These Recumbent Exercise Bikes Are Easy on Your Joints

When researching recumbent exercise bikes, we look for highly rated options from reputable brands in the industry that have a track record of performing well in our tests in other fitness equipment categories. Our fitness experts prioritize options with adjustable features, smooth resistance systems, built-in workout programs and comfortable seating.

We keep in mind options that we feel are best for seniors, those with joint pain as well as weight-inclusive choices. Additionally, we look for smart models that offer a more interactive experience for high-tech users.

Finding a high-quality exercise bike requires taking a close look at everything from assembly to resistance levels. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting the best option for your needs:

✔️ Comfortable seating: Whether you prefer a padded seat or a seat with ventilation is personal preference, but a comfortable seat is important so you can ride for a significant amount of time without discomfort.

✔️ Display: A display that tracks metrics, even basic ones such as speed and distance, is useful on a recumbent bike. Some bikes offer more metrics and larger backlit screens than others. Certain units even have smart touchscreens for a more interactive experience.

✔️ Resistance: Looking for a recumbent exercise bike that offers a range of levels and a smooth resistance system such as a magnetic one are key for an efficient and effective ride.

✔️ Adjustable settings: Ensuring that the seat positions and handlebars are highly adjustable can help accommodate a variety of different body types and heights. We also included information on maximum user weight for each bike on our list.

✔️ Special features: Some bikes have heart-rate monitors on the handlebars that sync up to the screen, built-in workout programs and options for connecting apps or music.

✔️ Dimensions: The most important thing to consider is dimensions of the bike and whether or not it will fit into your home gym space, whether that’s a spacious basement or a small bedroom corner.

Recumbent exercise bikes are designed for low-impact workouts, making them an ideal choice for the following individuals:

✔️ Seniors: With the seat lower to the ground, the design of most recumbent bikes makes them easier to balance on as well as get on and off of compared to traditional upright ones.

✔️ People with joint pain: The positioning of a rider when they exercise on a recumbent bike allows for reduced strain on joints including the knees and hips. Stationary bikes in general are great for low-impact activity, but the setup of a recumbent bike is even lower-impact than an upright one.

✔️ People with back issues: A supportive backrest and the reclining position of a recumbent bike provides back support, unlike other traditional stationary bikes.

✔️ Overweight riders: Most recumbent exercise bikes have a more substantial seat than other bikes, making them a more comfortable choice for a heavy person.

✔️ Beginners: Recumbent exercise bikes allow you to go at your own pace, so if you’re looking for a more leisurely workout to get yourself into an exercise routine, then they can be an excellent place to start. Since they have variable resistance, you can amp up the intensity as you become fitter.

Aside from offering an effective cardio workout, a recumbent exercise bike provides a variety of benefits:

✔️ Low impact: The reclining position and substantial seat size compared to other stationary bikes works to distribute weight more evenly and reduce impact on joints.

✔️ Comfort: Back support on a recumbent bike can reduce strain on your back, neck and even your wrists, so you can ride more comfortably and for longer periods of time. It also gives you the option to ride the bike hands-free, so you can stay busy by reading a book or catching up on text messages during your workout session.

✔️ Safety: Since recumbent bikes are lower to the ground than upright ones, they can be easier to get on and off of, especially for senior riders.

Absolutely. A recumbent bike can be an effective and safe option for regular exercise. The low-impact workout is easier on the joints than other cardio equipment like treadmills. Not only can recumbent exercise bikes help improve heart health and endurance since they provide a solid cardio workout, but they also can help strengthen leg muscles.

As with any piece of exercise equipment, what you put in to the workout is what you’ll get out of it. You can go more leisurely on a recumbent exercise bike than an upright bike or stationary bike, but you can also push quite hard for an intense workout too.

Both are excellent pieces of exercise equipment. The choice ultimately depends on your fitness goals and whether or not you are dealing with any injuries or limitations around your activity.

A treadmill can typically provide a higher intensity workout and may burn slightly more calories per minute if you are running. But a recumbent exercise bike is easier on the joints, making them suitable for a variety of riders, and the reclined position provides support which may allow you to workout for a longer period of time.

Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for over a decade, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-certified personal trainer and women’s fitness specialist, Sassos uses her exercise science knowledge and expertise to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She began her indoor cycling career in college, where she was a Penn State fitness instructor, and she went on to teach indoor cycling at major gyms and studios including Equinox Fitness Clubs. She has taught and trained on a variety of different exercise bikes and is well-versed in the current offerings.