Exercise bikes-first and still going strong

With all the competition from new trendy fitness inventions, why do exercise bikes continue to remain such a favorite? Well, they are a great way to get a workout in the comfort of your own home. While we could say that for a number of other types of fitness equipment, there are few others that will let you read a magazine or newspaper while working out. Exercise bikes also don't take up much space, require little to no balance and coordination, can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors-and now there are a couple of newer versions for you to consider: the recumbent exercise bike, and the spinning bike.

The original style of exercise bikes is now referred to as an "upright" bike. This differentiates it from the recumbent exercise bike style, which allows you to lean back on a backrest, with the pedals more in front of than below you. The recumbent offers a number of advantages, including comfort and back support for people who may be unable to tolerate a traditional upright position, either due to injury, illness, or just being out of shape. The spinning bike has a heavy flywheel and the riding position more closely approximates a racing bike. It's usually heavier for stability, but has wheels for easy mobility. While this type was originally used for group fitness training classes in commercial gyms, many home gyms now boast one.

Different types of exercise bikes for different users

The upright and recumbent exercise bike styles are available with various features such as, time, distance, heart rate, caloric expenditure, interval programs,etc. The spin bikes normally provide none of that-but many people consider their simplicity an advantage. If you have no problem motivating yourself to work out regularly, you may find a spinning bike to be just your cup of tea. And no one says you can't watch tv for at least a portion of your spinning workout. On the other hand, if you usually require outside motivation, look to the recumbent or upright and choose whatever extra bells and whistles you need to maintain your interest. You can find numerous examples of all three styles of exercise bikes at online fitness equipment stores, so do a little research at the sites listed below and you're sure to find one to fit your fitness training needs.

Dunham's Sports has a good variety of both upright and recumbent exercise bikes, in addition to their wide selection of sporting goods

BigFitness.net carries upright, recumbent and spinning bikes plus a full range of fitness equipment, and offers some remanufactured merchandise at a savings.

MegaFitness has spinning, recumbent and upright bikes in their large inventory. They also offer remanufactured equipment.