RECUMBENT BIKE VS UPRIGHT BIKE

RECUMBENT BIKE A recumbent bicycle differs from a standard,

stationary bicycle and elliptical machine primarily in how you position yourself on the device.

UPRIGHT BIKE Upright stationary exercise bikes have been

around a long time but recumbent stationary exercise bikes have become very popular.

DIFFERENCES

Rider's body sits well into the bike frame.

Rider is in a more comfortable and natural reclined body position which help reduce body fatigue and eliminate muscle soreness in the upper body.

Seat is much more comfortable, often times just as comfortable as your average office chair.

Rider's body sits above the bike frame like the more traditional bicycle you grew up riding as a kid.

If sitting correctly, the rider should be slightly hunched over with a slight bend in the neck and back.This may create soreness and fatigue.

Seat is smaller like it is on a more traditional bicyele.

RECUMBENT BIKE UPRIGHT BIKE

BENEFITS

Recumbent bikes are easier on the lower back (lumbar spine) due to the way that you sit in the bike. While an upright bike has you hunched over the handlebars, a recumbent bike encourages better spinal posture.

Recumbent bikes are gentle on all your joints. Your lower back is supported by the bucket seat and your knees and ankles are protected from potential injurious impact.

An upright bike gives you a more consistent workout when relating to outdoor riding, since the upright places the rider in a similar body position.

Upright bikes also ensure you’re working the same muscles that are using with outdoor riding, which is more of a whole body exercise. Where as a recumbent mostly requires use of your glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves and tibilais anterior muscles.

RECUMBENT BIKE UPRIGHT BIKE

BENEFITS(CONTINUE)

The fact that the seat is larger on a recumbent bike tends to be one of the most enticing features. An upright bike generally has a smaller seat and can be uncomfortable for many riders.

Recumbent bikes are generally safer because you cannot stand up on the pedals. This eliminates many of the injuries that occur when using an upright bike.

The upright bike works the abdominal muscles since you are keeping the body upright and supporting your workout. Since you are in a reclined position on a recumbent bike there is little to no use of the abdominal muscles.

There is also more of an upper body arm workout since you are engaging the biceps, triceps, and shoulders in the upright position.

RECUMBENT BIKE UPRIGHT BIKE

BENEFITS(CONTINUE)

A recumbent bike is a good choice for most people with neurological conditions since the bike provides a workout for individuals of all ability levels. It is safe and provides a low impact total body workout.

Due to the low impact the recumbent bike reduces the risk of pain and can build strength. If your back and hips are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, a recumbent bike may be easier to use due to the reclining position with your weight spread over your back and buttocks.

Upright bikes have a smaller footprint, therefore take up less space in your home or gym.

RECUMBENT BIKE UPRIGHT BIKE

COMPARISION TABLE

RECUMBENT BIKE PROS & CONS

Practical for obese or elderly people: This is the one piece of equipment that overweight, obese or elderly people can use in all safety. Indeed, the machine gently positions your body in such a way so as to take the weight off your knees and joints, which largely eliminates the risk of injuries. 

More comfortable: As previously mentioned, there’s really no beating the comfort factor when it comes to stationary recumbent bikes.

Can be boring for some: Although for the most part a reclined position offers more comfort than the traditional upright, more energetic people might not exactly like the idea of sitting in such position for an hour.

More expensive than upright: Admittedly, recumbent bikes do come in a wide range of prices. However, these models tend to be costlier than upright bikes, as well as bulkier. 

Pros Cons

RECUMBENT BIKE PROS & CONS (CONTINUE)

Easy to do two things at once: This is one of the rare fitness machines that are actually silent and comfortable enough to allow you to do two things at the same time. This way, athletes can lounge back and exercise while watch their favorite movie, read a book or magazine or even use their tablets.

Not suitable for people with limited floor space: One major issue with recumbent bikes is that they tend to take quite a large amount of floor space, something that can be detrimental to anyone with limited living quarters. They aren’t exactly easy to store away either, especially when compared with mini-steppers or upright bikes. 

Pros Cons

POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND Check to make sure the stationary bike is positioned

so all moving parts are allowed safe clearance. Ensure there is adequate room to safely mount and

dismount the bike. Position the handlebar and seat height before

beginning to cycle. Find your perfect position in the seat. Proper positioning is important so that you have a safe and effective workout. Keep in mind that pain in the front of your knee usually means there is too much knee bend and pain in the back means there is too little knee bend. Read more about how to set up your bike for maximum benefits.

POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND