Upright vs Stationary Recumbent Bike: Which One Is Right For You?
Category: Exercise Bike Reviews
There are two basic types of exercise bikes, the upright bike and the Stationary Recumbent Bike and many people simply don’t know which bike is right for them.
In this article “Upright vs Stationary Recumbent Bike: Which One Is Right For You” we will compare these two types of bikes so you can decide which one best meets your exercise and workout needs and help you get or stay fit.
The good news is that not only do many fitness centers have both upright and recumbent bikes that you can use, both of these types of exercise bikes are affordable making them a good piece of home exercise equipment allowing you to exercise any time during the day or the night.
Upright vs Stationary Recumbent Bikes: How They Look
The first difference you will notice between an upright bike and a recumbent bike is there is how they look. An upright bike looks more like a traditional road bike. The seat is a reasonable distance from the ground and the pedals are most directly under the seat. In addition, the handlebars are placed in such a way that you need to lean slightly forward when riding the bike.
A recumbent bike in a uniquely shaped bike that sits closer to the ground than the upright bike.
It also has a more comfortable seat with back support, which allows you to recline rather than lean forward when riding most of the seats have arms on them where you rest your arms when riding (or use the handlebars.) The pedals on this type of bike also sit forward of the seat.
Muscles Exercised By An Upright vs Stationary Recumbent Bike
Many people want a fitness routine that is low impact, resulting in less strain on their ankle, knee and hip joints. One of the most popular low impact exercisers is the riding of exercise bikes to burn calories, built stamina and provide a solid workout for the legs.
Keep in mind that both upright bikes and recumbent bikes are mainly for cardio workouts. These bikes will help tone certain muscles, but they aren’t likely to build muscle mass like weight lifting would. With that in mind here is a look at the various muscles that get a bit of workout when you use an upright bike and a Recumbent bike.
What Muscles Does An Upright Bike Workout On?
An Upright bike does work a number of different muscles including the hamstrings, calves, hip flexors, quadriceps, back muscles, biceps and triceps. Riding an upright bike will also work out your glutes, but you need to be standing up to give these a good workout.
However, keep in mind that upright bikes also puts more strain on knee joints and riding leaned forward for long periods can result in back and neck pain. In addition, no matter how padded those saddle seats on upright bikes may be, they can cause discomfort and even saddle sores.
Recommended
14 Top Rated Upright Exercise Bikes: Fitness Expert Guide
What Muscles Does A Stationary Recumbent Bike Work on?
Stationary recumbent bikes exercise your hamstrings, calves, hip flexors, and quadriceps. They also work out your glutes without needing to stand up. However, since you sit in a more relaxed position you aren’t going to be working out those back muscles, biceps, or triceps.
However, recumbent bikes put less strain on your knees and won’t cause either back or neck pain since you are basically sitting in an easy chair while pedaling. In addition, when it comes to saddle sores the more comfortable seat on recumbent bike is not likely to result in any pain.
As you can see when it comes to working more muscles the upright bike is certainly the better choice, however, if you have knee or back problems then you may want to choose the recumbent bike to get a good workout without any serious joint issues.
Recommended:
17 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes: Ultimate Buying Guide
What Are The Benefits And Downsides Of Upright Bikes vs Recumbent Bikes?
When it comes to upright bikes vs stationary recumbent bikes knowing the benefits and cons of each of each of these bikes will help you to decide which of these bikes is right for you.
Benefits of Upright Bikes
Upright bikes have many advantages that are well worth your consideration. These advantages include:
- Upright bikes can help improve your fitness in a number of ways, they are great for helping you lose weight, build stamina, and to improve your cardio fitness helping your to strengthen your heart.
- Upright bikes can give you a decent lower body work as well as working out your abdominal muscles, and the muscles in arms as well as your back muscles.
- Upright bikes are suitable for use by those beginning or continuing an overall exercise program.
- Upright bikes are affordable pieces of exercise equipment so that you purchase one and use it in your own home whenever you have free time to workout.
Recommended:
22 Best Indoor Exercise Bikes Under $500: A Best Buy Guide
Downsides Of Upright Bikes
- Upright bikes may be unstable for people who have balance problems, making getting on and off this bike somewhat dangerous.
- People who have knee or back problems may find riding an upright bike extremely painful and uncomfortable.
- The discomfort some people experience due to the seat of these bikes, and the constant leaning forward may make some people reluctant to use an upright bike on a regular basis.
Benefits and Cons of A Recumbent Bike
Like upright bikes, recumbent bikes also have their own list of pros and cons that need to be considered when determining which bike is right for you. Here is a look at those pros and cons.
Benefits of Recumbent Bikes
- Recumbent bikes offer many benefits including helping your burn calories for weight loss, increasing stamina, and strengthening the heart.
- Recumbent bikes are a great form of exercise for the elderly and those people who suffer from knee joint pain and back pain.
- Lower height of a recumbent bike combined with a chair with a back may provide more safety for those who have balance problems and still want or need to work out.
- Recumbent bikes provide a comfortable way to work out for most people.
- Recumbent bikes are quite affordable making them an excellent choice for home workouts.
Downsides Of Recumbent Bikes
- Workouts on recumbent bikes are quite limited.
- Recumbent bikes don’t strengthen as many muscles as do upright bikes
- Users may become bored with the lack of variety in their workout
Final Take:
As you can see when it comes to Upright vs Stationary Recumbent Bike, both have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages and deciding which exercise bike is right for you is a simple matter of weighing the pros and cons of each type of bike and deciding which one best meets your needs and your individual health issues.
Fitness Accessories & Essentials:
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
› Fitbit Store | › Garmin Fitness Store | ||||||||
› Apple Fitness Store | › Shop NIKE Store | ||||||||
› Best Athletic Sneakers | › Best Women’s Sports Watches | ||||||||
› Best Men’s Athletic Watches | › Shop SUUNTO Fitness Tech | ||||||||
› Best Running Watches | › Shop Beats By Dre Headphones | ||||||||
› Best Running Waist Packs | › Women’s Running Shoes |
Related posts & articles that may be of interest to you:
› Exercise Bike vs Rowing Machine: Which Is Better For Burning Calories?
› 10 Best Indoor Cycling Bikes 2022: Ultimate Home Workout Buying Guide
› 7 Stepper Machine Benefits That Make Them Ideal For Home Use
› Rowing Machine vs Elliptical: Which Is Best For Exercise?
› 5 Tips For Picking The Best Magnetic Rowing Machine For Home Gym
› 13 Best Under Desk Exercise Bikes For Total Cardio Workouts
› Top 14 Best GPS Tracker Watch Devices For Running & Exercise
› Top 15 Best Smart Watches For Fitness Junkies: Ultimate Buying Guide
› Best Treadmill under 600: Top 10 Best Buy Treadmills For Home
› 11 Best Heart Rate Monitor For Elliptical & Exercise
› Best Water Rowing Machine For Home: Top 10 Best Picks by Real Users
› 14 Best Ellipticals under 500: Build A Home Gym On A Budget Â
› Are Peloton Bikes Worth It? 5 Reasons To Consider Before You Buy A Peloton
› 14 Top Rated Upright Exercise Bikes: Fitness Expert Guide
 Best Bikes For Home
- DMASUN: DMASUN is the leading...
- BEST SPINNING BIKE: Compared...
- PERFECT DESIGN: Well-known...
- HEALTHY CHOICES: The updated...
- EXERCISE DATA MONITORING: The...
- SURPRISING EXERCISE BIKE,...
- ã€Smooth Stationery...
- ã€Personalized Fit Exercise...
- ã€LCD Monitor and Ipad...
- ã€Safe to Use】The...
- ã€What You Get】A YOSUDA...
- Includes 1-Year JRNY...
- The JRNY experience assesses...
- Use with popular third party...
- Explore destinations around...
- Magnetic resistance with 100...
- Full color backlit LCD console...
- Dual link SPD foot pedals come...
- Urethane-dipped handlebars...
- Smooth Stationary Bike:The...
- Personalized bike indoor...
- LCD Monitor & Floor Mat:The...
- Safe to use:The adjustable...
- What you get: Not only a high...
- Product dimensions: 47L x 20W...
- Adjustable handlebars and...
- LCD monitor displays time,...
- Adjustable resistance with...
- Heavy duty steel frame with...
- Adjustable Inseam Height Max...
- Online Lessons available at...
- 40 lb chromed solid flywheel...
- ã€ð‘ðžðšð¥-ðð¢ð...
- ã€ð€ðœðœðžð¬ð¬...
- ã€ð’ð¢ð¥ðžð§ð...
- ã€ð‚ð¨ð¦ð©ðžðð¢...
- ã€ð„ðªð®ð¢ð©ð©ðž...
- ã€ðð¨...
- Solid Build: heavy-duty steel...
- Fully Adjustable: 2-ways...
- LCD Monitor and Ipad Mount &...
- Safe & Convenient: Press the...
- Effective Exercise Bike- More...
- No Worry Buying: pooboo...
- About pooboo: pooboo exercise...
- ✅ EXERCISE THE WAY YOU WANT:...
- ✅ HIGH-QUALITY WORKOUT BIKE:...
- ✅ MONITOR YOUR WORKOUT:...
- ✅ COMFORTABLE AND...
- ✅ EVERYTHING YOU NEED:...
- 📢Warm Tips: pooboo exercise...
- ã€MULTI-GRIP HANDLE with...
- ã€HYPER-QUIET WORKOUT】The...
- ã€35LBS FLYWHEEL WITH...
- ã€330LBS WEIGHT CAPACITY &...
- ã€DESIGNED FOR 4.9' TO 6.2'...
- ã€EASY TO MOVE】Equipped...
- ã€WHAT YOU GET & AFTER-SALE...
- ã€About PYHIGH】PYHIGH...
- ã€About CUSTOMER SERVICE】We...
- ã€Sturdy Indoor Stationary...
- ã€Personalized Indoor Cycling...
- ã€LCD Monitor & Safe...
- [IPAD Mount & Bottle Holder]...
- ã€Updated Stationary...
- ã€Smooth and Quiet Exercise...
- ã€Best Exercise Bikes for...
- ã€Science Workout】LCD...
- ã€No Worry Buying】All tools...
- HEAVY-DUTY FLYWHEEL: Intensify...
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE: 4-way...
- DEVICE HOLDER: Improve your...
- SAFETY & CONVENIENCE:...
- MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: Virtually...
- Stable Indoor Bike-Cyclace...
- Effective Exercise Bike- More...
- Personalized Stationary Bike-...
- Easier to Stick to Workout-...
- What You Get- Not only an...
- EASY-READ DIGITAL MONITOR...
- LARGE AND COMFROTABL SEAT...
- STABLE AND COMPACT DESIGN -...
- SPACE SAVER & EASY TO MOVE...
- COMBINE EXERTION AND REST -...
- 〠Solid Build 】- The AV...
- 〠Whisper Quiet 】-...
- 〠Fully Adjustable 】- The...
- 〠Safe & Convenient 】-...
- 〠Our Promise 】- This X2...
- ADVANCED PERFORMANCE MONITOR:...
- 40 LB FLYWHEEL: Designed for...
- PULSE SENSOR: Helps track your...
- ADJUSTABLE FRICTION...
- DEVICE HOLDER: Place your...
- BOTTLE HOLDER: Bottle holder...
- SILENT BELT DRIVE: The Pro II...
- 4-WAY ADJUSTABLE SEAT &...
- ERGONOMIC SEATING: This bike...
- ADJUSTABLE: Adjustable seat...
- TRACK YOUR FITNESS: Keep track...
- FLYWHEEL AND DRIVE: The 22 lb...
- COMFORT: Rubber foam paddle...
- ã€MAGNETIC RESISTANCE】The...
- ã€ADJUSTABLE AND SAFE】The...
- ã€EFFECTIVE WORKOUT...
- ã€STURDY & COMFORTABLE】Our...
- ã€LCD MONITOR & TABLET...
- STATIONARY EXERCISE BIKE: The...
- RESISTANCE: Resistance system...
- SILENT RIDE: Experience a...
- CUSTOMIZABILITY: 4-way...
- BOTTLE HOLDER: Stay hydrated...
- Included Components: Exercise...
- Sport Type: Exercise & Fitness
Top Rated Exercise Bikes
Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Leave your vote
Interested in more options in this category? Check out our extended product listing below:
Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike, 8 Levels of Resistance Stationary Bike, Bluetooth tracking & Tablet Holder options available
$128.48 in stock
7 used from $118.20
CIRCUIT FITNESS Circuit Fitness Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with 15 Workout Presets, 300 lbs Capacity AMZ-594U
$165.16 in stock
Nautilus U616 Upright Bike
1 used from $301.83
9V AC Power Cord for Schwinn A10 A20 430 420 460 101 130 150 170 202 220 230 240 270 Bike Exercise Elliptical Recumbent Upright Trainer Power Supply
$10.99 in stock
BARWING 16-8-2-3 Stationary Spin Exercise Bike for Home | 4 IN 1 Foldable Indoor Workout Cycling Bike for Seniors | 300 LB Capacity | More Magnetic Resistance Seat Backrest Adjustments
$199.99 in stock
Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708
1 used from $124.28
Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Exercise Bike with Electromagnetic Resistance, Programmable Monitor and Pulse Rate Monitoring - SF-B2883
$244.21 in stock
HARISON Exercise Bike Stationary Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike Workout Bike for Home With Tablet Holder and LCD Display
1 used from $237.82
Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Adjustable Seat and 8 Magnetic Resistance Preset Levels NS-1201U,Black/Grey/Silver
$168.60 in stock
Exercise Bike Cover, Upright Indoor Cycling Protective Cover and high quality Oxford waterproof fabric are the ideal choice for indoor and outdoor use (black)
Tonhui Exercise Bike Cover, Upright Indoor Cycling Protective Cover Dustproof Waterproof Cover Ideal for Indoor Or Outdoor Use
Supermats Heavy Duty Equipment Mat 13GS Made in U.S.A. for Indoor Cycles Recumbent Bikes Upright Exercise Bikes and Steppers (2.5 Feet x 5 Feet) (30-Inch x 60-Inch) (76.2 cm x 152.4 cm) , Black
$28.65 in stock
4 used from $23.22
PowerSource UL Listed Universal AC Adapter for Schwinn A10 140 150 170 201 203 213 230 240 250 270 420 430 431 SR23 Recumbent Elliptical Stationary Bike Exercise Upright 9V Charger Power Supply Cord
9V AC Power Adapter for Schwinn 270 170 430 A10 A20 420 460 101 130 150 202 220 230 240 Schwinn Stationary Bike Power Cord for Exercise Elliptical Recumbent Upright Trainer Power Supply
Supermats Heavy Duty Equipment Mat 20GS Made in U.S.A. for Indoor Cycles Exercise Upright Bikes and Steppers (2 Feet x 3 Feet 10 In) (24-Inch x 46-Inch) (60.96 cm x 116.84 cm) , Black
$20.50 in stock
2 used from $18.34
Rilime Exercise Bike Cover, Upright Cycling Protective Dustproof Waterproof Windproof Bicycle Cover Ideal for Indoor & Outdoor Fitness (Black)
Sunny Health & Fitness Stationary Upright Exercise Bike with Performance Monitor, Tablet/iPad Device Holder, 275 LB Max User Weight with Body Fat and BMI Calculator - SF-B2952,Gray
Exercise Bike Cover Upright Cycling Bike Cover Indoor and Outdoor Oxford Storage (Black, 210D)
VIGBODY Exercise Bike Indoor Cycling Bicycle Stationary Bikes Cardio Workout Machine Upright Bike Belt Drive Home Gym
$209.86 in stock
Supermats Heavy Duty Equipment Mat 10GS Made in U.S.A. for Indoor Cycles Recumbent Bikes Upright Exercise Bikes and Steppers (3 Feet x 4 Feet) (36 in x 48 in) (91.44 cm x 121.92 cm) , Black
$29.99 in stock
Exercise Bike Cover,spin bike cover, Upright Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary Cover Fitness Bikes Dustproof Waterproof Protective Cover Gym Workout Bike Training Bike Outdoor Cover and high quality Oxford waterproof Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
for Schwinn Power Adapter Compatible with Schwinn 230 270 470 430 420 240 220 130 A10 A20 A40 Bike Exercise Elliptical Recumbent Upright Trainer Power Cord 9V AC Adapter 6.5FT
Recumbent Stationary Bike Cover, Upright Indoor Cycling Protective Cover Dustproof Waterproof Cover and Water-Resistant Stationary Fitness Fabric Ideal For Indoor Or Outdoor Use, 67" L x 27"W x 52" H
WOMACO Exercise Bike Cover Waterproof Dustproof Upright Indoor Cycling Protector Stationary Recumbent Peloton Bicycle Protective Covers for Outdoor Protection (Black, 48" L x 23" W x 56" H)
$23.88 in stock
Marcy Magnetic Upright Bike With 8 Levels of Resistance NS-40504U,Grey
9V AC Adapter Charger for Schwinn cy41-0900500 A10 A20 A40 430 420 460 101 130 150 170 202 220 230 240 270 Power Supply Cord Bike Exercise Elliptical Recumbent Upright Trainer
RELIFE REBUILD YOUR LIFE Exercise Bike Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary Bicycle with Resistance Workout Home Gym Cardio Fitness Machine Upright Bike
Mini Lustrous Exercise Bike Cover, Upright Indoor Cycling Protective Cover Dustproof Water-Resistant Stationary Fitness Fabric Ideal for Indoor Or Outdoor Use, Black
Squats: 56 Butt & Leg Workouts To Lose Weight, Firm & Tone!
4 used from $4.46
Jonathan Adler Pop Scented Candle, Yellow-Grapefruit
JGS1996 Women's High Waist Yoga Pants Tummy Control Slimming Booty Leggings Workout Running Butt Lift Tights
Marcy Fan Exercise Bike with Air Resistance System – Red and Black – NS-1000
$100.47 in stock
1 used from $92.43
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
6 used from $144.56
pooboo Magnetic Resistance Indoor Cycling Bike, Belt Drive Indoor Exercise Bike Stationary LCD Monitor with Ipad Mount &Comfortable Seat Cushion for Home Cardio Workout Cycle Bike Training 2022 Upgraded Version
$299.99 in stock
4Pcs Exercise Bike Pedal Straps, Heavy Duty Adjustable Length Universal Pedal Strap Fits Most Bike Pedals Exercise Bike Bicycle Cycle for Home or Gym
$9.99 in stock
Echelon Unisex-Adult Sneaker Bike Shoe, Navy, 7M / 9.5W
Exercise Bike Cover for Peloton, Stationary Bike Upright Indoor Cycling Protective Cover, Dustproof/Waterproof Sunshine-Proof Bike Cover Compatible with Peloton Bike+ and Nordictrack S22i, Black
Aaaspark Indoor Cycling Bike Cover Exercise Bike Cover, Upright Indoor Cycling Protective Cover, Indoor and Outdoor Dustproof/Waterproof Bike Cover
SHAP+ Stationary Folding Exercise Bike with Hight Adjustable , Indoor Upright Foldable Cycling Bike with 8-levels Magnetic Resistance , Tablet Holder and Training Computer for Home Workout , BLACK
$112.00 in stock
3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike - Commercial Grade - Compact Footprint - Ultra Comfortable Seat - Magnetic Resistance - 350 LB User Capacity
HARISON Indoor Exercise Bike Stationary with Magnetic Resistance Upright Bike for Home Office Cardio Workout
$299.99 in stock
1 used from $259.00
Power Adapter for Schwinn Bike Exercise Elliptical Recumbent Upright Trainer: UL Listed Extra Long Cord A10 A20 A40 430 420 460 101 130 150 170 202 220 230 240 270 9V
VIGBODY Exercise Bike Indoor Cycling Bike Adjustable Stationary Bicycle for Home Gym Workout Cardio Bikes Upright Bike
Exercise Bike Cover Upright Indoor Cycling Protective Cover Anti UV Dustproof Waterproof Indoor Outdoor Bike Cover Oxford Cloth (Black)
Exercise Bike Cover, POMER Indoor Cycling Peloton Bike Cover for Stationary Bike Outdoor Waterproof Upright Bicycle Protective Covers
YBEKI NAMUCUO Wide Exercise Bike Seat Cover - Comfortable Bicycle Saddle Cushion is Filled with Gel and high Density Foam to Make it More Elastic and Soft for Most Indoor Wide Bike Saddles
Cyclace Exercise Bike Stationary 330 Lbs Weight Capacity- Indoor Cycling Bike with Comfortable Seat Cushion, Tablet Holder and LCD Monitor for Home Workout
$349.99 in stock
Fruit of the Loom Womens Built Up Tank Style Sports Bra
$10.94 in stock
A Pair Exercise Bike Pedal Straps-High Quality and Widened Straps for Spinning Exercise Bike Bicycle Cycle Home or Gym
$10.88 in stock
pooboo Folding Exercise Bike Foldable Indoor Cycling Bike Magnetic Upright Stationary Bicycle with LCD Monitor &Phone Holder,Pulse,Arm Resistance Bands & Dumbbells
Last update on 2022-05-17 : Disclosure: Healthfitnessgurus is reader supported. We may earn a small fee on purchases made through links on this blog