Exercise bikes are very convenient and comfortable enough to use.
Whether or not you know how to ride a bike, you can easily use it to get
your daily regular exercise. With exercise bikes, you wouldn't have to
worry about riding on the open road and possibly meeting accidents.
You'd be able to improve the muscle tone of your hips, buttocks and
thighs, and develop your leg strength. It also poses low injury risk to
your knees and ankles.
How can you lose weight using exercise bikes?
Choose an exercise bike that is right for you. There
are many kinds of exercise bikes available, although apart from some
various features they are basically the same. Some of the features you
may decide on will be whether to purchase a computerized model (one that
shows your heart rate, speed, distance covered and number of calories
burned) or one that's more traditional (without the computerized
displays). Be aware that the figures shown by the computerized model,
specifically the calorie counter, are largely estimations and may be
inaccurate.
You may also decide between an upright bike, which is like a normal
bike, or a recumbent bike where the pedals and your feet are in front of
you and not below you. An upright bike provides more of a workout,
while a recumbent bike is ideal for those with back and weight problems,
because they support the lower back.
Set the resistance to an appropriate level. The
resistance level determines the amount of effort you will exert during
your exercise. The higher your resistance level, the more calories you
will burn, with all other factors being equal. However, it's best that
you set the resistance level at the lowest rate first when you are just
starting out. It's important that you don't over-strain yourself. Just
gradually level up to a higher resistance level as your strength and
endurance increases.
Remember to do some warm-ups. Do some stretching and
warm-up exercises before you start your workout to prep your muscles.
This will also help you avoid muscle strain and injury.
Exercise consistently. Make sure that you exercise a
little bit everyday. Aim for ten minutes, then work gradually up to
twenty minutes as your endurance builds up. To help you maintain your
workout, you may choose to exercise in front of the television, listen
to music, or anything to keep you entertained. The good thing too about
having a stationary bike is that you can exercise any time it's
convenient for you.
Since the exercise bike mainly works out your legs, it doesn't really
burn as many calories, compared to the treadmill, for example. That's
why it's very important that you work out everyday to fully reap the
benefits.
These are just some of the ways to lose weight using an exercise bike.
The key is that you actually get to start exercising. The hardest part
is to start, but once you do you'll just find yourself going! Good luck.