Get The Skinny On Spinning Exercise Bikes

Spinning Exercise Bike

There are two general classes of exercise bikes: recumbent bikes and upright bikes, with the spinning exercise bike as a different (or adjustable) design. Of course, the type of exercise bike you buy will depend on the program of conditioning and exercise you will be involved in.

Recumbent bikes, the newer type of exercise bike on the market, have chair-like or bucket seats. As you exercise, your body is in a semi-reclining position. Your legs angle out in front of you to reach the pedals instead of extending down as they do on an upright bike.

A guy named Johnny G started the "spinning program" in 1989 and by some accounts the technology completely transformed the exercise bike industry.

It's interesting to note that a couple of written histories of exercise equipment show that, in 1995, a patent was issued by the United States government for an "invented" stationary exercise bicycle. But the stationary exercise bike has a history several years longer than that.

The change and improvement in exercise bikes is credited by some to the spinning program, a revolutionary approach to the stationary exercise bike and indoor group cycling.

The momentum of the flywheel on a spinning exercise bike lets you "spin" the pedals just like you used to do on your "outside" bike when you were a kid. The ride is similar to that of a real bike, compared to other stationary bikes.

Other improvements include a seat that adjusts not just up and down but back and forth too, as well as multi-position handlebars that also adjust up and down.

The spinning exercise bike has, in some ways, reinvigorated the use of exercise bikes, which can be found in prominent positions in gyms around the world. Some reports show that the exercise bike is in continuous use in most gyms as one of the more popular types of fitness activities.

Spinning exercise bikes suit a wide range of abilities and fitness goals, "delivering a personalized exercise bike workout, incredible calorie burn and personal challenge all at a self-directed pace," according to one reviewer. Spinner bikes can provide a variety of "feels," including that of a recumbent exercise bike and a traditional street bike.

As you judge prices, remember that most stationary bikes come with various ways to assess your speed and distance. Lower priced models may have a tachometer or odometer combination. Some of these models are not programmable. But with prices in the range of $200-$500 the simple model can be a good choice for a beginner or someone on a tight budget.

More expensive models may come with a programmable console that reports heart rate or even lets you pick a heart rate and adjust the resistance accordingly. Some users feels magnetic resistance is the best method as it operates more smoothly and is quieter.

But these designs can cost up to $1,500. Good spinning exercise bikes are usually in this category. Top-of-the-line designs typically cost more than $1,500.