Exercise bike is the most popular means to maintain excellent physical shape. If it is reasonable and systematic to train on it, then you can relieve stress and lose extra pounds. Classes on a stationary bike can increase immunity, strengthen the heart, leg muscles and respiratory system.
Now the market is oversaturated with various models at a price of 5 to 120 thousand rubles. What determines such a spread in cost? In this article, we will tell you how to choose an exercise bike for the home.
Load systems. Belt or shoe
In a belt system, the magnitude of the load will depend on the tension of the belt and its friction against the flywheel-wheel. If you are thinking about how to choose a home exercise bike at the lowest price, then this is the most suitable option. On the other hand, models with a belt system have a number of disadvantages: uneven running, jerking pedals at high loads, noise from their rotation, etc.
In the shoe system, the load is provided by brake pads pressed against the flywheel. The technical characteristics of such models are much better than the belt ones, but they also cost more. But there is no noise and jerks. Although the options with the shoe system have disadvantages: a large mass, the impossibility of compact storage and disassembly.
Magnetic
The load in such simulators can be varied by changing the distance between the magnets and the flywheel. Models with a magnetic system are wear-resistant and also have a silent, smooth, measured stroke (the larger the mass of the flywheel, the more smooth the pedal rotation will be).
How to choose an exercise bike without flaws? Very simple! Opt for a magnetic load system. True, this simulator also has a drawback. But only one - a high price. Although it is justified by numerous advantages: it is a good imitation of a real ride, quiet operation, small size, the ability to accurately set the load, long life.
Electromagnetic
These hi-tech exercise machines work from a network. That is, the load on the flywheel is created by the forces of an electromagnetic field. These simulators are ideal for professional cyclists. An amateur does not make sense to spend money on such an expensive model (from 20 to 120 thousand rubles). Of course, on electromagnetic simulators, you can extremely accurately and perfectly adjust the load system, but this is not very necessary for exercises “for yourself”.
Types of construction
So, we found out how to choose an exercise bike depending on the load system. Now let's talk about the design features.
1. Vertical
The fit is the same as on a regular bike, and the same muscle groups work during training. When choosing a vertical model, make sure that it has the ability to adjust the seat height.
2. Horizontal
Landing on this type of construction is much more comfortable than on the previous one. However, only legs are loaded. The back and the press are not worked out at all. This type of construction is recommended for people with back problems.
3. Portable
How to choose an exercise bike for an elderly person? This question is often addressed to sellers of sports stores. An experienced consultant will answer: "You need a portable exercise bike." It consists of a computer, a load unit and pedals. It has the lowest load level. Also great for office workers to warm up your legs.
Heart rate sensors
Typically, these devices are included with the exercise bike.The type of sensors determines the comfort of the trainee and the accuracy of the readings. There are two types.
1. Contact
Not very accurate in the readings, as they require constant contact with the hands of the user. The pulse sensors themselves are built into the handle of the simulator.
2. Remote
Accurate in readings and very convenient. They transmit the signal to the computer by photoelectron transmission via a radio channel (from the finger or ear of the student).
Here I want to talk about one important point to those people who are thinking about how to choose an exercise bike for weight loss. Remember, effective fat burning does not depend on the "tricked out" model. To lose weight, the cheapest option is also suitable. The key point is the heart rate. Active fat burning begins after a twentieth minute of training. In this case, the pulse should be in the target zone. For most people, this interval is between 120 and 140 beats per minute. Well, do not forget to review your diet. For weight loss, you must burn more calories than you consume.
Computer
The comfort and quality of the training process depends on the capabilities of the computer built into the exercise bike. The most common models can track speed, time, calorie consumption and distance traveled. In professional models, there are additional parameters and a variety of training programs. Which exercise bike is better to choose, think for yourself. Most users will have a fairly simple model with a minimum of parameters. Well, professional athletes, aimed at effective and full-fledged training, can not do without an exercise bike with a complex computer.
User weight
Each model of an exercise bike has an allowable weight for operation. Do not be too lazy to find out this figure. As a rule, on simple devices this value is 80-90 kg, and more powerful and expensive models withstand up to 140-150 kg. In general, it makes sense to think about who else besides you will operate the device.
Multimedia
Many professionals who know how to choose an exercise bike, reviews of which are quite numerous, prefer models with multimedia capabilities. After all, the duration of an athlete’s training can reach several hours, and this will make anyone bored. Therefore, on models of the middle and high price range there are inputs for players. That is, during classes you will listen to your favorite music and cheer yourself up. And on the most expensive exercise bikes, you can read e-books and go online and thus add even more variety to your training process.
Warranty
As a rule, leading brands service their products from 1 year to 2 years. If the warranty is less than a year, then this should cause you to suspect. For certain components and spare parts, it can generally reach up to 36 months. Make sure that the warranty card is stamped and signed.
Before you buy
Now you know how to choose an exercise bike. As more and more people shop online now, one important point remains. Before purchasing an exercise bike remotely, find a similar model in the shops of your city and test it. Pay attention to three things:
- Comfortable fit. When you are sitting, there should be no discomfort. Otherwise, even a half-hour training will turn into a torment.
- Correct placement of feet on the pedals. Not on all models the belt is designed for a high lift of the foot. That is, your foot in the sneaker may not fit. Ideally, the center of the foot should coincide with the center of the pedal, and the load during rotation should fall solely on the hips (and not on the calves).
- Ability to adjust the load. High pedal resistance will create discomfort when training. Optimal models with a ten-stage load system (at least).
Have a good shopping!