The 9 Best Recumbent Bikes For Home Use

The 9 Best Recumbent Bikes For Home Use

The 9 Best Recumbent Bikes For Home Use

The 9 Best Recumbent Bikes For Home Use

Anyone looking for a very low impact, rehab and back friendly workout, I would highly recommend a recumbent bike for home.

Seniors should also consider these machines as a suitable and effective exercise option.

In this article, I will answer some common questions and discuss who should consider buying a recumbent bike.

I’ll also recommend my favorite bikes available and also explain what features to consider before buying.

When biking outside is not an option, recumbent bikes are a fitting alternative for indoor cardio.

These bikes have pedals at the front instead of below the seat, which makes it great for people with lower back issues.

NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle

NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle

  • Interactive training with an iFit training platform.
  • Includes 1-year free membership of iFit training programs.
  • 15-inch display for stats and iFit on-demand streaming service.
  • Adjustable magnetic resistance and -10 to 20% incline settings.
  • Weight capacity of 350 pounds.

This is our favorite recumbent bike because it has an interactive and very attractive coaching program in addition to the standard features found on most recumbent bikes.

iFit training experience

You get on-demand studio workouts with iFit trainers who can actually modify your bike’s resistance and incline angle in real-time.

You  also get a realistic cycling experience and whole-body training if you follow the exercises in the videos.

After a one-year free membership, the annual value of iFit is $396. You can opt-out, but when you do, the 15-inch display will only track your exercise and show your stats.

There’s no way to play or stream your own videos or media content.

What customers are saying

The assembly is easy but there’s a chance you will get wobbly handlebars that makes the screen wobble.

It’s not a major complaint and the majority of customers feel satisfied with their investment, especially after using the iFit coaching streams.

What we like

  • The digital experience it offers, which may even include bodyweight exercises and cardio routines.
  • Magnetic resistance and incline settings are adjusted in real-time when you activate a trainer.

What we dislike

  • It does not have a Bluetooth connection, and you can’t play or stream your own videos when the membership is over.

Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series

Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series

  • Syncs to the Schwinn app and other physical activity tracking devices via Bluetooth.
  • Free downloadable app to ride virtually across the globe.
  • 29 exercise programs, a quick start option, fitness tests, and heart control programs.
  • 25 resistance levels to adjust the intensity of your workouts.
  • LCD displays, speakers with an MP3 input port, and media shelf to hold your digital devices.

This Schwinn model is a comfortable and easy-to-use recumbent bike that has all of the features you would want but without fancy exercise programs.

It has a tracking app that uses Bluetooth connectivity to monitor your progress, plus a downloadable app you can use to create virtual rides with beautiful scenery.

Moreover, the LCD console offers 19 exercise programs and has a media tray you can use to hold your digital devices.

Adjustability & Assembly

This recumbent bike delivers a smooth workout with a weighted flywheel that you can adjust with 25 resistance levels, plus it has a ventilated padded seat you can adjust for your comfort.

The assembly takes some time, but the instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

The weight limit is 300 pounds, and it requires an electrical connection if you want to activate the exercise programs and other functions.

What we like

  • You get many options to adjust your exercise program or a quick start button if you’re lazy to choose.
  • Bluetooth connectivity to its ‘Explore the World’ app.

What we dislike

  • You only get 3 free courses in the downloadable app, the rest comes with a subscription.

Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series

Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series

  • It offers Bluetooth connectivity to sync workout data with the Nautilus 2 trainer app.
  • Syncs with other free downloadable apps to track exercise or get a social ride experience.
  • 29 workout programs and 30-pound effective flywheel.
  • Weighted pedals, multi-position handlebars, and a dynamic recline seat.

If you have back problems, one of the best features of this bike series is its dynamic recline gel seat that helps you with your posture.

It also has handlebars on your sides and behind the LCD console, which makes the exercise easier on your back and your articulations, plus a fan which could be very useful in hot weather.

The Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series offers Bluetooth connectivity to the Nautilus 2 trainer app, and you can choose to track your physical activity with other tracking apps as well.

Features

The LCD console is very similar to the one found in Schwinn recumbent bikes, and it also offers 29 customizable programs plus a quick start button.

Another interesting feature in this model is that you can actually control the incline and resistance with the handlebars on your sides.

Assembly

The assembly instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

It’s also not very heavy and it will be easy to move into your house because it has a pair of wheels at the front.

This recumbent bike comes with a one year warranty, and the majority of customers are satisfied with their purchase.

The only complaints reported were about poor packaging or the fan being too weak.

What we like

  • You get many options to adjust your exercise program or a quick start button if you’re lazy to choose.
  • More comfortable and easier on your back.

What we dislike

  • May not feel sturdy enough if you’re used to heavy equipment in the gym.

Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors

Sale
Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors

  • Fully adjustable recumbent bike with a 9-position seat and 300-pound weight capacity.
  • High-quality magnet resistance system for smooth and quiet workouts.
  • Large backrest and seat to reduce pressure on your spine and tailbone.
  • 8 levels of resistance and heart rate monitor, fantastic for physical therapy and rehab.
  • 1-year free part replacements.

This recumbent bike is powered by a two-way magnetic flywheel technology that not only provides more adjustable intensities but also provides a smooth riding experience, stronger power, and a silent function.

The bike produces as little as 20 dB of sound which is much less than the traditional bikes with chains.

It weighs only 66 pounds, allowing for a maximum weight of 300 pounds and the system relies on 8 neodymium magnets, which are more durable than others in the market.

Adjustability & Features

You get 8 exercise intensities with this bike and you’ll be able to adjust the seat to 9 different positions. It also has adjustable pedals and wheels for easier moving.

The multi-function monitor is intuitive, easy to use, and gives you a reading of calories, speed, time, distance, and pulse.

Another great feature is the attached video holder that enables you to watch TV streams or read on your tablet while exercising.

What we like

  • It is sturdy and durable, with a reliable magnetic resistance system.
  • Simple to understand and maneuver for seniors.

What we dislike

  • It does not have any fancy attachment and as many options and exercise programs as other models have.

Exerpeutic Gold Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike

Exerpeutic Gold Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike

  • Extended user weight capacity of up to 400 pounds.
  • Features a foldable high-durability steel frame.
  • Large backrest and seat for larger users, height adjustable.
  • You can fold it to almost half the size.
  • You get a 1-year limited warranty.

This is an excellent pick for heavier users who want more support and a higher weight capacity.

It comes with an extended capacity of up to 400 pounds with a frame manufactured in high-durability steel, plus a magnetic resistance system that allows for smooth riding.

You’ll have 8 levels of magnetic resistance to choose from, and a straightforward display to monitor your speed, heart rate, time, calories burned, and distance.

It is very quiet and is powered with batteries, which are included in the package.

What we like

  • Heavy-duty, very resistant, and excellent for heavier users.
  • Foldable to almost half its size and easy to store.

What we dislike

  • It is very simple and does not have any fancy or high-tech features other models have.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike

This is an excellent bike with 8 levels of magnetic resistance, 350lbs of weight capacity, and a large seat with an oversized back support. Perfect for heavier users.

Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike With 8 Resistance Levels

This model also has 8 levels of magnetic resistance plus a padded back and adjustable seat. It comes with a two-year warranty and will be a great way to get your money’s worth.

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This indoor exercise bike has a comfortable padded seat with an adjustable lever and a straightforward LCD monitor that displays your time, calories, heart rate, speed, distance, plus other readings.

It is easy to transport with a pair of transportation wheels and comes with an iPad holder for your convenience.

As Seen On TV Slim Cycle Stationary Bike

This bike gives you more of an upright position and comes with arm resistance bands to exercise your upper body and lower body at the same time.

It can be adjusted to 8 different resistance levels and has a simple digital display that is easy to use with large buttons.

Why choose a recumbent bike instead of an upright bike?

They’re comfortable

You won’t feel forced to lean forward, as you do on a regular bike.

Instead, you can sit back, relax your upper body, and feel absolutely comfortable throughout your cycling experience.

Ideal for people with limited mobility

If you have limited mobility or back pain, a recumbent bike will prevent the pain you could feel from leaning forward.

They are also less likely to cause muscle soreness and other musculoskeletal problems.

Low impact

Recumbent bikes favor your body posture.

They are easier on your articulations and core muscles and will not trigger any type of joint pain or muscular pain in susceptible individuals.

Lower intensity workout

With a recumbent bike, you won’t feel tense and trigger core and upper body muscles.

It delivers a lower intensity workout, and it’s ideal if you have back problems and musculoskeletal aches.

Choosing from so many options can be difficult, especially if you’re not appropriately guided. This is why we’re listing the most important things to consider if you’re planning to invest in a recumbent bike.

Resistance

You will see bikes with more than 20 resistance levels and also others that are a bit simpler.

More resistance levels will help you grow step by step, with smoother transitions.

They are also more appropriate if you have more experience and higher fitness goals.

Pre-programmed workouts

Some of us do not use pre-programmed workouts and just hit the quick-start button.

However, if you want to add diversity and a bit of a challenge to your workouts, there are many models with preset training videos, automatic adjustments of intensity levels, and other features that provide a more immersive experience.

The screen technology

You will see different types of screens to track your fitness journey.

If you don’t consider yourself a techno-geek, a simpler LCD display may be enough for you.

However, if you want an amazing digital experience or would like to stream your favorite shows while cycling, the larger displays might be a better option.

The design

At first glance, all recumbent bikes look similar to each other.

However, the seat design, the backrest, and the position of the handles may become vital when you’re in the middle of your workouts.

Are recumbent bikes good for losing weight?

Recumbent bikes are more effective for rehab because they put less strain on your back and core muscles. They do not activate them as much as regular bikes.

Nevertheless, it does increase your calorie loss, and combined with a healthy diet it might be good for losing weight.

Is a recumbent bike as good as walking?

Without resistance, they are both low-impact exercises and put less stress in your articulations and muscles.

As you increase the level of resistance, the exercise becomes a bit more intense and can be compared to jogging or running instead of just walking.

What muscles does a recumbent bike work?

Lower body muscles, i.e your glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and other leg muscles including your calves.

A recumbent bike with arm cranks may also work out your pectorals, back, and deltoid muscles.

Are recumbent bikes good for knees?

Yes. If you have knee or back problems, a recumbent bike will be gentle on your joints, reduce strain, and avoid any muscle soreness or joint pain after the exercise session.