Implementing regular cardio workouts into your routine improves your cardiovascular health and cognitive function1—plus, it gives you an always-appreciated boost of endorphins2. Most commonly found in CrossFit gyms and HIIT studios, air bikes differ from traditional cycling in that they offer an intense full-body workout. With more options available than ever, you can now invest in an air bike for your own home and reap the many health benefits, without needing to book time at the studio. Before we dive into our list of the best air bikes of 2023, let’s break down the benefits, how to use an air bike, and how to choose the best one for you (per expert input and advice). Kelvin Gary, CPT, PES, CFSC, and head coach of Body Space Fitness, further explains, “An air bike uses paddles in the front wheel that create more resistance as you pedal, and as you pedal faster, the resistance increases.” Most models also have handles that engage your arms while you pedal (which is where the elliptical aspect comes in). The proper usage of an air bike requires significant balance, too, which makes for a great core workout. Like traditional cycling, you are exercising your legs and getting a significant cardio boost—but the full-body aspect really comes into play with the arm handles commonly found on air bikes. Not only is there a performance monitor to track time and distance, but the bike also has a tablet holder. Stream a workout or catch up on your favorite shows, all while you push and pull your way to a solid sweat session. This air bike is an excellent option for people of all fitness levels. The bike’s design is compact and won’t take up too much space inside your home. And if you want to store it, the small, built-in wheels make for easy transport (although the bike itself is quite heavy). An adjustable seat will help the rider maintain proper form, and dual-action handles ensure that your upper body will feel the burn, too. Multi-position hand grips provide a more comfortable and personalized push-and-pull exercise experience. The high-definition consult displays metrics such as calories burned, distance, speed, and heart rate. As an added bonus, the bike comes with pre-programmed training workouts. It’s also worth noting that this bike’s 10-year frame warranty is the longest out of all our picks. A repeat customer whose family has been riding Schwinn bikes for years writes, “I love that it works out the lower body at the same time as the upper body. It has a low impact which is very important to me.” The bike’s ergonomic paddle handlebars have multiple grip options to keep you comfortable while supporting a full range of arm and shoulder motion. With an easy-to-read LCD monitor, you’ll have no issue tracking metrics like speed, time, and calories burned. Reviewers are impressed with the bike’s quality and how easy it is to set up. While the majority of this bike’s customer feedback is very positive, some people complain that the seat adjustments are only by the inch, and not as precise as other models. Additionally, there is no tablet holder, which some people find to be a dealbreaker. Unlike the other models, this bike has a knob to control its resistance, with 10 levels to choose from. The self-tensioning belt and the lack of handlebars make for a smooth, quiet ride. It has a sleek design that takes up a very small amount of space—but if you don’t want to keep it out all the time, the built-in wheels make it easy to roll into storage. Not up for a predesigned workout? Design your own based on distance, calories, time, or heart rate. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this bike will bring your home gym to the next level. Like a few other options on our list, this bike would benefit from a seat cushion. There are 4,000 reviews on the brand’s website, giving the bike a 4.9 out of 5-star rating overall. One happy buyer calls it a “horrible machine, in a good way.” Continuing to say, “Awful, awful piece of machinery that is absolutely amazing. You can build muscle, do steady state cardio, anaerobic conditioning, aerobic conditioning, restorative workouts, or put you on the floor in pain type of workouts.”
