Riding a bike can be a great way to get low-impact cardiovascular exercise into your workout. However, sometimes the weather is not willing to cooperate. It may be to hot or too cold, or even raining or snowing. Some people find a great way to get their cycling workout is to buy a stationary or "exercise" bike. Here are some things to know before you run out and purchase your own.
Before you even hit the sporting goods stores, you will want to determine that exercise bikes are the equipment for you. If you have a heart condition that limits physical activity, if you have experienced chest pain, if you have problems with loss of balance because of dizziness, if you have a bone or joint problem that could be aggravated by a change in physical therapy, or if you are on heart or blood pressure medication, you should think twice before starting a cycling routine.
Always check with a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen, particularly if you have had recent illness or injury, or are elderly or overweight.
One of the first things you will have to decide while shopping is the style of stationary bike you are interested in. There are two styles – upright, like a normal bicycle, and semi-recumbent, where you are sitting down. Upright bikes ride similar to a regular bike, and usually have a well-padded seat for comfort. If you have back pain, or mobility or balance concerns, a semi-recumbent bike may better suit your needs.