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Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes of 2022 – SI Showcase

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Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes of 2022 – SI Showcase

The merchandise featured on this article have been independently reviewed. Once you purchase one thing by way of the retail hyperlinks on this web page, we might earn fee for free of charge to you, the reader. The Sports activities Illustrated editorial group shouldn’t be concerned within the creation of this content material. Be taught extra right here.

Whereas recumbent bikes aren’t the primary piece of health gear most people take into consideration when outfitting a house gymnasium, these machines can supply customers an efficient exercise, so that they’re undoubtedly worthy of a more in-depth look.

Not like stationary bikes, recumbent bikes permit customers to sit down in a cushty reclined place. 

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With seats which are wider and decrease to the bottom, additionally they really feel a bit extra secure, and so they’re simpler to get on and off. On the entire, recumbent bikes promote good spinal alignment, and so they present a protected, efficient and low-impact exercise. These bikes are significantly useful to anybody with restricted mobility, seniors and novices.

Just like stationary bikes (or every other kind of dwelling health gear), recumbent bikes include various ranges of resistance, variations in adjustability and measurement, and let’s not overlook the myriad high-tech and low-tech choices—there’s quite a bit to unpack, of us.

So, that can assist you make heads or tails of all of it, we’ve curated a listing of the perfect recumbent train bikes which are worthy of any shortlist. Forward we additionally cowl why recumbent bikes might belong in your house gymnasium, issues to contemplate when shopping for a recumbent bike and, lastly, use mentioned bike correctly when you’ve made your buy.

Our Picks for the Greatest Recumbent Train Bike:

Nautilus R616 Recumbent bike

Total the R616 is a superbly designed machine, and that ought to come as no shock contemplating that it carries the title Nautilus. Its smooth design apart, the R616 has a ton of nice options, and that’s why it hits our listing as the perfect general recumbent train bike. It could be value noting that the R616 is one in all two recumbent bike fashions at present provided by Nautilus. The R616 is the entry-level bike, and the R618 is taken into account their high-end recumbent bike. 

These in search of a difficult recumbent bike exercise at dwelling will definitely discover it right here. Not solely does the R616 have 26 resistance ranges, however it additionally comes outfitted with 29 exercise packages. So, on any given day, you’ll be able to select whichever program fits your fancy. Whether or not it’s a journey within the park, a circle round Mount Hood, or a visit to the pyramids, you’ll get pleasure from a difficult exercise with some distinctive surroundings to maintain you motivated. Furthermore, the R616 additionally has extra train choices like uphill finishes, stairs and intervals.

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Customers will discover that the perimeter weighted flywheel provides some weight to the bike whereas offering a easy, quiet and constant exercise in addition to a sensible biking expertise.

Not like a few of its opponents, the Nautilus R616 additionally permits customers to hook up with apps by way of their console. So, whether or not you’re utilizing an app like Nautilus Join™ or MyFitnessPal, you’ll be able to obtain your exercise knowledge. Different bells and whistles of the Nautilus R616 embody in-console audio system with iPod or MP3 participant ports, a media shelf (so you’ll be able to learn a e-book or “Netflix and peddle” when you’re so inclined), a 3-peat pace cooling fan and transport wheels for mobility.

The R616 additionally includes a DualTrack™ LCD display screen. The bigger display screen shows your exercise and depth, whereas the smaller display screen shows typical efficiency stats like pace, time, distance, RPM, coronary heart price and energy burned.

Whereas the Nautilus R616 has a comparatively massive footprint, it’s nonetheless a reasonably smooth machine that provides a secure journey even at increased speeds. Snug, outsized seats, a step-through body and transport wheels for mobility spherical out its nice listing of options.

  • Value: $599.00
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Weight capability: 300 kilos
  • Display/monitor: DualTrack™ LCD show

Buy Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike


EXERPEUTIC 400XL folding recumbent bike

In the event you’re in search of a foldable recumbent bike which you can transfer out of sight between exercise periods, you would possibly take into account the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike. However make no mistake, whereas this recumbent bike has a space-saving design, you’re not giving something up when it comes to performance.

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The Exerpeutic 400XL is a compact recumbent bike, however it nonetheless options a big snug seat and backrest for distinctive consolation and help, and its semi-recumbent design gives straightforward entry and exit. And whereas it’s fairly light-weight at 43 kilos, it’s a strong bike that doesn’t rock or transfer whilst you’re pedaling. The Exerpeutic 400XL additionally includes a V-belt double-drive transmission system and a precision-balanced flywheel that additional enhances the smoothness of your exercise whereas maintaining the noise to a minimal.

Customers will discover eight ranges of magnetic resistance which are simply adjusted, courtesy of the strain management knob positioned simply beneath the console.

Talking of consoles, the Exerpeutic 400XL is supplied with a user-friendly, easy-to-read LCD show that tracks the efficiency stats you’d anticipate, comparable to distance, energy, time, pace and coronary heart price. It’s value noting right here that the efficiency stats, whereas out there, is probably not probably the most correct. To be able to have an correct evaluation of those efficiency statistics, customers usually have to enter specifics comparable to their peak and weight, however there’s no manner to try this with this machine which is comprehensible given its worth level.

Different nice options of the Exerpeutic 400XL embody extendable leg stabilizers, pulse sensors on the handlebars, massive pedals with security straps and transport wheels for mobility.

  • Value: $152.31
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Weight capability: 300 kilos
  • Display/monitor: LCD monitor

Buy Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike


Greatest Recumbent Train Bike with Train Applications: Nordictrack Business R35

Nordictrack Commercial R35

Whereas the NordicTrack Business R35 makes our listing as the perfect recumbent bike with train packages, it will possibly additionally sit comfortably within the splurge class, courtesy of its $1,499 price ticket. Fifteen hundred {dollars} could seem slightly spendy for a recumbent bike, however the NordicTrack business R35 comes with a powerful listing of options to again it up. 

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First, whereas most stationary bikes solely supply a diversified exercise by adjusting the pedal resistance, this usually causes friction which may be noisy. The NordicTrack Business R35, nonetheless, is supplied with SMR ™ (Silent Magnetic Resistance), which retains the noise to a minimal. Past its quiet operation, this bike is supplied with 26 ranges of resistance and a 25 pound flywheel for a easy journey. It additionally options an ergonomic seat design to enhance lumbar help, built-in audio system and a self-adjusting fan.

However now, on to the piece de resistance, whereas different recumbent bikes available on the market that usually have 5- to 10-inch screens, the R35 has a smooth 14-inch HD Sensible touchscreen. By means of this display screen, you’ll be able to hook up with the iFit app, the place you’ll be able to tune in to dwell and on-demand exercises, stream biking lessons, see their efficiency stats and take a gander at dwell leaderboards to offer you a motivation increase if want be.

The iFit Household membership is complimentary for the primary 30 days, and if you realize something about iFit, then you realize it has a powerful library of exercises to select from. Impressively , the R35 additionally options Google Maps™ exercise know-how, so whether or not you need to go biking in Prague or keep native and take a look at Yosemite Falls as an alternative, you’ll be able to go wherever your temper takes you. Even higher, a single iFit membership contains as much as 5 profiles on the R35.

 Remember the fact that the R35 is a business high quality recumbent bike, so whereas it has a fairly large footprint, that additionally makes it a sturdy piece of train gear. The R35 is a superb alternative for bigger riders who want beneficiant seating and a better weight capability, in addition to those that wish to lean into their tech facet.

  • Value: $1,499
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Weight capability: 350 kilos
  • Display/monitor: 14-inch contact display screen

Buy Nordictrack Business R35


Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Marcy recumbent train bike is proof which you can get an efficient exercise on a great train bike at a budget-friendly worth.

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The Marcy bike includes a premium metal body that in the end interprets to a secure journey and sturdiness over time. The bike is designed with a step-through body that makes getting on and off the bike a lot simpler, and a big padded seat means you’ll be able to anticipate a extra snug journey. Moreover, the seat is adjustable, so when you’re sharing the bike with housemates or companions, everybody could make the mandatory changes to accommodate their leg and stride size.

The Marcy bike is supplied with eight ranges of magnetic resistance, which customers can simply regulate utilizing the strain management knob. Past the adjustable resistance, weighted and counterbalanced pedals supply customers a easy and comfy journey. The LCD show is massive and simple to learn. And like most bikes, that’s the place customers will discover the same old stats like time, pace, distance and energy burned.

  • Value: $257.99
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Weight capability: 300 kilos
  • Display/monitor: LCD monitor

Buy Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Train Bike


Greatest Recumbent Train Bike for Seniors: Schwinn 270

Schwinn 270

The Schwinn 270 recumbent bike is quiet, snug and user-friendly in each design and know-how, so it’s a superb alternative for seniors. Its easy and quiet operation makes it a great match for condominium dwelling.

Designed for many who want a protected, low-impact exercise, the Schwinn 270 has quite a bit to supply, together with 29 exercise packages, 25 ranges of resistance and a weighted flywheel that gives a easy but difficult journey. The bike is comparatively light-weight at 86 kilos, it’s straightforward to assemble and is designed with handlebars on the sides of the seat for stability, however its senior-friendly options don’t cease there.

The show console is massive and simple to learn, and customers will discover audio system, a cooling fan, an MP3 and USB ports inside. Plus, the Schwinn 270 gives Bluetooth connectivity, so if you wish to sync your exercises with apps like MyFitnessPal or Apple Well being, it’s straightforward sufficient to do. 

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This bike additionally includes a fast begin program that’s nice for newcomers or anybody who feels lower than tech-savvy. By the way, the short begin can be a pleasant possibility when you simply need to dive in and familiarize your self with the bike with out getting caught within the techy trivialities. These prepared for the subsequent stage can transfer on to the Coronary heart Fee Management exercise packages, which monitor your coronary heart price and regulate the exercise to maintain you in your optimum coronary heart price vary primarily based on the purpose you’ve set.

One notable and distinctive function of the Schwinn 270 is that it’s VR suitable. Customers can hook up with a VR headset and peddle by way of scenic locations from around the globe utilizing apps comparable to Discover the World. 

  • Value: $649.00
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Weight capability: 300 kilos
  • Display/monitor: Backlit LCD window 

Buy Schwinn 270


Sunny Health and Fitness SF RB4616

At simply 46 inches lengthy, the Sunny Well being & Health bike hits our listing as the perfect compact recumbent bike. So, when you’re in search of a chunk of train gear that matches into an condominium or a small room in your house, this could possibly be it.

And whereas the Sunny Well being & Health bike is compact, don’t let its measurement idiot you; it has lots to supply. This bike options eight ranges of magnetic resistance, a step-through design (that means you don’t must step over something to entry the seat) and a belt drive with a weighted flywheel for easy pedaling and quiet operation.

This bike options a big cushioned seat and backrest, so it’s lots snug for any exercise. For these involved about stability, the Sunny Well being & Health bike comes with two units of handlebars; one on the entrance of the machine and one on the facet. Furthermore, every set of handlebars is outfitted with coronary heart price displays, so customers can simply maintain tabs on their coronary heart price.

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As you would possibly anticipate, a $230 worth level received’t get you the perfect tech on the market. That mentioned, the Sunny Well being & Health recumbent bike options an LCD monitor that’s fundamental—however nonetheless tells you every part it’s good to know, comparable to time, pace, distance, energy burned and coronary heart price. You received’t discover preset exercises, neither is there an choice to report exercises so you’ll be able to evaluate your outcomes over time however, once more, that’s to be anticipated on this worth vary.

In the end, that is actually a viable possibility for anybody in search of a compact recumbent bike that’s reasonably priced.

  • Value: $229.00
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Weight capability: 300 kilos
  • Display/monitor: LCD Monitor 

Buy Sunny Well being and Health SF RB4616


Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

Recumbent train bikes have interaction the muscle tissues in your decrease physique, and whereas they will present a great, low-impact cardio exercise, they usually do little else on your higher physique.

For many who need to maintain their joints fluid and get a full-body exercise with every session, you would possibly take into account the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Coach and Elliptical. As its title implies, this can be a recumbent bike and elliptical all rolled into one machine, so the machine primarily falls into the cross-training class. 

Like many recumbent bikes, The Teeter Freestep is supplied with magnetic resistance that provides a easy journey, and you’ll select from 13 resistance ranges. Each the seats and the handles of the Teeter Freestep are adjustable; customers can regulate the peak and the recline positions of the seat independently to discover a snug match, and the handlebars may be adjusted to focus on totally different muscle teams.

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The Teeter Freestep includes a digital console that tracks the same old metrics, like time, distance, pace and energy burned. And because the console retains it easy, there needs to be no expectation of pre-programmed exercises. Sadly, that is actually all there may be to it, which is perhaps fairly a disappointment to some contemplating its $900 price ticket. 

That mentioned, the Teeter Freestep has a built-in machine stand, so you need to use your personal pill or telephone to entry exercise packages or watch a film whilst you pedal. It is value noting that Teeter additionally gives the Teeter Transfer app for each iOS and Android so customers in search of trainer-led exercises can discover it there. 

It is also value noting that the Teeter FreeStep has a 300 pound weight restrict. And whilst you might imagine that data might not apply to you when you do not weigh 300 kilos, there’s something to be gleaned from it. Usually, recumbent bikes with a better weight restrict are usually extra sturdy. So, as you might need guessed, a better most weight restrict may level to a high-quality machine.

  • Value: $899
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Weight capability: 300 kilos
  • Display/monitor: LCD monitor 

Buy Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Coach and Elliptical


Greatest Business Recumbent Bike: Sole LCR

Sole LCR

Whereas the Sole LCR is nice for bodily remedy clinics or gyms, it’s equally helpful in your house. As a result of it’s designed for business use, it ought to come as no shock that the Soul LCR is constructed with a strong metal body which makes it fairly secure. And whilst you’d little question anticipate a business recumbent bike to take up a big footprint in your house, this bike is comparatively small, coming in at 30 inches extensive. At that measurement, it’s in all probability not a deal-breaker for dwelling use. 

This bike is supplied with magnetic resistance, so it operates quietly, and customers can select from 40 preset resistance ranges. It includes a extensive cushioned seat and padded backrest for superior consolation, in addition to ergonomically designed pedals that permit your ft to keep up a strong reference to the pedal even on the prime of the stroke.

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The Sole LCR includes a 10-inch LCD show within the console, and it’s straightforward to see because the display screen is backlit and shows massive black digital numbers.

Digging slightly deeper, customers will discover 10 preset packages constructed into the console — six commonplace packages, two coronary heart packages and two customized packages. Furthermore, there are coronary heart price sensors within the handlebars subsequent to the seats, and the machine comes with a chest strap that syncs to the machine to show your coronary heart price metrics on the display screen.

A pill holder hooked up to the highest of a console, followers, audio system and a headphone jack spherical out the goodies on this recumbent bike.

  • Value: $1,599.99
  • Resistance: Magnetic
  • Weight capability: 350 kilos
  • Display/monitor: LCD monitor 

Buy Sole LCR


Why Purchase a Recumbent Train Bike?

Not like stationary bikes, recumbent bikes will let you journey in a reclined place. And whereas this may occasionally appear like a “breezy” option to get your day by day exercise in, don’t let the laid-back look of a recumbent bike idiot you. Recumbent bikes are a superb option to strengthen your coronary heart, scale back hypertension, lower your resting coronary heart price, relieve stress and increase your temper. Additionally, not like stationary bikes, recumbent bikes put much less stress in your joints whilst you get your cardio in. In the end, it’s only a matter of desire or consolation. Moreover , the reclined place may be nice for newcomers, seniors and people with mobility points or different bodily limitations.

Who Is a Recumbent Train Bike Good For?

Recumbent bikes present efficient cardiovascular exercises, and so they’re good for anybody at any health stage. The reclined place may be particularly good for newcomers, seniors centered on longevity and people with mobility points or different bodily limitations.

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What to Search for in a Recumbent Train Bike

When searching for a recumbent bike, the main points matter; the tech, adjustability and resistance ranges all play an necessary position in your general enjoyment, and so they can in the end decide whether or not you go the gap—or not.

Tech

When searching for a recumbent train bike, it’s necessary to decide on a motorcycle that has the correct quantity of tech on your functions and aptitude. For some folks, tech may be make or break, whereas, for others, tech is simply an extra function. In the event you select a high-tech possibility, you realize what you’re in search of. In the event you select a low-tech possibility, simply make certain that, on the very least, you’ll be able to see fundamental efficiency stats and health metrics so you’ll be able to maintain monitor of your progress and get probably the most out of the machine.

Dimension + Portability

Recumbent train bikes are available in a variety of sizes and portability choices, so once you’re making your shortlist, remember to maintain these components in thoughts. Clearly, when you dwell in an condominium, you’re going to need a bike that doesn’t really feel like one other roommate. Plus, you’d in all probability need a bike that operates quietly lest you annoy the neighbors. Quite the opposite, when you dwell in a home and you’ve got sufficient house to dedicate to a recumbent train bike, this may actually open up your choices.

Along with measurement, you may additionally need to take into consideration portability. In case your bike goes to remain in a single spot, that is clearly not going to be a priority, but when it’s good to transfer the bike round for no matter cause, you would possibly need to buy a mannequin that has transport wheels to make the duty slightly simpler.

Adjustability 

Like most items of train gear, recumbent bikes aren’t a one-size-fits-all form of deal. So, when searching for a recumbent bike, it is best to take into consideration shopping for a mannequin that means that you can make any changes wanted to accommodate a cushty stride. This goes double when you anticipate to share the machine with housemates or companions.

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Resistance 

Recumbent train bikes usually use magnetic rigidity resistance on the flywheel to create a easy, life like feeling journey. Usually, the heavier the flywheel, the extra life like the using expertise. So, remember to examine flywheel weights wherever attainable.

Value

Value is usually a defining issue for any kind of enormous buy. For these contemplating a recumbent bike, the concerns are not any totally different. Even a cursory search on the web will reveal that recumbent bikes are available in a variety of worth factors. In the end, you’ll want to search out the bike that provides all of the performance you need at a worth you’ll be able to afford. 

FAQs:

What muscle tissues does a recumbent bike work?

Recumbent bikes work the muscle tissues in your legs; this contains your glutes, quads, hamstrings and decrease legs. 

How usually ought to I take advantage of a recumbent bike?

There are not any laborious and quick guidelines for a way usually it is best to use a recumbent bike, however so far as bodily exercise goes, the CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity bodily exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Whether or not you select to make use of your recumbent bike extra usually actually relies upon by yourself health targets. 

How must you sit on a recumbent bike?

When utilizing a recumbent bike, correct positioning is necessary to attenuate the danger of harm or discomfort. In case your seat is within the right place, you’ll have a slight bend within the knee when your foot is on the pedal. In case your knees are locked out, you can not attain the pedals, or your knee is bent at a 90-degree angle on the prime of every rotation, you’ll need to regulate your seat. Additionally , you’ll need to be sure you can regulate the seat sufficient to comfortably attain the handlebars and use the controls on the display screen.

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Do recumbent bikes burn stomach fats?

Whereas focused weight reduction shouldn’t be attainable, a great exercise on a recumbent bike will burn energy. Common exercise routines on a recumbent bike can result in an general weight reduction—together with your abdomen. So, whilst you can’t particularly goal stomach fats, you probably see a discount in your waistline with common train. 

Are recumbent bikes good for arthritic knees?

Recumbent bikes are a superb alternative for these with arthritic knees. These bikes present a low-impact train that doesn’t stress your knees and joints like working or a HIIT exercise would, for instance.

What number of energy does a recumbent train bike burn?

Whereas the quantity of energy you burn in any given exercise largely relies on components like your weight and peak, a great rule of thumb is that recumbent bikes can burn anyplace between 400-450 energy per hour.

Ultimate Ideas

Recumbent bikes are a superb alternative for anybody who needs a low-impact exercise that doesn’t take an pointless toll on their joints. Whereas they permit customers to recline whereas understanding, make no mistake, the exercise on a recumbent bike will nonetheless be a problem. When selecting a recumbent bike, take into consideration resistance ranges, adjustability and the quantity of tech you need or what you’re snug with.

Costs are correct and gadgets in inventory as of publish time.

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Gainesville Health and Fitness: Running exercises

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Gainesville Health and Fitness: Running exercises

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Running is the preferred workout for many people.

Trainer Adam from Gainesville Health and Fitness tells us about the perfect form in this week’s Your Fitness.

RELATED: Gainesville Health and Fitness: Core workout with kettlebell

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8 health and fitness tips to stave off an indulgent Christmas

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8 health and fitness tips to stave off an indulgent Christmas

Let’s face it, we all know that Christmas and the holidays can be a pretty indulgent time of the year. Even if you’ve promised yourself this is the year where you take it a bit easier, you take your eye off the ball for just a few days and all of a sudden you’re 18 iced mince pies deep and your chiseled physique now resembles that of a melted ice cream.

Just me? Perhaps, but keeping on top of your fitness at this time of year is almost impossible; the gyms are closed, the food is rich and calorific, and the drinks (alcoholic or otherwise) flow non-stop. Cutting loose in December is also doubly impactful because January is often the time of year when people try to make the biggest dent in their fitness. I can’t even count how many times I’ve tried to start a New Year fitness push, lacing up my best gym shoes while in the worst shape of my life.

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7 Indoor Cycling Workouts You Can Do in the Gym or at Home

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7 Indoor Cycling Workouts You Can Do in the Gym or at Home

When it comes to cardio equipment, stationary bike workouts are sometimes overlooked. Riding a stationary bike, known as indoor cycling, is a convenient way to meet some or all of your aerobic exercise goals from the comfort of your home or a gym. Stationary bike workouts provide benefits like keeping your blood pressure or cholesterol levels in check.

Before starting any new exercises, always talk with a healthcare provider. They can advise you on appropriate and safe activities for your fitness needs and how long you should do them.

Whether a biking newbie or an avid cyclist, experience the spin benefits first-hand with one of seven expert-designed cycling workouts. Just make sure you grab a timer to clock all the intervals.

  • All levels welcome
  • Cardio and strength for higher levels
  • Intro to hill and speed intervals
  • Cycle fartlek
  • 25-minute intermediate intervals
  • Power intervals
  • Advanced conditioning

This 53-minute, beginner-friendly stationary bike workout is primarily aerobic. It incorporates short, challenging intervals to build fitness and burn calories, Kate Ligler, NASM-CPT, CES, PES, a MINDBODY wellness specialist and designer of the workout, told Health.

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How to do the workout:

  • Start with an easy 10-minute warm-up.
  • Move into three to five rounds of six-minute work sets that get progressively more intense.
  • Gauge the intensity of your work and rest periods based on your RPE.
  • Finish with a three-minute cooldown.

You’ll use a scale of 1 (very easy) to 10 (maximum effort) for RPEs and work at a pace that works for your fitness level. That’s why you won’t see RPMs listed here—listen to your body and get a feel for the bike.

Keep these modifications in mind:

  • Beginners: Stick with three rounds of the main work block to get a 45-minute workout.
  • Advanced exercisers: Do all five to bring it up to an hour.

This 34-minute routine builds three key elements all indoor and outdoor cyclists need to perform their best: cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and an efficient pedal stroke, said Emily Booth, national education manager of indoor cycling for Life Time.

How to do the workout:

  • Start with a 10-minute warm-up.
  • Move on to the main event, focusing on nailing each skill during three-minute work sets.
  • Repeat the main workout for two to four rounds.
  • Finish with a three- to five-minute cool down.

Thanks to the length of the working sets, this regime is ideal for intermediate and advanced cyclists, said Booth.

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This 44-minute workout is perfect for beginner-to-intermediate riders, said Lauren Kanski, NASM-CPT, a New York City-based trainer. You’ll take your heart rate through different zones as you work on three intervals of various work-to-rest ratios.

How to do the workout:

  • Start with a 5-minute warm-up.
  • Cycle through a 15-minute interval with a 10-minute, 30-second on-and-off segment and a five-minute recovery period.
  • On the next 15-minute interval, alternate between three-minute climbs and two-minute recovery periods.
  • Do a final eight-minute, 30-second on-and-off segment with high resistance and speed.
  • Finish with a five-minute cooldown.

The result: boosted fitness and tons of torched calories—all while going easy on the joints. Instead of focusing on exact speed or RPM, aim to hit your all-out effort on the work intervals.

Fartlek training is a fun way to mix HIIT with steady-state cardio, said Kristian Flores, CSCS, a strength and conditioning coach in New York City. While many people associate Fartlek training with running, you can apply the “speed play” principle to nearly any activity you choose—including this 30-minute stationary bike workout.

How to do the workout:

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  • Start with a five-minute warm-up.
  • Cycle for 15 to 20 minutes at your level of effort.
  • Finish with a five-minute cooldown.

Part of the appeal of Fartlek workouts is that they’re often unstructured—you go as hard as you can for as long as you can and recover until you’re ready to go hard again. How you do the main portion of the workout is up to you.

This also makes Fartlek workouts great for all fitness levels, as your effort and work-rest intervals are based on your current ability. No matter your experience level, Fartlek training can help you build endurance and power, said Flores.

This 25-minute routine is structured according to effort level. While you don’t need to be a cycling pro to do this workout, it’s best to have some experience on a bike—especially doing intervals. That way, you’ll understand what different effort levels feel like for you, according to Jess Cifelli, master instructor at CYCLEBAR.

How to do the workout:

  • Start with a five-minute warm-up.
  • Complete the first interval, around 10 minutes, switching from cycling seated to cycling while standing throughout.
  • Do two 15-second bursts of seated cycling. Repeat this interval for five sets, followed by two minutes each of low-effort and high-effort riding.
  • Move to the next interval of alternate maximum- and low-effort riding while standing. Repeat for five sets, followed by one minute of medium-effort riding.
  • Do 30-second alternate maximum- and low-effort riding while seated. Repeat for five three sets.
  • Finish with a five-minute cooldown.

Here’s how to gauge your effort levels as you take this workout for a spin:

  • Low: This effort requires light resistance; you should be able to converse with the person next to you.
  • Medium: Crank up the resistance a bit; you should still be able to carry on a conversation, but it shouldn’t feel effortless.
  • High: You shouldn’t be able to continue a conversation any longer, but you can handle the work; standing up in the saddle is usually ideal.
  • Maximum: You can’t speak at this intensity and also can’t imagine working longer than 30 seconds.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts like this pack a punch in a relatively short time, says Lauren ‘Lolo’ Wilson, senior master instructor at CYCLEBAR, who created the workout. This 48-minute routine can improve aerobic capacity, build muscle tissue, and help you burn fat.

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How to do the workout:

  • Start with a 10-minute warm-up, riding from 80 to 100 RPMs.
  • Complete four sets of 30-second sessions. For the first 30 seconds, you should ride for 105 to 120 RPMs; the second 30 seconds is recovery time.
  • Complete 20 sets of 30-second sessions. The first 30-second ride should be 90 to 100 RPMs, while the second 30-second ride is for recovery.
  • Finish with a 10-minute cool down at an easy pace.

HIIT sessions like this work best for someone who’s been exercising consistently three to five days per week for at least six weeks, said Wilson.

Keep these modifications in mind:

  • If you’re new to HIIT, or you’re not sure you’re ready for the entire workout, start with 10 power intervals and add two intervals to each workout until you reach 20 total intervals.
  • Wilson recommended dialing back your intensity during the first few intervals to avoid running out of gas during later rounds.

This 60-minute routine is for experienced cyclists confident in working at near-maximum intensity. After a gentle warm-up with a series of mobility drills designed by Meghan Hayden, NCSF-CPT, a founding trainer at Performix House in New York City, you’ll jump right in with short, intense bursts.

How to do the workout:

  • Start with a five-minute warm-up.
  • Dismount the bike and do a circuit training session that includes exercises from downward dog poses to quadruped circles.
  • Return to the bike and repeat 20-second work periods and 40-second rest intervals for seven sets before you hit your three-minute recovery. Each modest rest period will help you recover between sprints and build your anaerobic fitness.
  • After you recover, move into a 20-minute moderate-intensity ride to help you work your endurance.
  • Finish with a five-minute cooldown.

Treat that recovery time as meditation and focus on your breathing—you have a lot to gain with this workout.

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Indoor cycling is a great cardio option. Research has shown that it helps individuals improve their aerobic capacity, which refers to how much oxygen intake a person has during high-intensity activity. Indoor cycling has also been shown to:

Many people can benefit from using a stationary bike. For example, a meta-analysis found that stationary cycling can help relieve pain and improve function for people with knee osteoarthritis. Another research study determined that using a stationary bike can decrease fatigue levels among healthy adults.

Consulting a healthcare provider is especially important for individuals with health conditions, pregnant people, and older adults. They may need to limit their time on a stationary bike or use it with modifications.

Who Should Limit or Avoid This Exercise

However, people who should avoid strenuous exercise like indoor cycling include individuals with the following conditions:

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  • Low back pain due to conditions such as cancer, fractures, or infections
  • Severe arthritis
  • Severe neurologic or cognitive disorders
  • Uncontrolled arrhythmias, diabetes, heart failure, or hypertension
  • Unstable heart disease

Doing a stationary bike workout is a good way to get your heart pumping. The exercise also offers potential health benefits like reducing blood pressure and increasing HDL cholesterol levels, but indoor cycling isn’t for everyone. If you can do this type of workout, there are many different challenging options available for all fitness levels.

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