Stationary exercise bikes provide both cardiovascular and weight loss or control benefits when used in conjunction with a balanced fitness program. Even if used on their own, stationary exercise bikes, when used regularly, will increase the number of calories burned per day, helping to cut down on weight gain or manage your weight more efficiently. Stationary exercise bikes also help to increase heart rate and blood circulation, a necessary part of both whole body and heart fitness.

Stationary exercise bikes also provide an additional safety feature to standard bikes. This is because they can be used indoors, rather than outdoors in potential traffic or poor road conditions. The availability of the stationary in home exercise bike means it can be used 24 hours per day, ideal for people that have shifts or irregular schedules. Like any aerobic activity, stationary exercise bike use should be combined with a weight training program for optimum results, especially when it comes to body development and weight loss.

What options are available on stationary exercise bikes for the home?

Stationary exercise bikes have come a long way from the first models that were literally just a bike mounted on a stand. The new models of exercise bikes have fully computerized programs, designed to mimic the actual course that you may take if you were out riding. This means that you can select a pre-set course or design one of your own on many models. These bikes will automatically adjust the tension on the wheels to give the physical sensation of going uphill or down, or even going faster and slower over a specific pattern or course.

Additional features on most new models of stationary exercise bikes will help you track and record your progress in your fitness program. This can include heart rate monitors that show a digital readout throughout your workout, speed, calories burned and even distance traveled. Some of the more deluxe models may calculate this all into ratings, scores or data that can be used for tracking and setting future fitness goals.

Other options include comfort seats, specialized handlebars, magazine racks, water bottle holders and even jacks for your music systems. Finding all these options in a bike does take a bit of looking around, but they are definitely available.

Which is better, an upright stationary exercise bike or a recumbent bike?

For most people, unless you are training for a competition that includes cycling, either option of an upright or a recumbent type of bike will accomplish the same desired goals. For those training for competitive events, an upright, professional training stationary bike is the best option as this teaches correct form when riding. Many people prefer the recumbent style of bike as it can be less stressful on the lower back and also on the legs. The best option is to try out both models and see which is most comfortable for you.

One of the great advantageous of the portable exercise bike is that it is really just the control panel, the central console and resistance equipment and the pedals. There is no seat or frame, making this very lightweight and easy to move from location to location. Since there is no frame, literally anyone from a child to a adult of any height, weight or size can use the portable exercise bike.

To use the bike the console unit is placed on the floor in front of a chair, the couch or even beside a patient's bed. The feet are then placed on the pedals and the straps are tightened around the feet to prevent slipping. The individual then sits comfortably and pedals the bike, very similar to the experience of riding a recumbent type of stationary exercise bike.

How does a portable exercise bike provide a workout?

Just like with an upright or recumbent stationary exercise bike, a portable exercise bike has different levels of tension or resistance that can be set. This resistance makes pedaling the bike more or less challenging, depending on the fitness level and the particular goals of the rider or user. As people increase their leg strength or endurance, increasing levels of resistance can be used to continue on with the exercise program.

Resistance is adjusted with a simple dial that is locate just below the LED readout on the center console. The dial can be turned up or down to allow for increasing and decreasing resistance during a given workout. There are markers on the dial so records can be kept of the progress made with regards to the resistance used.

Does a portable exercise bike provide a full body workout?

While a portable exercise bike does provide a significant amount of exercise, it simply cannot provide a complete body workout. To do that you would need several different types of equipment or a set of free weights. However, the portable exercise bike does provide an option for an upper body workout that a stationary exercise bike cannot provide.

The console and the pedals can be placed on a table, a about chest level with the user. The non-skid protective pads on the bottom of the portable exercise bike protect the surface of the table from any scratches or marks from use. The hands are then placed through the straps of the pedals and grip the pedals like a bar. You can then use a pedaling motion with your upper body to provide more of a cardiovascular and shoulder workout before or after your cycling workout.

This additional option is a great way to add a whole new dimension to your exercise routine. Since the portable exercise bike is only about 16 pounds in total weight, it is easy to lift up and down, perfect for those that want a basic workout in their own home, office or room.