What is an exercise bike? Purpose and types. Exercise bike

An exercise bike is an imitation of a bicycle that is used for cardio workouts. Consists of seat, palm rest, pedals and information display. Exercising on this simulator helps to maintain physical health and serves as a means of healing and rehabilitation in medicine.

This sports equipment replaces a bicycle, is convenient to use at home, not inferior in terms of effectiveness to classes in fitness clubs.

According to the loading system and the type of braking, bicycle shells are divided into two types: mechanical and magnetic. The first type is the simplest, since, in comparison with magnetic and electromagnetic, the load regulation is manual.

Cost and compact dimensions are their advantage over magnetic exercise bikes.

Exercising on an ordinary stationary bike has a positive effect on health and well-being:

Increase the body's endurance against viruses.
Helps to reduce weight by burning a lot of calories during exercise.
The endurance of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs develops.
The blood circulation in the body improves.
The muscles of the legs are strengthened.
The body is corrected by pumping the muscles of the thighs and the press.
Classes on a home bike replace exercises in the gym for people with a shortage of free time.
Suitable option for users who work from home and want to keep fit.
Increasing the fruitfulness of the complex of anti-cellulite procedures.

Depending on the goal that you want to achieve, the required level of load is selected during classes.

When choosing a mechanical stationary bike for productivity, it is recommended that you pay attention to the weight of the flywheel. It should be 3 or 4 kg.

For training on a bike rack, you need to adhere to the doctor's recommendations, since sometimes such activities are harmful:

Risk of poor posture.
Overstrain of the body due to improper distribution of the load.
Classes are contraindicated in the presence of severe forms. diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and oncological diseases.
Contraindication for exercise is varicose veins.

Mechanical bike stands are divided into belt and shoe stands.

This type includes the simplest and most compact models of mechanical bicycle simulators, the load in which is created by pedaling and moving a durable belt. The elastic band creates resistance to the flywheel when loaded.

The tension of the belt is adjusted by means of a knob on which the available load levels are marked. As the level rises, the contact between the belt and the flywheel is closer.

Advantages of belt trainers:

Low cost.
The unit can be repaired without the involvement of specialists, does not require special tools and time consuming.
Ease of assembly and disassembly of the structure.
Small size.
No electrical connection required.

Disadvantages of belt trainers:

Makes a lot of noise during class. The stronger the load, the more noise.
There is no smooth ride that occurs when the flywheel weighs more than four kilograms.
When heated, which occurs due to the active use of the projectile, the parts of the simulator are able to expand and move away from each other.
Contraindicated for training people with diseases of the knee joints and spine.
Lack of informative computer sensor.
It is difficult to pedal a sports equipment at high speed.
The belt tends to stretch during operation, and after a while it needs to be replaced.
The minimum set of additional functions.
In the upper position of the pedals, jerks occur due to the loss of resistance.

Shoe Bikes

Shoe bicycles use an inertial system: the load is created by the resistance of the brake pads, which are tightly pressed against the flywheel.

Such shells are more expensive than belt ones, have a massive flywheel and are designed for advanced users who are interested in a range of loads. Inertial bicycles simulate riding a racing bike.

Advantages of block exercise bikes:

Smooth running, high inertia.
Wide load range.
Affordable price category.
Ease of use.

Disadvantages of block exercise bikes:

Noisiness.
Large dimensions and weight, which are not always suitable for installation in an apartment.
In the event of a breakdown, repairs will be much more expensive than a simple belt projectile.
Rapid wear of the pads.
There is no precise adjustment of loads.
Impossibility of dismantling and compact storage at home.

The principle of creating resistance is the attraction of the flywheel by a magnetic or electromagnetic field. The tension and current strength are regulated with high precision by approaching the magnet to the flywheel, which is connected to the pedals, or by increasing the current strength.

The smooth running of parts can only be provided by a heavy flywheel weighing at least 6 kg, which is recommended to be taken into account when choosing a magnetic bike simulator.

Advantages of magnetic exercise bikes:

Quiet operation
Smooth and even running
Simulated riding a real bike
Precise control of the load range
Built-in computer sensor for setting training modes and measuring heart rate.
Since there are no mechanical parts, the service life is longer.
Compact size compared to mechanical projectiles, ergonomic.

Disadvantages of Magnetic Exercise Bikes:

Expensive.
The complex mechanism of the magnetic unit requires professional maintenance during assembly and repair.
Strong resistance is not created during exercise, thus, serious loads do not arise.

A separate type of bike simulators are bicycle ergometers, which have a different name - spinbikes or speedbikes. They belong to the electromagnetic type of simulators, in which the magnitude of the load is regulated by the current strength.

The bicycle ergometer with great accuracy determines the physical state of the main muscle groups, selecting the appropriate load and training program for them, and monitoring various parameters - heart rate, movement speed, length of the distance covered with the measurement accuracy of the automated system.

This information forms the basis for developing an optimal training regimen. Speedbikes are used more often for professional purposes, in medical and rehabilitation centers, since they do not create much pressure on the spine and joints. This kind recommended for professional use.

Advantages of bicycle ergometers:

Intelligent control with extensive functionality. A variety of training programs - to reduce weight, strengthen the main muscle groups, and develop endurance.
Safety, smooth running.
Reliability.
Durability.
Highly effective workouts.
Synchronization with a personal computer.
The ability to record results to track the dynamics of training.
Equipping with additional options - a music player, video, etc.
Silence.
Ergonomic

Disadvantages of bicycle ergometers:

Considerable price;
Requires a permanent electrical connection. This creates inconvenience with moving the bike - it should always be located near the outlet. In addition, exercise on a bicycle ergometer is a waste of electricity.
In the event of a breakdown, repairs will be costly.

The loading system of magnetic and electromagnetic simulators is the same, but electromagnetic ones are characterized by very precise regulation using the current strength, which changes automatically by selecting the desired parameters using the control panel on the built-in computer.

On magnetic projectiles, the amperage is usually adjusted manually. Compared to electromagnetic, magnetic bike simulators have a more affordable price.

There are generator cycle simulators, which are equipped with a generator and an electromagnet. These models are self-contained, do not require an electrical connection.

By design, exercise bikes are divided into vertical and horizontal.

They are used in medical institutions for medical and rehabilitation purposes. They are rarely used at home. The comfortable chair of the projectile is laid back, located in the same horizontal plane with the pedals. Thanks to this, the back of the trainee takes on a relaxed position, the load falls on the muscles of the legs.

Suitable for people with contraindications to stress on the spine.

Benefits of recumbent exercise bikes:

Equipped with devices for detailed monitoring of the state of the body during training.
They have a smooth ride and many load levels.
Designed for very heavy weights.
Resistant.
Hands remain free, there is an opportunity to do other things.
High manufacturability and equipment with additional devices.
The body is relaxed but not swaying.
Comfortableness.

Disadvantages of recumbent exercise bikes:

The dimensions of the projectile do not always easily fit into the setting of the living quarters.
Expensive.
Heavy weight makes it difficult to move the machine.

Exercises in this type are beneficial for the body:

Helps with leg injuries within the framework of restorative medicine.
They are used in physiotherapy because of their low complexity, safety and comfort.
During classes, ligaments and joints are strengthened, which serves as the prevention of sprains and injuries.
Regular exercise with the right amount of stress can help relieve stress.
Rehabilitation after a stroke.

The choice of a horizontal trainer is preferable in the following cases:

Medical indications for gentle training conditions due to diseases of the spine and neck.
The purpose of training is to strengthen the cardiovascular system, the body, and increase endurance.
Reset required a large number of excess weight.

They got their name from the position of the pedals directly under the seat, in which the legs are in an upright position. The seat does not have a back and does not resemble a chair like a horizontal projectile. Designed for intense workouts.

When choosing vertical shells, it is worth paying attention to the saddle adjustment.

Advantages of upright exercise bikes:

Small dimensions, allowing you to install a sports equipment at home.
The cost is lower than that of the horizontal bike simulator.
Designed for active workouts, including fat burning.

Disadvantages of upright exercise bikes:

With prolonged and intense exercise, the spine and hip part of the body are subjected to strong stress. Not suitable for those who like to practice for many hours, for users with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, for people with obesity.
Insufficiently stable.

Among the upright exercise bikes, folding ones are distinguished - they are convenient for storage in a living room in the absence of training. The main plus is the compactness of the placement. Cons - frequent breakdowns occurring at the junction of folding parts; small flywheel; inability to support heavy weight.

Stop the choice on a vertical bike in the following cases:

There is a need for intense training.
Lack of obesity and serious health problems, in particular, with the musculoskeletal system.
If compactness of equipment and saving space in the house are important.
The need to purchase a useful exercise machine at an affordable price.

In addition to these two types, exercise bikes are distinguished, which are the result of combining vertical and horizontal - hybrid. The main distinguishing feature is the ability to change the position of the seat in different planes. An obstacle to the widespread adoption of these types is that not every manufacturer produces such models.

Improved training technology and comfort are the merits of hybrid bike simulators, making this equipment versatile for all family members, regardless of physical condition.

Mini exercise bikes (another name - portable) differ from conventional shells in design, dimensions and represent a simulator bike without a steering wheel and seat. Usually these are belt-type simulators with a mechanical loading system. The design is a flywheel enclosed in a housing and pedals.

In most cases, such sports equipment is equipped with a built-in computer that displays the duration of the activity, the speed achieved (in km / h), the distance traveled and the number of calories burned. Both legs and arms are trained.

An exercise bike strengthens the muscles of the back and arms. Propelled by arms or legs. Mini exercise bikes are suitable for training the elderly to stimulate blood circulation in the limbs.

Advantages of mini exercise bikes:

They weigh four to eight kilograms, even a child can move.
Compactness.
Simplicity of construction and operation, cheap repair and maintenance.
Ability to train in a comfortable position.
Suitable for users who are constantly on the move.
Ergonomic

Disadvantages of mini exercise bikes:

Since the mini trainer does not have a large flywheel, the loading level is limited.
Not suitable for intense workouts.
During exercise, it may be difficult to distribute an even load on the legs.

Mini exercise bikes are more often positioned as rehabilitation equipment for people who have poor control of the limbs or spend a lot of time in one position, for recovery activities after a stroke and injuries.

Mini-simulators with an electric motor are able to pedal independently. Programmed workouts allow you to alternate between intensity and type of load.

When choosing a bike simulator for home use, you should consider:

The dimensions of the simulator and the weight matter... A heavy unit is difficult to move around the apartment.
User weight is also critical when choosing an exercise bike. When choosing a family equipment, it is recommended to focus on the family member with the maximum weight. The weight limit that a home projectile can withstand reaches 100 kg, semi-professional - 130 kg, professional - over 150 kg.
The size of the flywheel directly affects the degree and intensity of the load. For productive workouts that focus on weight loss and muscle building, it is recommended to choose models with a flywheel weight of at least seven kilograms. In addition, it complements the weight of the machine, which adds stability to the design.

Magnetic exercise bikes with a flywheel mass within eight kilograms and electromagnetic ones within twelve are classified as domestic.

Selection of programs. To achieve specific training goals, many models are equipped with a program for tracking heart rate, speed, distance duration, distances covered.

The set of the simulator, as a rule, includes heart rate sensors, which are divided into contact and remote types. The first is less informative, since it is built into the handrail of the projectile and sometimes distorts the readings.

Pay attention to saddle and handrail adjustments for comfortable workouts depending on the height and weight of the user.
It is easier to store and use a small exercise bike at home.
If there are compensators for unevenness in the floor, the position of the bike is adjusted relative to the surface of the floor covering. Castors or wheels make it easy to move the unit from one place to another.

The choice of one type or another will depend on the financial well-being, the size of the living space and the ultimate goals of using the projectile.

For small housing upright, foldable and mini exercise bikes are suitable.
The most budgetary option are belt mechanical shells used to strengthen muscles and improve body endurance.
To lose a lot of excess weight, you need to choose horizontal bike simulators.
Hybrid Exercise Bike provide family members with a chance to exercise different ages with an initial level of training and above, regardless of the state of health.

Pros compared to other home fitness equipment:

Large load range... Steppers and electric treadmills have maximum speed limits, unlike bike simulators.
Variety of assortment allowing you to make a choice in accordance with individual requests.
Price variety.
Relaxation while exercising.
With contraindications for exercising on other home simulators(for example, on a treadmill), some models of bike simulators can be used.

It should be noted right away that there are a wide variety of types of exercise bikes, even homemade ones. And to directly answer the question: what is the best exercise bike for home is almost impossible. After all, the types of exercise bikes are different and how different the goals of training on them can be.

In this article we will try to consider almost all types of exercise bikes and their design. And the more information you learn, the easier it will be to make your choice.

Types of exercise bikes by type of landing

All exercise bikes can be divided into 3 main types according to their type of fit: vertical, horizontal and hybrid. Let's consider in order their structure and features.

Upright Exercise Bike

It resembles an ordinary bicycle and riding it resembles an ordinary bicycle ride. On these exercise bikes, you can easily adjust the seat and pedals to work out in the most comfortable position.

Since the frames are usually made of high quality steel, it is possible to perform acceleration on this simulator even with a separation from the seat. The upright exercise bike for home is the most familiar to us. On it, the athlete is on top and pedals below him.

Such a simulator is more compact and takes up a small area. Also, classes on this type of simulator are of the highest intensity.

Recumbent exercise bike

Suitable for people with spinal problems, as the horizontal position of the seat and pedals reduces the strain on the back. When exercising on a horizontal stationary bike, the main load falls on the legs. This model is suitable not only for people with back pain, but also for pregnant women.

The horizontal trainer lacks a steering wheel, and instead there are handrails on the sides with the main control buttons. The simulator has a comfortable seat with a backrest that can be adjusted.

Hybrid Exercise Bike

The hybrid exercise bike is a combination of the two types described above. Thanks to this, on such a simulator it is possible to practice both reclining and sitting. This exercise bike is quite bulky and also expensive.

The hybrid simulator will be the best exercise bike for the home when several people with different health and physical fitness are involved in the family.

Types of exercise bikes for home - which is better

Exercise bikes are also divided according to the structure of the load system:

Belt exercise bikes... Although such an exercise bike is noisy and quite uncomfortable and does not have any sensors in the device, it is the cheapest model. Plus, the mechanical belt bike is reliable and compact.
Shoe Bikes... The load system in such simulators consists of a flywheel and pads that clamp it, due to this, additional efforts are created when exercising on it. We can say that a block exercise bike is a reinforced bike. It is perfect for training a professional cyclist. Although recently the production of such simulators has practically ceased.
Magnetic exercise bikes... Their loading system consists of a flywheel and a plate of magnets, which is located next to the metal flywheel. The closer the plate of magnets approaches the flywheel, the stronger the magnetic field arises between them and the more difficult it is for the athlete to pedal.

While exercising on such a stationary bike, an athlete can mechanically change the load by himself using the "lamb" located under the computer. The Magnetic Exercise Bike is long lasting, quiet, easy to operate, monitors your workout well and is inexpensive.

A portable exercise bike is more suitable for developing and strengthening not only the legs, but also the arms after injuries. Also, such a simulator can be the best choice if there is too little space at home.

The best indoor exercise bike - what to look for

When choosing a simulator, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the user's weight. To determine which exercise bike is best for a family, the weight of the heaviest member of the family should be taken as the basis for the maximum weight. Also, a very important aspect in which types of exercise bikes will be more suitable for your family is its size. For tall users (over 185 cm), it is better to choose models with adjustable steering wheel and seat depth (further - closer to the steering wheel).

But in general, having bought an exercise bike, you will find an excellent assistant in order to improve your health at any time of the year, gain an excellent figure and feel great!

What is an exercise bike? Purpose and types

Exercise bike is a type of cardio equipment that simulates the movement of a bicycle. What is an exercise bike for? It is mainly aimed at developing strength and endurance, and also strengthens the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The main load falls on the legs, buttocks and abdominal muscles. It is recommended to do a gentle warm-up before exercising.

The benefits of exercise bikes

What is an exercise bike good for? The main advantage of a stationary bike is the ability to combine wellness cardio workouts with intense strength training. With power loads, it is important to properly distribute the load. The person exercising on the stationary bike is in a seated position, which reduces the stress on the knees and ankles.

Do you need an exercise bike for weight loss? If the goal of your workout is to lose weight, then an exercise bike is great for exercising. Thanks to the intense power load calories are burned, which can be a supplement to your diet and help your body get in shape quickly. In addition, exercise bikes are compact compared to other exercise machines.

Types of exercise bikes

Exercise bikes differ in the loading system: mechanical, magnetic and electromagnetic.

Mechanical exercise bike

Resistance is achieved by the strap, also called belt exercise bikes. The advantages are simplicity and low cost. The disadvantages include possible jerks, insufficiently smooth running and the least wear resistance (belt breakage is possible). A major problem for home use can be the noise of the exercise machine.

Magnetic Exercise Bike

The load uses the effect of magnets on the flywheel. This gives a quiet and smooth ride, smooth braking, eliminating sudden jerks. Magnetic exercise bikes are more functional, for example, you can switch the load level to set the intensity of the workout. As a rule, they have a built-in computer that contains a different number of training programs. With a magnetic system, the exercise bike is more reliable and durable.

Electromagnetic exercise bike

The load uses an electromagnetic field acting on the flywheel. This design has a minimum of moving parts, which means it is the most durable. The built-in computer fully controls the training process. Electromagnetic exercise bikes contain many built-in programs designed for people with different parameters and exercise goals.

Bicycle ergometer is a simulator designed for targeted training. The program itself chooses the load based on the stage of the selected workout, measures the amount of work performed. The most advanced ones show which muscle groups are involved, control the training based on the user's input parameters (age, weight, heart rate tracking), which allows you to train most effectively and safely.

Planting methods

According to the method of landing, there are horizontal exercise bikes and vertical ones. There are also hybrid exercise bikes that allow you to reposition yourself. Such a simulator is needed if there are several users in the family, and for example, one of them wants an intense load, while the other suffers from back pain and needs a gentle training regimen. The price of such exercise bikes is an order of magnitude higher than that of those with one fit.

An upright stationary bike is the traditional method of seating. The trainee takes the same position as on a bicycle.

The recumbent bike seat is low and away from the pedals, allowing you to extend your legs horizontally. This position is more comfortable and safer to practice. The trainee has full back support on the back of the simulator, which reduces the load on the lower spine. Horizontal exercise bikes allow people with back pain and leg problems to train.

When choosing an exercise bike, be sure to pay attention to the maximum load of the exercise machine, it will be inconvenient for large people to exercise on small exercise bikes. You should also pay attention to the weight of the flywheel, the adjustment of the saddle and handlebars, the number of built-in programs. Further, having learned all about the exercise bike, choose a model with a suitable price.

You can buy an exercise bike in our online store.

An active lifestyle is a guarantee of health, athletic longevity and a slim body. There are many ways to do it, but cycling is the best way to do it. Such workouts are suitable for all people without restrictions. At the same time, the muscles of the practitioner will be constantly maintained in good shape, become an order of magnitude more enduring. Regular cycling guarantees health and strength. However, not everyone can afford daily cycling. To do this, you need to have a bike, find a place to ride and not be afraid of weather adversity. An exercise bike can solve this problem.

An exercise bike allows you to simulate cycling. Its main purpose is to develop strength and endurance, respiration, heart and blood vessels. However, there are a large number of exercise machines on the market that provide load and have different functionality. When selecting, it is necessary to take into account a number of criteria so that the simulator provides the required load and does not cause trouble.

Kinds

According to the method of landing, the exercise bike can be of three types:

Horizontal.
Vertical.
Hybrid.

Horizontal best for people who have back pain. Such a unit is made in a horizontal design, due to which the effect of the back load is significantly reduced. When using this simulator, most of the load is transferred to the leg muscles, while the back is minimally involved. Due to this, this type of exercise equipment is recommended for people with back pain, as well as for pregnant women.

The peculiarity of this unit is that it does not have a steering wheel. Instead, there are handrails with multifunction buttons. But the unit has a comfortable seat, which has an adjustable backrest.

Vertical very similar to a familiar bike, the only thing is that it has no wheels. Exercising with this unit resembles a bike ride. The exercise bike makes it easy to adjust the pedals and seat. This version of the simulators allows you to simulate a bicycle ride as much as possible. It can be exercised with great intensity, making it ideal for athletes and those who want to achieve great results. It is compact and does not require much space.

Hybrid combines the above two simulators. It allows you to practice both sitting and reclining. However, it has a fairly large size and is quite expensive. At the same time, it will allow people who have different physical fitness and health to be engaged.

By design and load system, an exercise bike can be:

Mechanical.
Magnetic.
Electromagnetic.

Mechanical provides resistance thanks to the strap. Therefore, they are often also referred to as belt trainers. Their main advantages are simplicity and low cost. But there are also disadvantages, including possible jerks, lack of smooth running, as well as the possibility of a belt breaking. In addition, when studying at home, there will be noise, which can interfere with household chores.

Magnetic uses magnets for work that act on the flywheel. This ensures smooth running and braking without jerking, as well as quietness. This type of simulator is distinguished by its functionality, for example, you can set the required level of load in order to train with the required intensity. In most cases, there is a built-in computer that allows you to set the required training program. Such a simulator is considered to be the most durable.

Electromagnetic uses an electromagnetic field as a load on the flywheel. Such a device requires a minimum number of moving parts, which ensures the durability of the structure. Using the built-in computer, you can control the workout and turn on the necessary program for specific requests.

There are also other types of simulators, but less common:

Shoe... The load is provided here by means of pads and a flywheel by clamping them. They are practically not produced today, but such a simulator would be quite suitable for professionals.

Bicycle ergometer... Represents an exercise bike that is designed for specific workouts. The program here itself selects the load based on the activities, and also measures the work performed. The most advanced options provide control of all parameters of the athlete and demonstrate indicators of muscle use. This allows you to train as efficiently and safely as possible.

Portable... This is a small stand without a rudder, but with pedals. It is unlikely that it will be possible to fully train on it. But using a horizontal bar, it will be possible to pump not only the legs of the hand with it.

Device

The simplest are belt trainers. A belt is put on the flywheel here. The adjustment presses the belt against the flywheel, which creates friction. With the help of buttons or hand levers, the required degree of friction is created, and therefore the load for the torsion of the pedals.

The design of the magnetic trainer assumes the presence of two permanent magnets located inside the flywheel or outside, but in close proximity to it. The load on the pedals is generated by the attraction of the flywheel by the magnetic field. Permanent magnets or electromagnets are required to create a magnetic field. The latter elements require alternating electric current, which means that an outlet will be needed. The load in units with electromagnets varies by changing the current strength. This allows you to fine-tune the workload that is necessary for a practicing person.

The most advanced system is considered to be electrical resistance adjustment. The main difference here is the servo, it moves the magnets. You just have to press a button to change the load. The flywheel is braked by a magnetic field generated by a coil to which an electric current is applied. An increase in the current strength leads to an increase in the action of the field and vice versa.

Modern exercise bikes in most cases have a liquid crystal display on which you can see the training program and information about the user. The control panel can be electronic, touch-sensitive or push-button. Removable or built-in heart rate sensors or other sensors are used to take readings from a practicing person. For example, it can be a "clip" that is installed on the earlobe, a sensor that takes readings from the palm or a heart rate sensor attached to the chest.

Application

To benefit from the simulator and not harm yourself, it is important to follow these rules:

Adjust the seat for a correct and comfortable fit. It is important that the leg that is on the pedal at the lowest point is slightly bent.
The steering wheel should be so that it does not lean on it. In this case, the back should be slightly tilted, and the body should move freely relative to the steering wheel.
Before starting classes, it is important to carefully read the instructions. You should read the functions and settings, do not violate the recommendations.
Different simulators may have different controls, training programs, so you should first carefully study everything.

How to choose

First of all, you should understand what you need the most. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, they must be taken into account.
The size of the flywheel affects how much load will be applied during training. The larger the flywheel, the higher the load can be applied.
The size of the machine will affect where you can place it. For a small room, a compact unit is required. For a large apartment, you can choose an option with a large size.
When choosing, it is important to take into account a person's own weight. But if all family members are engaged in the simulator, then the greatest weight of the person must be taken into account. A number of simulators are made for people weighing no more than 100 kg. But there are also professional ones for whom a load of 150 kg is not a problem.
Availability of programs. Thanks to them, you can select the intensity and degree of training.
If you do not live alone, it is recommended to choose simulators with handrail and saddle adjustments. Thanks to this, the exercise bike will be in demand by all family members.
An exercise bike from well-known brands will be much more expensive than little-known units. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at reliable options from proven, but little-promoted brands. At the same time, it is not worth buying exercise machines that have a warranty of less than one year. There is a great risk that such a product will quickly fail.

Pros and cons

The benefits include:

Possibility of year-round training.
Development of the muscles of the legs, abs and back.
Increased articular mobility.
Burning extra calories.
Disease prevention.

The disadvantages include:

Bulky, which is not suitable for small rooms.
Indoor activity, which can be dusty and stuffy.

Types of exercise bikes by the action of the braking system

1. Inertial. This method is based on the flywheel block grip. The load changes evenly, but the friction of the pads on the disc creates additional noise. Exercise bikes with an inertial load system imitate riding a racing bike well and are often used when training professional athletes. Often such models of exercise bikes are called spin bikes.

Advantages: high-quality imitation of cycling, middle price segment.
Disadvantages: wear of the pads during intensive use, noise from the friction of the pads.

2. Belt. Resistance creates tension in the belt connecting the flywheel and pedals. When choosing such a model, pay attention to the mass of the flywheel, it should be in the range from 2.5 to 4 kg. If this mass is greater, then the price of a belt trainer approaches the price of a more modern magnetic one, and then it is better to buy it. If the flywheel weighs less than 2.5 kg, the pedaling will be too slow. Belt bikes are presented in this section.

Pluses: low price.
Disadvantages: it is impossible to accurately adjust the load, rapid wear of the units.

3. Magnetic. In these stationary bicycles, the load is regulated by a magnet, sometimes approaching and sometimes moving away from the flywheel. The movement of the magnet is regulated mechanically, therefore, this type of braking is also correctly called magnetic-mechanical. Some users of magnetic trainers complain about uneven load when pedaling (it is either very easy or too hard to rotate). Yes, such a problem can really arise with equipment with a low flywheel mass, so if you choose a magnetic exercise bike, the flywheel mass should be at least 6-7 kg.

Advantages: precise load control, smooth, comfortable ride with a large flywheel weight, there are heart rate sensors, an information board.
Disadvantages: relatively high cost of good models.

4. Bicycle ergometers- the most high-tech stationary home bicycles. They have an electromagnetic loading and braking system, which today gives the maximum accuracy. Moreover, the value of the load in them is measured in watts, so they are used for professional training or rehabilitation after injuries.

Advantages: the most modern advanced model, super-accurate and most perfect load regulation, functional computer with many preset programs, maximum user comfort, heart rate sensors.
Disadvantages: high price.

Types of simulators by type of landing

Like riding a bicycle.

2. Horizontal. It is found in bicycle ergometers, and is recommended for people with diseases of the joints, spine, since the horizontal position of the user reduces the load on the knees, the lower part of the spine. But without the need to choose such a fit, it makes no sense, since mainly only the legs are loaded, and the muscles of the back and the press do not participate in the training, as with a vertical landing.

3. Portable exercise bikes. It is a set of pedals with a flywheel that you can put next to your favorite chair and calmly pedal, say, in the office, or while watching a movie. This is not a workout, but rather a warm-up for the legs, which is also good.

We wish you effective home workouts!