A modern person, unfortunately, does not always have the time and opportunity to visit the gym. A great alternative, available to almost everyone, is an exercise bike for the home. Classes on it allow you to train breathing, strengthen the cardiovascular system, develop muscles and increase endurance. And such training helps to get rid of extra pounds and relieve stress.
Design
The exercise bike belongs to the category of cardio equipment. Typically, it consists of a seat, base, flywheel (which replaces the wheels), pedals, and handlebars.
The mini exercise bike (portable) has only a flywheel in the body and pedals. This option is convenient for those who spend a lot of time sitting at the monitor or at the table. This option is also suitable for an elderly person: there is no additional load on the back.
Most of the models (including some portable ones) are equipped with a display. The display shows speed, training time, heart rate recorded by sensors as standard. They are of two kinds.
- contact: located in the handles of the simulator, which is not very convenient, since they do not capture the data accurately enough;
- remote: mounted on a person (for example, on the wrist).
The display also shows workout mode, calories burned, cadence and more.
There are simulators without a software package: here the load is regulated by rotating the handle on the rack. Another type of load change is electronic. Such models can be equipped with basic, as well as pulse-dependent and custom programs that allow you to set your own training regimen.
The software package may also include a fitness test that measures the level of fitness, and a fat analyzer. These features are useful for those who constantly look after themselves and strive to maintain impeccable shape while staying at home or supplementing their workouts.
You can find exercise bikes that allow you to capture the parameters of two or more users, saving individual training regimens and activity data. This option is suitable for a family where several people play sports. See lesson programs.
As a rule, models for beginners (basic) and advanced options are considered the most suitable for the home. The basic ones usually do not have external cardiac sensors, there is a minimal set of programs (or there is no software package), a black and white display. They are cheaper, while advanced ones are more convenient and functional.
Choose a view
- Vertical or horizontal
Vertical: The pedals are located under the seat. It is less stable compared to horizontal models, but it is cheaper and more mobile.
Horizontal: equipped with a seat with a back, comfortable, designed for significant weight. There are also hybrid models. They look like they are horizontal, but the adjustable chair position allows you to choose from different training options: sitting, reclining, etc. They are ideal for recovery procedures.
Conclusion: for the home it is better to choose a vertical one if you want to keep fit and do not have any health restrictions. The horizontal one is suitable for those who are overweight or take care of the spine, because classes on it “load” mainly the press and legs.
- Portable or full size
Portable: It weighs less than 8kg and is comparable in size to a small fan heater. It allows you to train in a comfortable position, but does not give serious loads, which means it is not suitable for losing weight and strengthening blood vessels.
Full Size: Weight and dimensions vary by design. The horizontal model can weigh almost 100 kg and have a length of more than 1.5 m. Vertical models weigh about 20 kg. and occupy space from 85 cm to 50 cm or more.
Conclusion: which option to choose? At home, a full-size is preferable if you have no health restrictions, because it allows you to fully train.
- mechanical or magnetic
Mechanical belt - the most affordable. The load is adjusted depending on the tension of the belt: as soon as the trainee gets tired, the simulator slows down. It has no computer sensors, few additional functions. It makes a lot of noise and often breaks.
The mechanical shoe model gives a more serious load: the “cyclist” overcomes the resistance of the brake shoes adjacent to the flywheel. On the one hand, this is a noisy and large device, on the other hand, it is easy to use, inexpensive and suitable for those who need serious training.
Magnetic are distinguished by smoothness, noiselessness, wear resistance. Resistance during training is created due to the attraction of the flywheel by a magnetic field.
Conclusion: mechanical trainers are usually cheaper and therefore quite popular. Magnetic is more convenient. On the market you can find magnetic options without software: they are inexpensive, but not of high quality.
It's important to know
To choose the right exercise bike, you need to consider several nuances. There are rules regarding the simulator itself, there are rules that apply directly to the user.
About you
- Before buying an exercise bike for home, it is worth working out on it in the gym. Then it will become clear whether this kind of load is right for you.
- Classes are contraindicated in case of cardiovascular insufficiency, heart disease, severe varicose veins, asthma (in case of constant attacks), thrombophlebitis. Also, do not load the body with serious problems with the musculoskeletal system and with diseases of the joints.
It is necessary to consult a doctor in case of hypertension, angina pectoris and other diseases of the cardiovascular system. Indeed, to strengthen this system (as well as the respiratory one), there is a special medical option - a bicycle ergometer. Classes on it are usually held in medical institutions under the supervision of specialists. It can also be bought for home use, but only a doctor will help you choose the right device.
About the simulator
Depending on the size of the budget, you can choose different options. The price of a portable model starts at about 3,000 rubles, full-sized ones, as a rule, cost from 10,000. There are cheaper options, but these are either stocks of specialized stores or goods from little-known manufacturers.
- Your weight
Pay attention to the user weight limit. The standard is a maximum of 100 kg., However, there are models designed for 150 and even 180 kg (professional). It is desirable that the weight of the trainee does not reach a maximum of at least 10 kg.
- flywheel weight
It is important to take into account the weight of the device itself: the weight of the flywheel of 3-4 kg is considered ideal for a device that will constantly move from place to place. But if you need to choose a home exercise bike for weight loss and muscle strengthening, choose a model with a flywheel weight of at least 7 kg.
- Ease of transport and adjustment
In addition to weight and size, the presence or absence of wheels (that is, whether it will have to be carried or can be rolled) and the height of the steering wheel and seat are important.
- Seating comfort
A detail that, unfortunately, is rarely paid attention to is the comfort of the seat. It should be soft enough, and its size should be right for you. Otherwise, during training it will be uncomfortable, and after training it will hurt.
Decide on a goal
The choice of an exercise bike for home use depends on the purpose of its acquisition:
- For the whole family
If the simulator is intended for all family members, then when buying, you need to focus on the weight of the largest person. If there is a younger generation in the family, then you need to buy a model with adjustable steering wheel and seat height. The standard exercise bike can be used by people with a height of 165 cm, which means it is not suitable for small children. For schoolchildren, there are special children's models.
- For weight loss
If the purpose of the purchase is weight loss, then it will be important to have a program for tracking “burned” calories, the size of the flywheel (the larger it is, the stronger the load and the more intense the workout). But remember: a powerful load increases muscle volume. If the user's weight is large, then choose a horizontal model. By the way, it is also suitable for those who want to tighten their buttocks.
Read about the best weight loss simulators in ours.
- For intense workouts
Vertical-type simulators, models with a powerful flywheel, as well as those that allow you to set your own training regimen, are suitable.
- Recovery
If the simulator is purchased to restore health after an illness or surgery, then a doctor's consultation is required. The ideal option is a medical bicycle ergometer. It is multifunctional, reliable, ergonomic and safe. However, it is expensive and requires an electrical connection.
In some cases, a mini-exercise bike is enough, which does not create a load on the spine, weighs a little and allows you to choose a comfortable position for training. It is designed for training both legs and arms.
Find out the parameters
Choosing a good exercise bike is not too difficult if you consider several factors:
If it is important for you that the device works quietly (for example, so as not to wake up small children or if you prefer to train at night), then magnetic models are suitable for you.
The most affordable mechanical belt options. Only portable ones are cheaper.
- The size
If there is not enough space in the apartment, then it is better to choose a mini-model or a mechanical belt. By the way, there are folding options. They are compact, light enough (about 15 kg on average) and comfortable. However, they are not suitable for intensive training due to the light flywheel (3-5 kg).
The most gentle option is a medical bicycle ergometer. A horizontal simulator, also often used for medical purposes, is also convenient. Does not harm the spine and portable mini-model. And magnetic options provide a smoother ride compared to mechanical ones.
Manufacturers
Another important factor is the manufacturer. Which company to choose to be sure of the quality of the goods?
The most popular manufacturers are Kettler, Torneo, Oxygen Fitness, House Fit, Body Sculpture, etc.
Before buying a simulator, read the reviews about the selected model on the Internet. If possible, try out the chosen option (in the gym or with friends).
In the store, check the build quality, the number of additional features, the cost of similar models from other companies and convenience. To do this, evaluate the following parameters:
- How easily the height of the handlebars and seat is adjusted, and how securely they are fixed.
- How durable is the hull.
- How securely the parts fit together, are there any gaps.
- How tight are the pedals? It is inconvenient if you need to apply too much force to “accelerate”. Also, you should not take a simulator, which, on the contrary, does not give a noticeable load even at maximum levels.
- How stable. This point is especially important if there are small children or pets in the house.
- How easy it is to work with the display: whether the indicators are clearly visible, whether they appear immediately, whether the training modes change clearly.
Choose wisely, train with pleasure!