“There are plenty of benefits to any form of cycling, whether that’s taking part in a spin class, going for a bike ride, or using a stationary bike,” says London-based performance coach and celebrity trainer Artur Zolkiewicz. “Cycling is classified as an aerobic1 activity, and when performed consistently, can contribute to many positive health changes [such as] losing weight, increasing stamina, improving your fitness and strength, and over the long term, impacting heart health, lung capacity, bone density, and overall muscle strength.” What’s more, one study found2 that engaging in moderate aerobic activity, like biking, improves sleep quality. Considering the effects of biking reach far beyond the power you feel pushing through max resistance on the belt, it’s no surprise that interest in the at-home exercise equipment has soared. The best exercise bikes keep their cycling regimens going year-round, but there are many different forms of exercise bikes to choose from. “Assault bikes are favored among CrossFit gyms due to their workload requirement, while stationary spin bikes are great because you can set the climb or resistance to whatever your fitness level or goals might be with guaranteed stability,” says NASM-certified personal trainer and Sweat to Protect founder Brittnei Schaeffler, NASM-CPT. Which brings us to the recumbent bike, a low-impact type of bike for cycling that can still get the heart rate up and support your well-being without putting as much stress on your body. He points out that many riders find these bikes to be more comfortable, while Schaeffler adds that their supportive design can be easier on the joints. They also come in many different options. “They are made with longer or shorter wheel bases that can provide alternative forms of support and stability, and might also offer over- or under-seat steering, which just means that the handlebars can be placed in different positions according to comfortability requirements,” she says. The specific benefits of recumbent bikes truly come down to the design, which takes ergonomics, comfort, back support, stability, and even seat size into consideration. Their design relays more support and stability, as well as a gentler degree of impact on joints and the back, which makes them great options for older adults, those with back issues or joint pain, larger-sized individuals, those in recovery from an injury, or simply for those days when you are tired, sore, or want to work out your legs. “A lot of users find the body position more comfortable as compared to an upright bike,” says Zolkiewicz. “They usually have larger seats that make them accessible for larger [sized] individuals, while full-back support makes the seated position more comfortable.” He explains that while upright bikes engage more muscle groups, the support afforded by the recumbent position helps make for an overall gentler ride. “The back support takes pressure off the lumbar spine, which means that you will feel less impact and minimize the strain on the back and neck,” he says. “They can also be a great exercise option for older adults because they don’t require a lot of balance to mount or dismount and are closer to the ground than upright bikes.” Lastly, Zolciewicz points out that greater comfort while working out often translates into longer workout sessions—ideal for the long-term sustainability of a regimen, and the journey toward reaching your fitness goals. This makes them excellent options for newcomers who want to ease themselves into a gym routine. “If this is the only piece of workout equipment you want to have in your home, think about other exercises you can do to complement your bike workouts and ensure there will be space [for a mat, weights, etc.],” Zolkiewicz says. “Do you get bored easily? If so, get one with a screen so that you can watch your favorite shows while exercising.” Other considerations include the levels of resistance offered, maximum weight capacity, the adjustability of the seat (for height) and handlebars, built-in workouts, water bottle holders, and even aesthetics. Plus, the design boasts plenty of unique tech features that make it worth the extra cash. Along with Bluetooth accessibility, the frame has both a USB port to recharge your devices and built-in speakers to follow along with classes. Even better, the bike is VR compatible for an immersive workout that takes riders on epic bike rides around the world. One word of warning, however, is that the seat is not adjustable, meaning it is not a good option for riders of shorter heights. Plus, the trusted brand comes through with a 14-inch LCD screen to show scenery across the globe, with Google Maps literally enabling you to cycle anywhere. Truth be told, this is our must-have due to its compact construction, back-supporting build, and dynamic design that brings the feeling of group workout classes into your home. Already trusted by more than 2,300 reviewers who gave it a perfect rating, the sleek pick offers eight resistance levels, as well as a small LCD screen to track distance, calories, speed, and heart rate. The oversize seat is often described by shoppers as “padded and comfortable.” Many shoppers also confirm it’s the perfect height to use with an adjustable work desk. The low-profile pick also offers 24 magnetic resistance levels, as well as 23 workout programs, making this hidden gem the best bang for your buck in the under $500 price bracket. Thanks to its cordless design and transport wheels, it can be used wherever you like—in front of the television, perhaps—and then wheeled back and out of the way. When it comes to the leg workout, you’ll still get plenty of pushback from three magetic resistance levels. Simply adjust the bike horizontally to your optimal height, step through to find your seat, and slip your feet into the adjustable pedal straps. The LCD display will track your speed, distance, calories, and time spent pedaling during your workout. Although not the most compact pick, the equipment weighs less than 100 pounds and has wheels for easy transport. It also has floor stabilizers that allow you to adjust the frame to ensure a steady cycling surface. Naturally, the actual specs of the equipment are equally important, and this C10R model has plenty. For comfortable workouts for all heights, the seat adjusts both vertically and horizontally. There are handlebars placed next to the seat, as well as alongside the 10-inch LCD monitor to allow you to adjust positioning based on your body’s needs that day. The adjustable seat reclines backward to provide more room for a wider range of bodies, and the seat itself offers extra lumbar support and armrests. The step-through design is also easy to mount, making it a valid option for those with back pain. It also features self-generating power, which means you can skip clumsy cords for a cleaner look. Beginners will also love that it comes packed with 34 exercise programs to help lead the way through the workout. All this comes with a 10-year warranty on its frame and a two-year warranty on parts. Along with an LCD touchscreen, it features a built-in tablet holder for your smart devices. Use the Bluetooth-enabled technology to connect to fitness apps, tracking your output as you power through 24 magnetic resistance levels. That being said, if you fell in love with another option on this list, you can always buy set covers with additional lumbar support. Aside from the hefty price tag, this bike meets the must-have standards of any high-end recumbent bike: an adjustable seat, built-in workouts (both indoor and outdoor), and a 15.6-inch LCD screen for streaming live classes or entertainment. One of our favorite perks? You can even sync this bike to your wearable fitness device. While there is no reason not to work a recumbent exercise bike into your fitness routine or at-home gym, Zolkiewicz emphasizes that versatility is key. “I’m a big believer in keeping physical activity as versatile as possible,” he says. “The downside of using exercise machines in general is that they provide highly controlled movements, which our bodies can get efficient at very quickly. Doing different forms of exercise will challenge the brain and body to keep things interesting and keep you guessing and learning.”
