Compared to other gym equipment, the indoor exercise bike provides one of the easiest and most effective forms of weight loss workouts. From newbies to seasoned gym-goers, many people enjoy its simplicity and the various benefits it can bring to the table.
Today, different types of exercise bikes exist to suit the user’s needs and goals. To help you choose, read on and learn some tips on picking an indoor exercise bike for weight loss.
1. Define Your Needs
Before anything else, get to know your body, its needs, and its limits. You can consult a doctor to be aware of any conditions that might affect your regimen. If you have one, don’t forget to choose an indoor exercise bike that adequately accommodates your needs.
Different gym-goers have different needs. For instance, the slightly overweight will differ from those struggling with obesity. The same goes for seniors and younger people. It’s important to remember that each bike design is tailored to fit a particular gym-goer’s body.
In addition, two types of exercise bikes are specifically designed according to the position of the rider: the upright bike and the recumbent bike. Each brings its own perks to the gym-goer trying to lose weight.
For starters, the upright bike has a broader and more comfortable seat than the typical outdoor bike. Its handlebars are also closer to the rider’s body. Together, they allow for a more upright cycling position for the biker.
So, this bike is perfect for young gym-goers wanting to reduce belly fat. It’s recommended to cycle 2-3 times a week for 30-45 minutes using the HIIT workout that’s great on exercise bikes.
High-intensity intermittent training, or HIIT, alternates between short bursts of high-intensity exercise and recovery periods. Lastly, a proper diet should be observed.
On the other hand, the recumbent bike is made to support a reclining position. It has a broad seat, backrest, and grips at the side. Unlike the usual, the pedals are in front of the rider.
The recumbent bike’s overall design, providing spinal support, makes it easier for the joints to cycle. Hence, it’s the best choice for those with vulnerable joints, such as seniors and obese gym-goers.
2. Prioritize Comfort
An aerobic, low-impact bike workout burns 365 calories an hour for those with an average weight. For the best results, weight loss training sessions must last more than 40 minutes.
Due to lengthy training, picking a comfortable exercise bike model is essential. You’ll face strain and discomfort if, at the end of the day, you choose a model made only for short and skinny people.
When shopping, it’s easy to get lost in the exercise bike’s varied features, such as fancy screens, pulse monitors, resistance levels, and more. Remember that only the most comfortable models get you through long training.
Therefore, you should prioritize finding indoor exercise bike models appropriate for your height and weight to avoid facing difficulties later on. The rest of the features can come later on.
3. Look for Built-In Weight-Loss Programs
Your training doesn’t begin with choosing the best exercise bike. You still need to figure out the most effective workout regimen appropriate for your needs.
The good news is there are electric bike models with built-in weight-loss programs. Make sure you choose the one with the most suitable regiment.
Often, a bike with these regimens is accompanied by an electromagnetic resistance mechanism. This automatic mechanism adjusts the flywheel’s resistance strength according to your target heart rate.
Unlike the typical magnetic resistance system, the bike makes no noise and can precisely set the resistance strength.
Moreover, this mechanism keeps you in the Zone 2 training intensity level. At this level, your body primarily uses fat as its fuel. This makes it the best workout level for burning fat and losing weight.
4. Consider the Smart Indoor Bike
What is a smart indoor exercise bike?
Simply put, it’s a modern exercise bike that can integrate with mobile fitness apps. These apps provide plenty of features, such as managing your rides, tracking your fitness progress, or even providing a virtual cycling experience.
With this indoor bike, tracking your weight loss journey becomes easier. Some of the metrics it can record are cadence, intensity, output, and time. These metrics can help you manage your cycling performance as well as determine whether you’re keeping up with your regime.
Most of all, it can make indoor biking a lot of fun, as sometimes, cycling indoors can be dull and unexciting.
Each time, you have no choice but to face the same scenery, perhaps your living room or other gym equipment. But the connectivity feature of the smart interactive bike gives you the fun and variety of a virtual biking experience.
Apps like Zwift let you join an online community where you can meet virtual bikers from other parts of the world. Together, you can enjoy a virtual ride in Paris, London, Japan, and many more exciting destinations. You can even take part in virtual races and other multiplayer events.
Truly, the smart interactive exercise bike can motivate you to train regularly. Its technology allows each training session to be a fun and different challenge.
Finally, its functional features guarantee that your exercise bike investment is worth your money. The excitement that its high-tech features bring ensures that your indoor bike won’t be left alone, gathering dust in the corner.
Conclusion
When picking the best indoor exercise bike for weight loss, you should first think of your fitness needs and goals.
After that, check if the exercise bike will be comfortable. Lastly, look for a bike with a built-in workout program along with high-tech features that can keep your workout challenging.
Remember to keep all of these in mind as you browse the many indoor exercise bike models.
With these tips, we assure you that your money won’t be wasted. They’ll definitely make the weight-loss journey with your new indoor bike fun and effective too.