It can be quite frustrating to have your bad knees keep you from working out. Your knees don’t need to be obstacles anymore with a stationary bike. It is perfect for your knees and other joints in your body.
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However, which exercise bike is better for your knees; Recumbent or Upright bike? This article will inform and enlighten you about stationary bikes.
A Quick Glance at the Best Stationary Bikes For Your Knees:
1. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike
2. 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike
3. Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike
5. DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle, Pedal Exerciser
Be sure to read through the entire article for more detailed information on the above stationary bikes.
Is Riding A Stationary Bike Good For Bad Knees?
They are great for everyone who loves working out indoors. However, they are most perfect for those with low back & knee pain, elderly people, and others who require physical therapy. This is because of the safe, low-impact, and impressive cardiovascular workout it offers.
How Do Stationary Bikes Work?
Stationary bikes provide a mechanism used to apply resistance to bike’s pedals. Resistance determines the intensity of a workout or exercise. Different bikes have different levels of resistance you can choose from for your preferred intensity.
Resistance mechanisms include fans, magnets and other friction mechanisms. In essence, resistance controls pedaling.
Recumbent Stationary Bike Vs. Upright Bike
We have two main types of stationary bikes for exercise: recumbent and upright. An upright bike looks like the regular road bikes with a vertical inclination and handlebars out in front. On the other hand, a recumbent bike has a backrest where users seat against with legs out front.
Upright bike gives room for more ways of movement such as riding while you’re standing. So more joints and muscles can be exercised as you change positions. If you have osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis, you may find an upright bike more comfortable because of the forward-leaning position.
Upright Stationary Bike
However, a Recumbent bike has a plusher, wider seat that rests in a semi-reclined position. It is specifically designed to offer you back support whenever you use it. Its pedals are fixed in front of the seat, unlike the upright bike which has its pedals below the seat.
Recumbent Stationary Bike
As a person with knee issues, I prefer the design and comfort of a recumbent bike.
Fitness experts have differed on which is better between the two types of bikes. While some back pain patients may find comfort in a forward-leaning position, those with knee issues may find a reclining position more comfortable. At the end of the day, it comes down to your preference and the peculiarity of your condition.
Benefits Of Using An Exercise Bike
- Boosts cardiovascular fitness
- Helps with weight loss
- It helps to burn body fat
- Strengthens the lower body, knees and legs muscles
- Gives room for interval training
- It is safer for you than road cycling
Review Of The Best Stationary Bikes For Your Knees
We have taken the time to identify which exercise bike is best for bad knees. After thorough research, we identified the 5 best options on the market. We will review them below:
1. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike
Key Features
- Adjustable seat
- LCD computer display
- Adjustable resistance
- Recumbent Handlebars
- Transport Wheels
Are you looking for a stationary bicycle with all the right features to make you have a great exercise and relax your knees? This stationary bike can help you shed some unwanted pounds while also increasing your cardiovascular endurance. It also helps you utilize the smallest of spaces due to its compact design.
The seat is adjustable so you can get your legs free for proper stride while pedaling. Hence, this bike is excellent for your knees.
Also, an LCD computer display is in place to display time, distance, speed, total distance and calories. Therefore, you can keep track of the progress you make whenever you exercise.
Under the handlebars, there’s a resistance knob which is quite convenient to turn. This way, you can easily change resistance during workouts. These handlebars will also ensure you’re comfortable throughout your rides.
The bike pedals are large textured so your feet is firmly gripped onto them as you pedal. Also, the pedal straps will ensure you don’t slip during intense sessions.
PROS:
- 8 resistance levels
- It has an ultra-functional LCD display screen
- It has a convenient padded seat
CONS:
- Clicking makes noise
2. 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike
Key features
- Infinite airflow adjustable seatback
- Simple and effective console
- Ergonomic frame and pedals
- Easy handle control
This recumbent bike is another impressive machine for excellent fitness sessions and your knees’ troubles. This is as a result of the comfortable and convenient build.
It features a seat and backrest that can be adjusted to conform to your body size and shape. This is made possible by the infinite airflow meshflex adjustable reclining feature.
This high-quality construction has a compact length of 49 inches. Hence, it can utilize space and fit into small spaces. This bike is equipped with easy-to-roll transport wheels that will make your workout sessions a breeze.
It comes with a programmable electronic display and an easy-to-use dial interface. This dial will help you get 12 built-in pre-programmed workouts.
Also, this stationary bike is equipped with remote handle controls for easy programming.
PROS:
- It has an ergonomic frame and pedals
- It has a comfortable seat
- It has 12 built-in pre-programmed workout options
CONS:
- Screen programming is not too user-friendly
3. Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series
Key features
- Goal tracking
- Streamlined console
- Resistance levels
This recumbent bike is equipped with several features to make your workouts quite comfortable and fulfilling. It has a goal tracking capability. Therefore, you can set exercise goals e.g. distance, time and calories.
This machine has dual LCD screens. They display 22 preset workout programs, increasing visibility to goal tracking and other programs.
There are 20 resistance levels. They will provide you several workout intensity options to make your sessions more fulfilling.
The drive system is high speed for easy and smooth workouts. Also, the seat has a rail slider system coupled with an adjustable lever. Hence, you will be about to customize the seat to fit you for maximum comfort.
Also, this bike is built to relax your body while also relaxing your brain with good music. It features a built-in port for your MP3 players. There’s also a USB port to charge your devices.
PROS:
- It has 22 preset workout programs
- It has a built-in port for electronic devices
- It has dual LCD screens
CONS:
- Poor customer service
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
Key features
- Digital monitor
- Cushioned and adjustable seat
- 8-Level adjustable resistance
- Step-through design
- Pulse sensor
Burn more calories and achieve a mind-blowing workout with this powerful stationary bike. It comes with movable handlebars that will transform it into that low-impact home fitness machine you’ve always desired. These handlebars move back & forth, involving the arms, shoulders and back to increase calorie expenditure.
This bike’s maximum weight capacity is 350 lbs. It accommodates most users so you don’t have to worry about the capacity. It is equipped with portable wheels that will make moving easy.
It comes with a digital monitor which you can use to track your progress while pedaling. It measures speed, distance, calories and time. It will tell you the rate at which your heart is beating, thus helping you work out at the proper intensity.
Also, this stationary bike features a comfortable tension knob which will help you intensify your workout. You can decrease or increase resistance with an easy adjustment so your workout can be very effective.
PROS:
- It has a digital monitor
- Pedals don’t slip
- It has pulse sensors for reading heart rate
CONS:
- Pedals are weak
5. DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle, Pedal Exerciser
Key features
- Whisper quiet
- Calibrated resistance
- LCD screen
Low-impact cycling is very achievable in your office with this stationary bike. It will help you burn calories effectively. With this bike, your goal of exercising is easily achieved.
There are 8 different levels of intensity to choose from. Each of them will help your workout to any limit you desire. Also, this bike comes with a magnetic precision flywheel to ensure discreet performance at any chosen level.
Also features an LCD screen that will show you metrics such as calories burned, speed, time and distance during a workout. Active circulation will enhance your productivity, increase your energy and also improve your mood.
PROS:
- It has an LCD screen
- It is portable
- It is quiet
CONS:
- Pedals are not reliable
Our Final Thoughts On Which Exercise Bike Is Better For Your Knees
In this article, we have reviewed the 5 best stationary bikes for your knees. Each of them has different features in place to offer you excellent workouts and also tend to your knees. You can only enjoy these numerous benefits if you choose the right option.
This article has also highlighted the key features of the best products on the market and how they work. Hence, you’ll need to carefully check the features of the product you’re buying to choose the best exercise bicycle for bad knees.