When it comes to shaping, toning and losing weight – the exercise bike is an ideal choice. It is extremely convenient to purchase and keep an exercise bike at home. The models vary and you can get the one that is best suited to your lifestyle and preferences. There is the standard exercise bike that requires you sit straight up and pedal in a downwards motion. The racing exercise bike that encourages you to lean forward with your back on a diagonal angle, virtually racing. The third type, my personal favorite, is the recumbant bike that reduces a great deal of the strain that can be put on your back while allowing you to pedal in a forward motion with your legs extended in front of you.
While the recumbant bike feels and seems easier than the other two types of exercise bikes, it’s important to note that a recumbant bike is not as easy to pedal because pedaling forward does not utilize gravity to assist you. Biking actually burns more calories per minute than walking. For example, 45 minutes of biking can burn as much as if not more than walking for 90 minutes.
If you want to use an exercise bike in order to burn calories and fat, spurring weight loss, then your exercise bike needs to be your friend. You’ll want to use it on a regular basis. The goal of weight loss is supported by regular, consistent activity that helps you burn more calories than you consume. You may be full of enhtusiasm when you first purchase the exercise equipment, but it is better to build up a regular program even if you can only start slow in the beginning.
It’s also worth mentioning that cardio exercise like a stationary bike can be performed as often as six days a week. You do need at least one day of formal rest. So if you decide to invest in a stationary bike – start off t 10 to 15 minutes a day and add five minutes to that routine each week until you build up to 30 to 45 minutes a day. My stationary bike, like my treadmill, is set up in front of the television.
During my daily breaks around lunchtime, I can go for a treadmill walk or a ride on the stationary bike. It takes less than 30 minutes and I can entertain my mind by watching a favorite program or an inspirational DVD. There are also plenty of biking DVDs out there that provide you with scenery and inspiring music.
While doing a home workout with a stationary bike is great for any weight loss program – you should also engage in resistance or weight training either with hand weights or exercise bands. This can help you to shape and tone – and remember muscle burns more calories than fat – so if you are interested in a comfortable and fun cardio machine that helps with your fat burning – the exercise bike is a great choice.