Stationary bikes can be found in any gym and are perfect for home use thanks to their small size and versatility. They fit almost anywhere and they can help one workout even on a bad weather or during a busy day, when there is no time left to go to the gym.
The main advantage of stationary bikes is the fact that it has a low impact on the joints. This means that they can be used by healthy individuals who train to keep fit, as well as by injured people who are looking for ways to recover faster.
Stationary bikes are recommended by physicians all over the world due to the multitude of advantages they offer.
They are good for one’s health, they are extremely helpful when wanting to lose weight and modern stationary bikes are equipped with monitoring technologies that help one keep track of their physical shape.
Why choose a stationary bike for home use?
We live in a world where speed and efficiency are everything. However, they can rarely coexist in the same context. If we want to move very fast, we can’t guarantee that things will be done efficiently. Especially in the fitness world, it’s better to keep things simple and take one step at a time.
That is the main reason why a stationary bike is useful in every home. We don’t always have the time to hit the gym, as we aren’t always in the mood to walk or drive there after a rough day at work.
Having a bike in the comfort of our own home can save us time and energy that we can invest in our training. Also, one has no excuse for skipping a training day when they have a bike at home.
Although the truth is that traditional bikes are healthier and they allow you to breathe fresh air and build a toned, nicely shaped body in a short period of time, stationary bikes are also very good for your body.
They can be used at any time of the day and night and their simple presence in a home can motivate other family members to start training in order to lose weight or simply for the fun of it.
What’s the best bike for your needs?
There are plenty of stationary bikes for home use, but some of them are also very expensive. If you don’t want to invest more than necessary, then you should think carefully about your needs and your budget.
The best bike that you can choose is one that feels comfortable, that is safe and easy to use. However, today’s market has a generous offer of modern bikes that are equipped with high-end technologies, such as wireless connectivity, advanced monitors, activity tracker, heart rate monitor, pre-set trainings and more.
If you are only looking for a basic stationary bike, you should be looking for a model that is sturdily constructed, that has an ergonomic design and that is stable.
But before making a decision, you should analyze all the bike types and choose one with a mechanism that is most suitable for your training needs.
The flywheel is one of the things that make the difference between several bike types. This mechanical device that is used to store the rotational energy is connected to the pedals and provides a certain resistance.
There are three main types of bike resistance:
- Direct-contact resistance
- Magnetic resistance
- Air resistance (fan-based)
Bikes that have direct-contact resistance usually have plenty of resistance settings and an accurate rotational speed.
Bikes that have magnetic resistance don’t use friction at all, unlike direct-contact ones. This means that this type of flywheel doesn’t require maintenance or replacement, which is a big advantage. Electromagnetic induction is being used to provide the required resistance.
Unlike the previous two models, fan-based resistance bikes don’t require a flywheel, as their fan is connected to the pulley system. While the rider pedals, the fan starts turning, providing air resistance that can only be increased when the user pedals faster.
There is no rule regarding the quality or comfort of these 3 types of resistance. They are all great for a particular category of home cyclers. For example, if you prefer a smooth, stable resistance level, then the magnetic resistance is more suitable for you than the other types.
Basic or complex? Which style do you need?
For some people, the resistance type is the last of the concerns. Living in an era where all objects and devices seem to be interconnected, it is also important to be able to receive important data about your activity when working out.
Therefore, having a bike with a complex monitoring system can be as important as the bike’s design.
However, the cycling experience is always better if you pay attention to aspects that involve your personal comfort. A bike that has an ergonomic design is not only easier to workout with, but it is also safer for your body.
Also, the safety features are extremely important. Being able to stop the pedals whenever you have an emergency proves to be very useful. Therefore, focus your attention on key safety features, too.
In the event that you want to use a stationary bike for recovery purposes, you will definitely need an advanced monitor that displays values such as your pulse, your heart beat rate, the intensity of your training and more.
If you want to lose weight, you must focus on getting a bike that has cardio programs and that is very stable.
Stationary bikes are recommended for everyone, but especially when the cardiovascular system needs to be strengthened, when a large amount of calories must be burnt or when a training that has a low impact on the joints is required.
After researching online, the next step is to go to a local shop and jump on a few stationary bike types. This way, you will be able to determine which one is the best stationary bike for your home.