Smart Tips in Choosing Mini Exercise Bike

Having your own exercise at your home will be a great alternative you can have especially if you have any difficulties with your limited time. Here, you will need a compact and also heavy-duty exercise that will help you to have your home exercise. Due to the size of the exercise bike that is widely designed in large and big dimension, you need mini exercise bike that you can easily purchase and also keep in your small apartment or house. Choosing the proper mini exercise bike can be difficult things to have if you do not know the right way. You will need some tips and also information that will help you to find it.

First, if you are looking for the best exercise bike for your needs, you can try to search it in the internet on some offers or products which are available today. Here, you will have large variations of this product in various range of prices and also features. There are the motorized ones or non-motorized ones that you can choose based on your needs. Instead of searching for the available models, you also need to search on some reviews and also rating pages that will help you to find the high quality and also ultimate products. You will get the price and also features comparison to help you make the best decision of products you will need to purchase.

Moreover, if you already have certain brand name or series of this products, you can straight forward to the exact web that will give you products reviews and also specifications. However, if you find those products in the local store, you can directly purchase it instead of purchasing it in the online store. Here, you will get the benefits of having the right products that you can test and try directly before you pay it.

How To Choose the Best Exercise Bike For You

Buying an exercise bike? An exercise bike is an excellent way to build fitness, lose weight and get fit. Plus they're convenient and one of the most comfortable to burn calories in the comfort of your own home.

But how do you choose the best one? This buying guide will show you what to look for when shopping so you can find thebest exercise bike for your needs - while avoiding the lemons!

First, ask yourself which class of exercise bike you would like. There are 2 general classes of exercise bikes:

1) Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are the newer exercise bikes on the market with the chair-like or bucket seats. Your body is placed in a semi reclining position and your legs angle out in front of you to reach the pedals instead of hanging down as on an upright bike.

2) Upright Bikes

These are also called "Stationary bikes" although this term is now becoming a catch all term for both upright and recumbent bikes. These are the traditional exercise bikes that have been around for years and are similar in form to traditional outdoor bikes.

An offshoot of the standard upright bike is the 'Dual Action' Stationary bike. These bikes have movable bars or levers on arm handles to incorporate your upper body into the workout.

Know what you want before you start comparing different exercise bikes. Personally I've owned both and after a while upright exercise bike seats just don't feel too comfortable if you know what I mean. But the choice is yours.

The next thing you need to decide on is your budget. How much are you willing to pay for your exercise bike?

There are really 3 price categories:

1) Under $500

2) Between $500 - 1000

3) $1000 +

Under $500: While there are some above average exercise bikes under $500, don't expect to get a top quality machine for this price. If you don't plan on using your exercise cycle much or if you're on a budget, this may be a good price point for you.

Between $500 - $1000: Unlike treadmills or elliptical trainers, you can usually get a very solid, higher quality exercise bike for your home in this category. Most exercise bikes in this category offer magnetic resistance and high grade consoles that give you feedback on your workout. You should also expect several built-in workout programs, foot straps and heart rate monitors.

$1000 +: These exercise bikes are either the cream of the crop for the advanced home exerciser or they are commercial grade for the health club. Examples of bikes in this category include spinners and commercial bikes like Life Cycle, Kettler and Star Trac.

Always remember that with exercise bikes - in general - you do get what you pay for so try to spend the most that you can and get a high quality machine that will last you.

These are really the 2 most important features to decide on: the type of bike and the price you can afford. Here are a few more features you should know about when choosing an exercise bike.

Resistance

There are several different types of resistance you'll find in your exercise bike

1) Direct Tension - offers you a manual adjustment of resistance

2) Air - resistance is provided by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade

3) Magnetic Resistance - this is the most sophisticated type of resistance allowing magnetic currents to create and track the resistance. It generally allows for a greater variety of workout levels.

Magnetic resistance is generally viewed as the best option since it tends to be quieter and provides a more even feel when pedalling.

Workout Options

Most exercise bikes give you information on speed, distance traveled, and time of the workout. The more sophisticated you go, you'll also find things like total calories and fat burned, resistance level, heart rate and program mode.

You can also get exercise bikes with numerous preprogrammed workouts and information storage as well as iFit compatibility and Interactive Disc players.

It really depends on your personal preferences whether you choose a bike with 10 preset programs and an ultra high tech computer display or one with just a simple display.

However, keep in mind that in general, the higher priced bikes have more sophisticated options and are built with higher quality materials.

Warranty

Exercise Bikes come with a variety of warranties from 90 days to lifetime warranties on different parts of the bike. For example, parts and labor may be covered for 6 months, electronics for 1 year and the frame for a lifetime. In general a longer warranty is indicative of a higher quality machine.

Final Note: It is also important that you decide how much you are planning to use your exercise bike. For example, if you are new to exercising and not sure you'll use your exercise bike much, you might want to save some money and go with a more economical model.

If however you plan on using the bike a lot and/or are a regular exerciser, invest a bit more and get a machine that will last. Look for a high quality brand that is highly rated and gives you good value for your money.

By keeping these tips in mind when buying your exercise bike, you're much more likely to find one that best fits your workout needs. Good luck!

Exercise Tips

Exercise is vitally important if you want to achieve and maintain good health. Some experts recommend that you get at least 20 minutes of exercize 5-7 times a week. Others say that an hour a day is the optimum level to strive for. The truth is that the more you exercise, the more you reduce your risks for developing heart disease and other degenerative conditions.


If you’re new to exeecise or coming back to it after an injury or just a long time off the ‘exercise wagon’, you need to start slow and light. 5 minutes, three times a week can be considered a start. Then build up to 5 times, 4-5 days a week. After that, you can increase the time you spend exercising in 5-minute increments. Remember – short bursts of exercise do count. If you can do 5 minutes, four times daily, that’s 20 minutes a day, seven days a week. The effects of exercising are indeed cumulative.

The best thing you can do is to start exercising. After that, you must stick to it. Don’t break the habit. Reward yourself for a week (or a month) of good workouts. Just don’t reward yourself with an ice cream sundae. Consider getting a massage, reading a good book, taking a bubble bath, getting a manicure or anything else you enjoy.

Here are some other tips to ensure you succeed with an exercise program:

Make exercise fun. There are literally thousands of ways to exsrcise. If you’re not a gym rat, then don’t sign up for a membership. Walk outside in the sunshine or swim instead. Don’t like to sweat a lot? Try Pilates, some forms of Yoga, Tai Chi and gentle movements.

Vary your routine. Include several activities in your regimen and mix it up to keep yourself entertained. Play tennis one day. Lift weights the next. Then, hit the pavement with a jog. This will also keep your muscles from getting too used to the movements. This helps you burn more fat and build more muscle over time.

Get a buddy. Studies show that people who exercise with a friend or acquaintance stick with their programs longer. Why? Perhaps they’re afraid of letting the other person down. Maybe the social aspect is enough to keep them committed. Whatever the reason, enlist help and get in shape with someone you care about.

Buy the proper gear. This doesn’t mean that you should purchase heavy-duty equipment. In fact, you should probably create your exercise habit before you buy that fancy treadmill or what have you. What we’re talking about here is that you have ample support for your feet and are wearing comfortable, appropriate clothing for the activity. Never underestimate the power of a good pair of shoes. Outdoors exercisers – check the weather (and dress accordingly) before heading out.

Keep a record of your successes. Put an “X” on the calendar each time you exercise or put it on your to-do list and check it off when you finish. You won’t believe the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you’re done with a workout. Nothing will motivate you to succeed in the future like your past success!

Finding The Right Bike

Two different styles... pick the one that suits you best


Exercise bikes are available in two different designs: upright or recumbent.

• An upright bike positions the body to mimic the traditional biking experience.

• Recumbent bikes offer larger seats and a semi-reclined body position.

Which is better?

It's a matter of personal preference. Choose the style of bike that is more comfortable for you. Each style offers its advantages.

The recumbent bike provides support for the lower back and lumbar region, so it may be a little more comfortable for those with lower back pain. It also offers bucket seats, which can be more comfortable and are more ergonomically correct than the seat on a traditional upright. This type of bike is a great choice because the back support it provides makes getting on and off the bike easy for older adults.

The upright exercise bike is very similar to a traditional bicycle in design and function. The seat is positioned directly above the pedals and has adjustable height. The handlebars can be used to position the body while pedalling. One big advantage with this style of exercise bike is that you can lift your body off the seat and pedal with greater force to simulate hill climbing or sprinting and maximize your workout.

What features do I need?

Exercise bikes offer a variety of features. The number of programs and a way to monitor your heart rate are two key features that will help you establish which bike will meet your fitness goals.

What is comfortable?

The design of a recumbent bike can determine how comfortable it is, as well as ease of use. Look for a step-through design with an open area in front of the seat to avoid having to step over the unit to sit or leave. Any bike offering multiple adjustment options will provide a great range of motion and comfort for your body. Also, seat size and contour will determine comfort during use. Test various styles for the perfect fit.

What is Free Spin technology?

This is important to prevention of injuries during use. It allows the flywheel to continue spinning when you stop pedalling, thus eliminating any jolt to your joints.

Get more exercise, more comfortably on a stationary exercise bike

Exercise bikes offer a great cardiovascular workout for all fitness levels while minimizing the strain on your joints. They also burn serious calories from the comfort of a seated position. With the regular use of an exercise bike, you'll soon discover real health benefits with less pain.
What To Consider When Choosing An Exercise Bike


Who will use the exercise bike, and how often?
• If intended for a single user, a lower-end machine may be ideal
• For frequent, multiple users, consider a more robust bike with a heavier flywheel and stable frame

What is your fitness level?
• Beginners will find a basic model with simple controls a great starter bike
• If you have a high fitness level, consider a bike with a heavier flywheel and a variety of preset and custom programs

How much do you want to spend?
By spending more, you may get
• A heavier, smoother and more durable flywheel
• A greater range of resistance
• Better adjustability
• More programs
• Higher weight capacity
• More add-on features (i.e. pulse monitors)

How will you use the bike?
• For simple weight loss or recreational use, a basic model offers adequate features and durability
• For a more rigorous, regular workout plan, choose a model with club-level features and durability

Why Excercise Bike

Exercise bike is one of the most popular and affordable types of fitness equipment and it's easy to understand why. For starters, stationary exercise bikes offer a relatively inexpensive entry route for those seeking high quality aerobic training gear without breaking the bank.


This is because the engineering required to build a decent, reliable exercise bike is far more modest than for a treadmill.

 Another reason is the cycling movement itself ; almost everyone can cycle, there's very little co-ordination required and the weight-bearing nature of the exercise makes it particularly easy on the ankles, knee, and hips. Very ideal for beginners, the elderly or those recovering from injury. The icing on the cake is that cycling is also a truly excellent cardiovascular exercise

Many Point of exercise Bike - what to look for

1. Exercise Bike Braking System
Most of exercise bike use electronic braking, which although not cheap, is generally smooth in use and enables manufacturers to offer programmes such as hill and heart rate control. Mechanical braking is simple, cheap and offers potentially very high resistance levels, but it needs a heavy flywheel to give a good pedaling feel and requires regular maintenance. Air braking gives you more resistance as you pedal faster, a nice cooling breeze and is a robust system of generating resistance. However, it doesn't allow you to alter resistance without changing your pedaling speed.

2. Exercise Bike Flywheel
All other things being equal, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother and less jerky will be the pedaling action

3. Recumbent and Upright of Exercise Bike
Upright exercise bikes place you in the conventional upright cycling position, whereas recumbent exercise bikes place you in a more horizontal position, are easier to mount and dismount and have a more supportive seat with a back support. However, recumbent exercise bikes take up more room and are generally more costly for the same standard of bike.

4. Exercise Bike Pedaling Fell
Avoid models with an uneven or jerky pedaling feel. Ideally should be silky smooth with the same level of resistance throughout the 360 degrees of pedal revolution, even at high resistance levels and out of the saddle

5. Maximum Workload of Exercise Bike
How much resistance the bike will give when pedaled flat out. Most bikes will provide in excess of 250 watts; experienced cyclists or the very fit will need in excess of 400 watts

6. Console Feedback and ease of use Exercise Bike
How clear and comprehensive is the displayed information? If there any, How easy is it to access programmes? Are the buttons clearly visible and easy to use? How to make daily maintenance?

7. Exercise Bike Programmes
Can offer variety and motivation by simulating various hill courses, allowing you to create your own or by controlling your heart rate.

8. Power Supply of Exercise Bike
Is the bike self-powered? or does it need mains electricity?

9. Riding Position Adjustability of Exercise Bike
The more adjustable the bike, the more comfortable during longer sessions. All bikes have saddle height adjustment; check whether the saddle or handlebars can be moved forwards and backwards too

10. Exercise Bike saddle Comfort
A well padded saddle will improve comfort. How padded is the saddle?

11. Exercise Bike Standard of Construction
Check that the frame's built predominantly from metal, the welds are tidy, the overall finish is good without sharp or rough edges and that the moving parts are adequately shielded from prying fingers. A solidly constructed exercise bike should also be stable and not flex or wobble, even when you're out of the saddle, giving it some stick.

12. Exercise Bike Warranty
Check the warranty with the dealer, especially if you expect it to receive heavy use. Some manufacturers now give more than the standard year's warranty on bike frames and parts.

What are the positive and negative aspects exercise bike.

Benefits of riding a stationary bike to help lose weight

• easy to use
• convenient
• home use
• ideal for people not used to exercising or very overweight people
• ideal if bad weather means no other activities available
• watch TV during a workout
• low injury risk to knees and ankles
• easy to develop a rhythmic pace for better fat burning
• Helps develop a little leg strength
• air/fan assisted bikes help cool down skin while working out

Negative side to using exercise bikes for losing weight
• only works leg mainly
• not a great overall calorie burner
• may become boring after a few workouts
• aerobic type of exercise so less chance of boosting overall metabolism rate
• can be expensive if on a budget
• Some are noisy
• not the best fitness builder
• walking would be just as good without expense
• too short range of motion