What is the best upright exercise bike for a home gym? Riding an exercise bike is an effective way to burn calories, reduce body fat, and strengthen your lungs, muscles, and heart. Compared to a few other pieces of cardio equipment, a bike puts less pressure on your joints, but still offers an excellent aerobic workout.
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This article will describe the most popular models so that you can find the best upright exercise bike that is just right for you.
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What Are the Types of Exercise Bikes?
There are primarily three types of exercise bikes: spinning, upright, and recumbent. Each type of bike is slightly different from the other and provides different benefits.
You should select a bike that suits your fitness level, workout goals, and joint health. Or, if you want to bring more variety to your workout plans, you can try all three at different times.
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- Upright Bikes
- Recumbent Bikes
What Is a Spinning Bike?
A spinning bike doesn't spin like a top while you pedal. Spinning, here, means it comes with an independent pedaling system that makes you ride as fast as you can. It is a bike that pushes you to your limits.
This type of bike tests your mettle and how fast you can ride. Even a 30-minute ride on a spinning bike will burn tons of calories and keep you fit. All you need to do is make sure you don't fall from your seat.
The flywheel keeps the pedals together, making it look like a regular bicycle. Its independent pedaling system gives you an additional challenge to go that extra mile while working out.
But this feature is also a drawback for users who are recovering from injuries. If you can't go too fast, then a spinning bike wouldn't be your ideal choice.
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What Is an Upright Bike?
Upright bikes are the most popular as they look exactly like regular bicycles. They don't come with an independent pedaling system, thus allowing everyone to make the most of this bike during their workout sessions. The pedals stand right under your body. You don't need to bend while pedaling. Just sit upright and bike as you would normally do while riding a bicycle.
An upright bike is ideal for a comprehensive cardio workout. It not only burns calories but also strengthens your core and leg muscles. Upright bikes are available in two forms: sitting and standing. You can choose one that you feel most comfortable with.
An upright bike is ideal if you want to warm up before moving on to strength training or heavy workout sessions. It puts pressure on your wrists and hands, thus preparing you for the exercises ahead.
Our recommended upright bike is the BulbHead As Seen On TV Slim Cycle Stationary Bike, Most Comfortable Exercise Machine, Thick, Extra-Wide Seat & Back Support Cushion, Recline or Upright Position, Twice The Results in Half The Time.
What Is a Recumbent Bike?
A recumbent bike comes with a bigger seat compared to an upright bike. You can also pedal while sitting in a reclined position. Since the pedals are slightly further from the seat, women with short height may need to stretch to reach the pedals.
It is an ideal bike for those who are starting to work out for the first time. This type of bike puts less pressure on your joints, upper body, and low back, thus making the workout less intense compared to spinning and upright bikes.
In addition to beginners, it is also the best bike for those who are just returning from injuries. You will experience less muscle soreness and fatigue after your workout. It is best if you already have joint issues or injuries, back pain, or limited mobility.
In fact, physical trainers recommend recumbent bikes mostly to older adults because it is easier on the joints.
For more information about recumbent bikes, read Best Recumbent Bike Reviews – For Home Use 2020.
Our recommended recumbent bike is the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike.
Types of Upright Bikes
Exercise bikes work on one principle: the more the resistance, the more challenging the workout. If you are one of those who want to push your body to its limits without feeling fatigued, you should try the different types of upright bikes.
Upright bikes provide primarily two types of resistance. You should select a bike depending on what your body can endure.
1. Magnetic Upright Bike
This is one of the most innovative upright bike available in the market right now. It comes with magnetic resistance that creates more pressure on the rider.
You will need to push harder to move the pedal. This will increase the speed at which you burn calories.
Since it has magnetic resistance, it doesn't create any friction like the other bikes. Instead, the bike creates resistance using electromagnetic induction.
2. Air Upright Bike
This is the type of upright bike where the pedals connect to a pulley system through a fan instead of a flywheel.
The quicker you pedal, the faster the fan blades will turn.
This creates more resistance for a tougher workout.
What Are the Best Selling and Most Popular Upright Bikes for 2020?
There are various brands selling upright bikes these days but which one should you buy? Here is a list of the top-5 upright bikes that should be in your list of options.
#1 BulbHead Slim Cycle 2-in-1 Exercise Bike
This is a 2-in-1 foldable upright bike that can fit in any corner of your room. It comes with 8 levels of adjustable resistance so that you can increase or decrease the intensity of your workout.
Additionally, the manufacturer also provides a heart monitor and resistance bands to check your heart rate while pedaling.
Apart from sitting in an upright position, you can also recline the seat.
This means it works both as an upright bike and also as a recumbent bike.
For a full review, read Slim Cycle 2-in-1 Exercise Bike Review.
- Xl padded seat: extra-large fully padded seat and backrest for maximum comfort while exercising. Keep your water bottle close at hand with the convenient water bottle holder behind the seat.
- Belt drive: low maintenance yet durable, The smooth belt drive keeps your ride silent and stable. The 3. 3 lb. Flywheel supports 10 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance keeping the upright bike high quality and powerful.
- Performance monitor: monitor time, speed, distance, calories, odometer, and pulse rate. Grasp the Pulse grips on the padded handles for your heart RATE reading. The convenient tablet holder supports your mobile device.
- Fully adjustable bike: extra large recumbent bike adjusts 3 levels to support a versatile yet challenging workout. Fully padded seat adjusts up/down and handlebars can be folded for users to get on and off easily.
- Comfort & safety: adjustable strap pedals for balance while foam coated handles support stability. Completely fold and Transport product with wheels. Folded dims: : 18L x 21W x 54H inches max weight 300 lbs.
Many people complain that the seats of upright bikes are small and not comfortable for those with bigger buttocks. This upright bike solves that problem. With an ultra-cushioned seat, you will enjoy your ride on this bike.
The smooth belt inside the bike prevents it from making any noise. It comes with three adjustable resistance levels so that you can increase your workout intensity.
Like Bulbhead, this bike also provides a screen that shows your pulse rate, calories burned, distance covered, speed, and time.
#3 Marcy Upright Exercise Bike
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The 14-gauge, high-quality frame makes it one of the most durable bikes among its competitors. Its pedals target your hamstrings, glutes, and quads.
This bike is not just a rapid fat-burner; it also aims to strengthen your leg muscles so that you have well-toned legs.
There are eight adjustable levels allowing you to increase and decrease the bike's resistance intensity.
You can check your heart rate, calories burned, distance, time, and speed from its LCD screen. The rubberized foot base prevents you from slipping and falling while riding fast.
#4 Schwinn Upright Bike
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The ergonomic handlebars come with heart rate grip sensors. As soon as you start riding, the screen will show your heart rate and workout intensity.
There is also a 3-speed fan that keeps you cool as you burn your calories on this bike. The sturdy frame, together with its high stability, allows you to ride faster without risking any injury.
In addition to working as a fat-burner, this upright bike provides 29 exercise programs that will keep you fit and mobile for years if you perform them regularly.
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This Marcy Air 1 upright is an ideal bike for women who want a full body workout.
It features dual action arms that work your upper body as you pedal. The air resistance creates more resistance the faster you pedal.
The premium solid frame is constructed with 14 gauge steel tubing and is known for its durability.
Its LCD screen acts like an odometer and shows your pulse rate, calories burned, time, speed, and distance.
Upright Bike Buying Guide
Here are frequently asked questions about upright bikes. Please read before buying.
What Are the Benefits of an Upright Bike?
An upright bike is ideal for those who want to burn lots of calories right from their warm-up session. It offers tons of benefits compared to other exercise bikes.
• It provides a more consistent workout. Unlike recumbent bikes that are suitable for people with injuries and limited mobility, upright bikes allow you to test your limits by allowing you to push harder. Its high resistance helps you burn calories even if you ride it for 30 minutes every day.
• These bikes ensure that your entire body stays fit. It not only burns calories and strengthens your core and leg muscles but also toughens your abdominal muscles for a flatter belly.
• The upright position of this bike stretches your abdominal muscles that, in turn, strengthen as you increase your resistance every passing day.
• This bike also puts pressure on your upper body. Sitting and riding in an upright position is ideal to work out your shoulders, biceps, and triceps.
How to Select an Upright Bike?
What is your fitness goal? Do you want to lose more calories or use the bike just to warm-up before a high-intensity workout session?
If you can answer these questions, you will be able to choose an ideal upright bike for your home gym.
Magnetic upright bikes are the latest trend for fitness freaks. They provide more resistance, thus allowing you to burn more calories within a short period.
On the other hand, if you want to ride a traditional upright bike, then go for an air upright bike. You can change its resistance intensity according to your body fitness.
Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill
Selecting between an exercise bike and a treadmill depends on your fitness goals. If you want to burn more calories within a short period, then a treadmill is more helpful. It allows you to run and walk on an inclined plane. Exercise bikes don't provide so many varieties. You only need to pedal to burn calories.
On the other hand, treadmills are more prone to injuries. Some people experience knee and back pain after jogging for a few minutes. If you jog at a slow speed, you may not burn as many calories as you want.
This doesn't happen with an exercise bike. You can reduce the intensity of the bike's resistance if you want to go slowly. It will still burn a significant amount of calories.
Plus, there are lower risks of injuries with exercise bikes. You can select from the various types of exercise bikes mentioned above depending on your fitness objectives and health conditions.
Upright vs. Recumbent – Which One Is Better?
Both upright and recumbent bikes come with their pros and cons and the bike you choose should depend on your workout goals.
Select a ReCumbent Bike
Select aN Upright Bike
Are Upright Bikes Good for Weight Loss?
Upright bikes are incredible when it comes to losing your love handles. In fact, they are not just ideal for losing weight but also tone your muscles.
From your biceps and triceps to strengthening your leg and core muscles, upright bikes provide an all-round workout session for your entire body.
Spend at least 30 minutes riding an upright bike every day, and you will notice a significant change in your body weight in a few weeks.
Fitness experts recommend riding an upright bike for at least an hour regularly. With a moderate-intensity resistance, you can burn up to 600 calories in an hour.
How Much Does an Upright Exercise Bike Cost?
As with any popular product, it depends. You will pay more for bells and whistles. You will pay more when there is a big demand.
Currently, many of the popular less expensive models are sold out. Many gyms are still closed and equipment for a home gym becomes a necessity for some.
The selections above give a varied price range that you can expect to pay now. The prices are automatically updated to give you the current selling price. Just click on the Buy On Amazon button for the latest price.
Summary
Now that you know almost everything about upright bikes, buy one that ticks all the boxes of your fitness goals.
Make sure you use the bike regularly to get a slim and muscular body.