Upright Bike - Benefits

Upright exercise bikes take up very little space, especially compared to recumbent bikes, and there is no learning curve...even if you do not know how to ride a bike, you can just hop on and start your workout.

One benefit of an exercise bike vs. other home gyms is the ability for you to enjoy other activities while getting your workout.  You cannot read a book or watch TV while using other home gym equipment like you can with an upright bike.

Consistency is the key to any long-term exercise routine.  In order to experience the best benefits of any workout, it needs to be done regularly.  Having access to a piece of equipment like an upright bike can make all the difference in helping you keep with your workout program.

Upright Bikes - Poor Reviews

Certain models of upright bikes consistently receive poor reviews.  Most bad reviews come from the failure of the bike to adjust to the user properly.  When choosing your exercise bicycle, be sure to pay attention to two things: the ability to adjust the machine to fit your height, and the ability to adjust the resistance.

If the model you are considering provides those adjustments, then feel free to pick whichever model works for your budget and has the options you want.  Upright bikes range in style and price from simple units for around $300 to extremely complex units with digital readouts and tons of options that can run around $2500.

Regardless, if you are ready to be consistent in your workout routine, and just have a small amount of space for some home equipment, an upright exercise bike is the perfect solution.

Upright Bike

An upright bike is exactly like it sounds...upright. You are sitting on the exercise machine exactly like you would a normal bicycle in the upright position. Your seat is positioned almost directly vertical from the pedals, and you lean forward to grab the handle bars. For an upright exercise bike, though you are stationary, the motion is exactly the same as it would be for a real bike.

Recumbent Bike

A recumbent stationary bike positions you with your feet in front of, instead of beneath, your seat. Your seat has a backrest, unlike a real bike. The motion of your legs when pushing against the resistance is to push forward, not down. You are essentially leaning back, holding on to handles at your sides.

One of the big advantages of upright bikes over recumbent machines is the "footprint". Uprights occupy much less space on the floor.