Statistics show that an exercise bike is the most popular sports equipment in a city apartment. A folding exercise bike is even more convenient. It saves usable space in the apartment. The most common placement is a balcony or loggia.
Exercise bike or treadmill
The simulator's popularity is determined by its comparative ease of use, since sitting pedaling an hour is easier than running on a treadmill at the same time. Also, treadmills are more bulky, this is an argument for small apartments. Treadmill prices are also higher. Therefore, exercise bikes simply do not have decent competition in their segment.
Types by load type
According to the type of load, three varieties can be distinguished: this is a magnetic exercise bike, electromagnetic and classic with a mechanical load. Of the advantages of the classic version with a mechanical load system, a lower cost can be distinguished.
If we talk about the strengths of a magnetic exercise bike, then an important point is noiselessness, smooth pedal movement, as well as a longer life, because this device does not have extra rubbing elements.
Electromagnetic exercise bikes are very similar to magnetic, but additionally have some training modes and special functions. This type is the most expensive. At home, it is not too common. Such a simulator requires connecting to a power outlet, there are models with a built-in electric generator (they do not need to be connected to the network, they themselves generate current for their needs). But such models are extremely expensive, and if you read reviews about this type of exercise bike, you will find out that in the future you can expect the same expensive generator repair.
Types of simulators according to design variant
There are vertical and horizontal type mechanisms, there is also a variant with a portable design and hybrid-type simulators. Vertical exercise bikes are like a regular bike that we are all used to for a long time. They are compact, relatively inexpensive, but work mainly on the legs. The load is distributed between the knees and back.
A horizontal exercise bike is unlike a bicycle. It has a car landing (a chair with a back), while ensuring the smallest possible load on the knees and spine. Training on a horizontal exercise bike is more gentle than on a similar apparatus with a vertical design. But there are also disadvantages to such designs. They are very large, heavy and expensive.
If you are looking for something that gives fast results in a short time, then this is a classic vertical exercise bike, and not newfangled and comfortable with a horizontal design.
The portable simulator is a pedal unit and nothing more. You yourself find an option for working on it, usually they take a chair, which they sit on, and push the pedal block to themselves. This is a hint at a horizontal exercise bike, but only a hint and nothing more! Such options are the cheapest and most compact. But as practice shows, such simulators quickly throw and do not achieve results on them. Although every rule has an exception, at least theoretically it should be!
As for hybrid exercise bikes, they combine both vertical and horizontal models. With this option, you can train more seriously, achieving the results you need. Such models are extremely rarely chosen for the home. They are very bulky and extremely expensive. You can see such models in good fitness rooms.
Efficiency
Undoubtedly, the use of an exercise bike has long been proven. However, there is hardly a person who would argue with this statement. Reviews of exercise bikes confirm this. Riding a bicycle is a great way to keep your whole body toned, and it is also a great option to get rid of extra pounds.
What muscles are involved
A lot of muscle groups are actively involved in a bicycle. It actively develops leg muscles, strengthens ligaments and joints. Workouts to strengthen the cardiovascular system and the development of the respiratory system are also very effective.
During training, endurance and calorie burning develop, and the simulator is effective in the fight against cellulite. In general, the whole body is in good shape when you pedal.
What to look for
Your training will be long enough, which means that the fit should be very comfortable for you, nothing should bother you. Try on several models in the store, so you will more accurately understand what is best for you.
The functions of the simulator can also play a role in the selection. It is advisable that it be equipped with a special burned calorie counter, heart rate monitor, and that there is a “training log" (time, distance, speed, etc.) - this is useful and will help you subsequently adjust your exercises. The bottle holder will also be useful, you definitely need to drink during your “races”, the holder will greatly simplify this task. And be sure, when you have made a choice, additionally read reviews on the exercise bike.
Training Tips
The best time to train is in the morning, before breakfast. During the night, your body lost all glycogen, and now it will be obliged to burn fat, it simply does not have other options. You must train for at least 30 minutes, it is advisable to do this non-stop.
Remember that the fat burning process and your heart rate are interconnected. The correct heart rate for a lesson can be calculated using a specially developed formula. From the number 220, subtract your age and throw another third away from the result. The result obtained is your optimal pulse for active fat burning.
The first five minutes in your workout is a warm-up, the last five minutes of a lesson is a hitch. Warm up and hitch are performed at a calm pace. If during training you feel bad, then you should stop immediately. Before finding out the reasons for this condition, do not start the next training session and consult your doctors as soon as possible.
The ideal option is to turn to a specialist (fitness trainer) for an individual training session. In this case, the training will be individually selected for you and your requirements, taking into account your physical condition at the moment.
Which brand is better
The Torneo exercise bike has many positive reviews from customers. The models of this company are famous for their excellent quality and thoughtful design. This is a durable device without obvious flaws. The company has long been present in the sports equipment market and already has a serious reputation among people who are close to sports.
Kettler Sports Equipment is a leader. High quality and high price. Thoughtful design and functionality. If you seriously decide to take care of yourself, then you can consider this expensive option.
HouseFit products are a budget option, but don't expect anything supernatural from it. A good option for home use. You may need to eventually tighten some nuts on it, etc. But this is not critical.
Reviews
From customer reviews, you can understand that the Torneo exercise bike looks like the middle in the price range and in terms of quality. This option can be safely taken for homework and not worry about anything. In any case, you can always find a detailed overview of the exercise bikes that will interest you, and consider all the nuances in order to make a final decision. According to the owners of such devices, they are very strong and durable.
Also, the reviews say that for your first model, it is the options from this brand that are suitable. Take something from the middle price segment, do not take explicit cheap consumer goods, but do not reach for professional models, you do not need such houses.
Spare parts for Torneo, if necessary, are also always available at service centers. In other words, according to customer reviews, Torneo is a kind of national brand that is ideal for homework.
If you are completely confused, then select a dozen models that attract you, read the reviews on the exercise bikes that you have chosen. This will help you narrow your circle to 2-3 models. And then in the store you already decide everything for yourself or take the help of a consultant.
Summarizing
An instruction manual can be very useful for you with a bicycle trainer. Not everything is as simple as it might seem at first glance. Especially if we are talking about a folding exercise bike. As a rule, the folding / unfolding system is simple, but a couple of times you will have to remember how it all works.
If you choose a decent simulator and get serious, then after a month of training you will notice the results, your body will become toned. In a month, you can lose up to ten kilos of weight, doing the simulator for only an hour a day.
There is a simple truth that many fitness trainers repeat to their wards, the essence of the phrase is that you do not have to buy a device, you need to actively use it, working on yourself is the most difficult. Do not let your exercise bike turn into a clothes hanger! After all, summer is coming soon, and it’s time for you to get in shape.