Exercise bikes are safe and effective gym equipment that is perfect for low-impact cardio. An upright bike has a thin front wheel, thin back wheels, and a thin frame. On the other hand, recumbent bikes are modernized according to the busy modern lifestyle. They have thick front and back wheels that align vertically to provide stability to the rider. People often get confused in choosing between both types of bikes when buying commercial exercise bikes or home gym equipment. So, here we have listed the key differences between the recumbent bike and upright bike that will help make the right purchasing decision. 

• Ease of Use

If you want a bike that is easy to use, go for upright. It is similar to regular biking, and you don’t need to learn anything new about it. However, the recumbent has a steep learning curve, and it is hard in comparison to the upright bike. It takes time to get used to the new movement pattern, but with time it will feel natural.

• Calorie Burn 

It may be one of the most important points to consider because most people work out to get back in shape. The faster you burn calories, the faster you’ll be losing weight. Both exercise bikes burn almost the same amounts of calories. However, sometimes the calories burned on the recumbent bike can be less because the machine supports the upper body. 

• Muscles Workout 

The upright bike and recumbent bike both use the lower body muscles and help in strengthening the legs. Upright bikes allow leaning forward and balancing yourself, which makes them good for sprinting. But, recumbent bikes use different muscle groups in the body.

• Injury Risk 

People with injuries often ask which exercise bike is better for them. In an upright bike, the body weight comes down on the two tailbones, and with a recumbent bike, as you lean against the backrest, some weight is transferred. However, due to constant downward pressure on the bike seat, upright bikes pose a risk for saddle sores. So, a recumbent bike can be a better option.

Conclusion 

We hope this post helped you decide which exercise bike can help you achieve your fitness goals. Generally, people who don’t want to engage too many core muscles during exercise can choose a recumbent bike, and people aiming at overall fitness should choose an upright bike. Moreover, when planning to buy gym equipment in the USA, you must check out the collection of top-branded fitness machines at Total Body Experts.