Exercise Bike Buying Guide Part 1

History of the exercise bike

The history of the exercise bike can be traced back to the late 18th century. In 1796, Francis Lowndes of London patented an exercise machine called the Gymnasticon. The Gymnasticon was a large, wooden frame with a set of flywheels connected to treadles and handlebars. It was designed to exercise all parts of the body, and it was used by both athletes and medical professionals.

In the early 20th century, stationary bikes began to be used more widely for physical therapy. In 1916, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) began recommending the use of stationary bikes for patients with a variety of conditions, including polio, arthritis, and heart disease.

In the 1960s, stationary bikes began to gain popularity as a home exercise device. In 1968, Keene P. Dimick created an exercise bike in 1968. In 1977, Augie Nieto incorporated the company in Illinois as Lifecycle, Inc. to sell exercise bikes based on the same name that were based on Dimick's, the first electronic exercise bike. The Lifecycle featured a console that displayed the user's heart rate, calories burned, and distance traveled. This company evolved into being LifeFitness who we know today and still carry lifecycle within the name of there upright bikes.

In the 1970s and 1980s, stationary bikes became even more popular. In 1978, Schwinn introduced the Airdyne, a stationary bike that featured air resistance generated by a fan. The Airdyne was a great way to get a cardio workout, and it quickly became a popular choice for home and gym use.

In the 1990s, spinning became a popular form of indoor cycling. Spinning is a high-intensity workout that is led by an instructor. The instructor sets the pace and cadence of the workout, and the participants follow along. Spinning has become a popular way to get a cardio workout, and it is also a great way to meet new people and have fun.

Today, stationary bikes are one of the most popular home exercise devices. They are a low-impact way to get a cardio workout, and they are also a great way to improve your overall fitness. There are many different types of stationary bikes available, so you can find one that is right for your needs and budget.

 

Benefits of using an Indoor Bike

There are many benefits to using an indoor bike. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Low-impact exercise: Stationary bikes are a low-impact way to get a cardio workout. This means that they put less stress on your joints than other activities, such as running or jumping. This makes them a good option for people with joint pain or injuries.

• Easy on the body: Stationary bikes are also easy on the body. They can be used by people of all fitness levels, including beginners. This makes them a great way to get started with exercise or to get back into shape after a layoff.

• Variety of workouts: There are many different ways to use a stationary bike. You can do interval training, steady-state cardio, or even strength training. This makes them a versatile piece of equipment that can be used to achieve a variety of fitness goals.

• Convenient: Stationary bikes are very convenient. You can use them at home, in the gym, or even at work. This makes them a great option for people who are short on time or who don't have access to outdoor exercise facilities.

• Cost-effective: Stationary bikes are relatively inexpensive compared to other Cardio equipment and generally more portable and smaller footprint. This makes them a great option for people who are on a budget or space conscious.

 

Different types of Indoor Bikes

Here are some of the features and benefits of air bikes, upright bikes, spin bikes, and recumbent bikes:

 

 

1) Air Bike:

• Features: Air bikes have a fan that generates resistance as you pedal. This means that the harder you pedal, the more resistance you will feel. Air bikes also have movable handles that allow you to use your upper body to generate more resistance.
• Benefits: Air bikes are a great way to get a full-body workout. They work your legs, glutes, core, and upper body. Air bikes are also a good choice for people who want to do high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

 

 

2) Upright Bike:

• Features: Upright bikes are the most common type of stationary bike. They have a comfortable seat and handlebars, and they are easy to get on and off. Upright bikes typically have magnetic resistance, which is a quiet and smooth type of resistance.
• Benefits: Upright bikes are a good choice for people who want a low-impact workout. They are also a good choice for people who want to do moderate-intensity cardio.

 

3) Spin Style Bike also known as  a Group Exercise Bike:

• Features: Spin bikes are designed to mimic the experience of riding a road bike. They have a heavy flywheel that provides smooth and consistent resistance. Spin bikes typically have multiple resistance levels, so you can adjust the intensity of your workout.
• Benefits: Spin bikes are a great choice for people who want a challenging workout. They are also a good choice for people who want to do spinning classes.

4) Recumbent Bike:

• Features: Recumbent bikes have a reclined seat that provides more comfort than an upright bike. They also have a large backrest that can help to support your back. Recumbent bikes typically have magnetic resistance, which is a quiet and smooth type of resistance.
• Benefits: Recumbent bikes are a good choice for people who have back pain or injuries. They are also a good choice for people who want a low-impact workout.

Ultimately, the best type of indoor bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a full-body workout, an air bike is a good option. If you are looking for a low-impact workout, an upright bike or recumbent bike is a good option. If you are looking for a challenging workout, a spin bike is a good option.

Here is a table that summarises the features and benefits of each type of indoor bike:

 

 If your looking for more detail, especially on types of pedals, setting up your bike too "fit" you and differentiating consoles, read our follow on article indoor bike guide part 2.