As you’ll discover in this piece, besides facilitating faster running, there are eight additional scientifically supported benefits of exercise bikes worth mentioning.
Top 5 Exercise Bike Benefits As Per Research Findings
Here are five compelling reasons why it’s advantageous to incorporate an exercise bike into your routine today:
- Increased Calorie Burn
One of the prime advantages of utilising an exercise bike is its capacity for calorie expenditure.
Similar to jogging, indoor cycling engages the major muscle groups in the lower portion of your body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
Given their substantial size, these muscle groups’ activation during cycling has the potential to incinerate a considerable number of calories, which could be advantageous if weight loss is your aim.
Furthermore, according to a particular study, the potential calorie burn following exercise could last up to 14 hours.
- Potential for Enhanced Body Composition, Triglyceride and Cholesterol Levels
Another study, involving 40 women this time, explored the effects of indoor cycling on altering body composition and cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The women were categorised into four groups: a control group with no alterations, a group solely performing indoor cycling, a group combining indoor cycling with a low-calorie diet, and a final group exclusively following a low-calorie diet.
In the indoor cycling segment of the research, participants participated in 45-minute exercise sessions three times weekly for 12 weeks.
Regarding the low-calorie aspect, individuals adhered to a daily 1,200 kcal diet.
- Increased Stamina and Muscle Strength
From your hamstring muscles to quadriceps to your core and glutes, cycling involves multiple muscle groups, aiding in their strengthening and toning.
For stationary bikes with handles, you can activate your upper body by standing on the pedals rather than remaining seated for the entire duration. This action intensifies engagement of your upper body, core, quadriceps, and hamstrings as you cycle, as you’re now bearing the additional weight of your body while maintaining an upright position. This comprehensive engagement contributes to muscle building and toning.
Adjusting resistance levels during your workout allows you to customise the intensity of your rides, making them easier or more challenging as needed.
- It Is a Low Impact Form of Cardio
Since you’re seated while using an exercise bike, it’s classified as a low-impact cardiovascular activity.
Cycling involves no such impact, unlike running on the pavement where your feet repeatedly hit the hard surface. Consequently, there’s minimal stress on your knees and joints.
Instead of enduring the jolts from each footstrike, your feet remain firmly on the pedals as you pedal.
This creates a fluid resistance that strengthens your muscles and joints without subjecting them to sudden shocks, making it an ideal choice for those seeking gentle yet effective cardio workouts.
- Decreased Joint Pain
A comprehensive review of 11 studies involving more than 700 participants investigated the impact of cycling on individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
The findings revealed that compared to those who didn’t exercise, individuals who used stationary bikes experienced decreased joint pain and enhanced performance.
Given such encouraging results, cycling could be a viable option for individuals with knee arthritis.
Nevertheless, it’s advisable to consult your physician before embarking on any new exercise regimen.
The Bottom Line
If you’re new to using an exercise bike or easing back into it after a break, you must gradually and gradually increase your intensity.
You’ll notice the changes in just a few brief sessions, and with time, you’ll enjoy the advantages of exercise bike.