load systems. Belt or shoe

In a belt system, the magnitude of the load will depend on the tension of the belt and its friction against the flywheel-wheel. If you are thinking about how to choose a home exercise bike at the lowest price, then this is the most suitable option. On the other hand, models with a belt system have a number of disadvantages: uneven travel, pedal jerks at high loads, noise from their rotation, etc.

In the shoe system, the load is provided by brake shoes pressed against the flywheel. The technical characteristics of such models are much better than those of belt models, but they are also more expensive. But there is no noise and jerks. Although the options with a shoe system also have disadvantages: a large mass, the impossibility of compact storage and disassembly.

Magnetic

The load in such simulators can be varied by changing the distance between the magnets and the flywheel. Models with a magnetic system are wear-resistant, and also have a silent, smooth, measured ride (the greater the mass of the flywheel, the smoother the pedaling will be).

How to choose an exercise bike without flaws? Very simple! Opt for the option with magnetic loading system. True, such a simulator also has a drawback. But only one - the high price. Although it is justified by numerous advantages: it is a good imitation of a real ride, quiet running, small size, the ability to accurately set the load, and a long service life.

electromagnetic

These high-tech simulators are mains powered. That is, the load on the flywheel is created by the forces of the electromagnetic field. These trainers are ideal for professional cyclists. It makes no sense for an amateur to spend money on such an expensive model (from 20 to 120 thousand rubles). Of course, on electromagnetic simulators, you can extremely accurately and flawlessly adjust the load system, but when exercising “for yourself”, this is not very necessary.

Construction types

So, we figured out how to choose an exercise bike depending on the load system. Now let's talk about the design features.

1. Vertical

The position is the same as on a regular bike, and the same muscle groups are worked during the workout. If you choose an upright model, make sure that it has a saddle height adjustment option.

2. Horizontal

Landing on this type of design is much more comfortable than on the previous one. However, only the legs are loaded. The back and press are not worked out at all. This type of construction is recommended for people with back problems.

3. Portable

How to choose an exercise bike for an elderly person? It is with this question that sellers of sports stores often turn to. An experienced consultant will answer: "You need a portable exercise bike." It consists of a computer, a load unit and pedals. Has the lowest load. Also perfect for office workers to warm up their legs.

Heart rate sensors

As a rule, these devices are included with the exercise bike. The comfort of the trainee and the accuracy of the readings depend on the type of sensors. There are two types.

1. Contact

Not very accurate in readings, as they require constant contact with the user's hands. The pulse sensors themselves are built into the handles of the simulator.

2. Remote

Accurate in indications and very convenient. They transmit a signal to the computer by photoelectronic means via a radio channel (from the finger or ear of the student).

Here I want to tell about one important point to those people who are thinking about how to choose an exercise bike for weight loss. Remember, effective fat burning does not depend on the "tricks" of the model. For weight loss, the cheapest option is also suitable. The key point is the pulse rate. Active fat burning begins after the twentieth minute of training. In this case, the pulse should be in the target zone. For most people, this gap is between 120 and 140 beats per minute. Well, do not forget to review your diet. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume.

Computer

The comfort and quality of the training process depend on the capabilities of the computer built into the exercise bike. The most common models can track speed, time, calorie consumption and distance traveled. In professional models there are additional parameters and a variety of training programs. Which exercise bike is better to choose, think for yourself. For most users, a simple model with a minimum of parameters will suffice. Well, professional athletes aimed at effective and full-fledged training cannot do without an exercise bike with a complex computer.

User weight

Each model of exercise bike has a permissible weight for operation. Do not be too lazy to find out this number. As a rule, on simple devices this value is 80-90 kg, and more powerful and expensive models can withstand up to 140-150 kg. In general, it makes sense to think about who else besides you will operate the device.

Multimedia

Many professionals who know how to choose an exercise bike, reviews of which are quite numerous, prefer models with multimedia capabilities. After all, the duration of an athlete's training can reach up to several hours, and this will make anyone bored. Therefore, on models of the middle and high price range there are inputs for players. That is, during classes you will listen to your favorite music and cheer yourself up. And on the most expensive exercise bikes, you can read e-books and surf the Internet and thus add even more variety to your training process.

Guarantee

As a rule, leading brands service their products from 1 to 2 years. If the warranty is less than a year, then you should be suspicious. For certain components and spare parts, it can generally reach up to 36 months. Make sure that the warranty card is stamped and signed.

Before you buy

Now you know how to choose an exercise bike. Since more and more people are now shopping online, there is one important point left to mention. Before you purchase an exercise bike remotely, find a similar model in the stores in your city and test it. Pay attention to three things:

• Comfortable fit. When you sit, there should be no discomfort. Otherwise, even a half-hour workout will turn into a continuous torment.
• Proper foot placement on the pedals. Not all models have a strap designed for high insteps. That is, your foot in the sneaker may not fit. Ideally, the center of the foot should coincide with the center of the pedal, and the load during rotation should fall solely on the hips (and not on the calves).
• Ability to adjust the load. High pedal resistance will create discomfort during training. Optimal models with a ten-stage load system (at least).

Happy shopping!