Recumbent Bike vs. Upright Bike - What’s the Difference?

Both recumbent bikes and upright bikes can be helpful tools in your journey toward fitness. Understanding the differences between these two machines, however, will help you to better determine which is the best option for you.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Recumbent Bikes

A recumbent exercise bike is a uniquely-shaped exercise bike that allows you to sit closer to the ground in a seat that is more comfortable than the standard exercise bike. Not only is the seat larger, but it also provides back support that allows you to sit back as you exercise your legs and work on your cardio.

Due to the reclined position of the seat on a recumbent bike, your back does not feel any strain at all as you work out. In addition, the design of a recumbent bike leaves your hands free during your workout, thereby allowing you to easy ready a book or play a game on your cell phone while you exercise. Since a recumbent bike sits closer to the ground, it also has a lower center of gravity, which can be beneficial to those with balance problems.

Using a recumbent bike will allow you to burn the same number of calories as using other types of exercise bikes, but it should be noted that they are typically less effective in terms of getting a good cardio workout. On the other hand, since they are more comfortable to use, you may be more inclined to exercise longer and to burn even more calories.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Upright Exercise Bike

Upright bikes are designed more like the standard road bike, which means you have to sit upright and hold onto the handlebars as you exercise. Since an upright bike is similar to a road bike, it also offers more versatility than a recumbent bike. For example, you can choose to sit and pedal or you can stand and pedal as you would with a road bike. This allows you to vary the workout for your legs and the muscles that are targeted. Upright bikes also tend to be less expensive than recumbent bikes and take up less space. Many models can be easily folded and put away for later use.

Ultimately, both upright bikes and recumbent bikes can offer great opportunities for exercise. Since the seat on an upright bike is similar to the seat found on a road bike, it can be an uncomfortable option for those who want to enjoy a longer workout. It can also be a poor option for elderly people or for those with chronic back pain or other issues with their lower back.

Since upright bikes have a higher center of gravity than recumbent bikes, they may also feel less stable to certain users. On the other hand, for those who want to push their workout experience to the maximum and who want to have more versatility in their workout routine, the upright bike may be the better option. Both recumbent exercise bikes and upright exercise bikes are available from Diamondback and are immediately available for your consideration.