Is It Easily Accessible
If you have poor mobility or are still recovering from some form of surgery, youll want a stationary bike that is easily accessible.
The last thing you want is to be buying a stationary bike that is more hassle than its worth.
Although the bikes I have listed here, make it very easy to get on and off the bike without any real trouble.
What Were Looking For
Resistance: Resistance is what makes your indoor-cycling session a challenge, and the resistance mechanism that a bike features will have an impact on its noise level and ease of repair. Magnetic resistance has become more and more popular theyre quiet but also generally more expensive than the more mechanical flywheel with friction or air resistance.
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capability: The main advancement in exercise-bike technology over the last decade or so has been the introduction of the internet and connected devices. Indoor bikes like Peloton are Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can stream programs straight to your bike. Others are enabled with Bluetooth, so you can connect a heart monitor or another device. Some have none of the electronic connectivity, which also makes them much cheaper.
Screen or device mount: Some exercise bikes come with built-in screens that allow you to follow along with instructors, or they might come with a spot to place your phone or tablet to watch something while you ride. It comes down to how much guidance you want. When I first bought my home bike, I personally didnt need a screen because I could just guide myself through all of my own classes, Gaterman says. But for someone like my friends husband, who asked me which bike he should get his wife for her birthday she might not have a clue what to do, so a screen would probably be a priority for her.
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike With Exercise Programs: Nordictrack Commercial R35
Nordictrack
While the NordicTrack Commercial R35 makes our list as the best recumbent bike with exercise programs, it can also sit comfortably in the splurge category, courtesy of its $1,499 price tag. Fifteen hundred dollars may seem a little spendy for a recumbent bike, but the NordicTrack commercial R35 comes with an impressive list of features to back it up.
First, while most stationary bikes only offer a varied workout by adjusting the pedal resistance, this often causes friction which can be noisy. The NordicTrack Commercial R35, however, is equipped with SMR , which keeps the noise to a minimum. Beyond its quiet operation, this bike is equipped with 26 levels of resistance and a 25 pound flywheel for a smooth ride. It also features an ergonomic seat design to improve lumbar support, built-in speakers and a self-adjusting fan.
But now, on to the piece de resistance, whereas other recumbent bikes on the market that typically have 5- to 10-inch screens, the R35 has a sleek 14-inch HD Smart touchscreen. Through this screen, you can connect to the iFit app, where you can tune in to live and on-demand workouts, stream cycling classes, see their performance stats and take a gander at live leaderboards to give you a motivation boost if need be.
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How We Test The Best Exercise Bikes
To help you work out which is the best exercise bike for you, we put them to the sweat test! We installed each of the bikes in our homes for at least a month, and put them to the test over a number of different workouts. We looked at how easy the bike was to use, the range of classes on offer, and how engaging and easy to follow these classes were.
We also looked for extras, such as how easy the bike was to move around the house, how easy it was to install, and how many different profiles you could set up on the bike for use by the whole family.
Finally, we looked at the ongoing subscription costs associated with the bike, and what you get for your money. If you’re on a budget, see our guide to how to build a home gym under $500.
Best Stationary Bikes For Seniors 2022
As we get older it can be hard to know what type of stationary bikes are best to meet the capabilities that we need.
For the later years of life , its important to keep a consistent exercise regime.
It could be anything such as walking, jogging, or lifting weights but what I want to focus on here is the best stationary bikes for senior citizens.
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Best Foldable Exercise Bike For Seniors
The LANOS 2-In-1 Recumbent Exercise Bike and Upright Indoor Cycling Bike is a convenient, well-designed folding exercise bike for seniors. It can be set up in an upright or a recumbent stationary bike position, giving riders options. Alternating between the two positions in subsequent workouts can minimize joint stress and target slightly different muscles, which is excellent for seniors battling aches and pains.
The LANOS foldable bike has 10 levels of quiet magnetic resistance, is portable and lightweight, and supports 300 pounds. It fits riders as short as 4.5 feet tall, and up to 6 feet tall. There is an LCD screen that displays basic workout metrics like distance, time, speed, and calories.
Smooth Rider Ii Bike And Resistance Chair Exercise System
Similar to the Exnflex EF-250, this option doesnt require users to hop onto a tall seat. The Smooth Rider II Bike is an attachment for the Resistance Chair Exercise System and is perfect for resistance training for both upper body and lower body exercises. It has a digital cycle metre for speed, time and calories burned and an upright row bar for lateral pull and rowing exercises to do while cycling.
The resistance is adjustable and the bike attachment comes with an LED screen that shows time, distance and calories. I do high-intensity resistance interval training with mine at home, says 66-year-old physiotherapist Gwen Rose, who is also a distributor of the product in Canada. Roses 93-year-old mother is also a fan.
This option is ideal for small spaces because the chair and cycle can be stored separately.
$312 , $350 xlentcare.com
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Can You Get A Good Workout With A Recumbent Bike
With the right interval exercises and resistance settings, recumbent bikes can provide an effective, low-impact cardio workout that can even lead to weight loss. Most models have multiple resistance levels that you can easily adjust, meaning youre able to intensify your workout as your strength increases. Some recumbent bikes even have resistance bands that tone your arms while your ride .
If you opt for a recumbent bike with included workouts , you can customize each ride to help reach your fitness goals. You can also find pages of free recumbent bike workouts on Youtube.
Stamina Elite Total Body
The Stamina Elite Total Body is one of the few recumbent bikes on the market that allows you to exercise your legs and upper body. This is achieved by combining traditional foot pedals and hand pedals in one machine.
Its construction is particularly good for those who want a quality, low-impact upper and lower-body workout.
The bike offers eight levels of resistance to help you push yourself. It has a variety of comfort features including an adjustable seat and plenty of cushioning as well as rotating handlebars. The construction has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds.
Like other bikes on this list, it operates quietly and is built to last. All of the tracked workout data can be accessed by hitting the scan function on the LCD display. It also reads your heart rate to guide your workout intensity.
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Tips For Using An Upright Exercise Bike For Seniors
1. Start with the seat at the highest setting and the pedals at the lowest. This will make it easier to get on and off the bike.
2. Adjust the seat and pedals so that you are comfortable and can reach the pedals without having to strain.
3. Use the handles to help stabilize yourself and maintain balance.
4. Use a light resistance to start and gradually increase the resistance as you get more comfortable.
5. pedaling at a moderate speed for 30 minutes to an hour is a great way to get some low-impact cardio.
6. Remember to stay hydrated while you exercise and to cool down afterwards with some stretching.
How To Use An Upright Exercise Bike For Seniors
To use an upright exercise bike for seniors, start by sitting in the seat and placing your feet on the pedals. Then, adjust the seat so that your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle when you pedal. Next, set the bike to the resistance level that you feel comfortable with and start pedaling. Remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed while you ride. If you start to feel pain in your knees or hips, stop and rest for a few minutes before continuing.
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Cardiovascular Health & Circulation
Cardiovascular stamina, health and fitness is important no matter what age you are, but as we all know, it often becomes more of an issue once we get into our elder years. The doctors tell us more and more to focus on keeping our cardiovascular system in top-notch shape, and thats exactly what an exercise bike does. Riding an exercise bike for even as little as 5 minutes a day can help improve blood circulation, lower high blood pressure, increase stamina, and regulate blood sugar. Harvard research associate Anna Lusk, PhD, conducted a study of 18,000 women over the course of 6 years and found that, On average, cyclists live 2 years longer than nonbikers and take 15% fewer sick days.
Let me explain how cycling works so wonderfully. Cardio exercise, regardless of the type, stimulates the capillaries in the muscles. For those who dont know what capillaries are, think of them like highway interchanges for your blood flow. They work to distribute blood efficiently, so when theyre stimulated, it opens up the blood flow highways and helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body more easily. You can probably see why this is extremely important for your body, health and fitness. The improved blood circulation and reduced blood pressure can help prevent potential future issues such as clogged arteries and even heart attacks.
Maxkare Recumbent Exercise Bike Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike
The MaxKare Recumbent Exercise Bike Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike lets you work at the level of resistance that best fits your current fitness status. Its equipped with a magnetic resistance system that provides 8 levels of resistance.
Choose:
- Levels 1 to 2 if you just want a light workout.
- Levels 3 to 5 if you want to improve your heart function.
- Levels 6 to 8 if you want a high-intensity workout or to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimers disease or brittle bones.
The large steel frame is able to support up to 300 pounds of user weight. The recumbent bike itself weighs around 65 pounds. When assembled, it measures 45.7 x 18.9 x 41.7 inches .
MaxKare made sure youll enjoy working out by including a holder for your tablet, laptop, or other electronic gadgets, allowing you to watch beautiful bike trails around the world or listen to popular workout songs.
To offset the effects of prolonged sitting, its ergonomically designed seat and backrest are furnished with comfortable, high-density foam. The seat is adjustable via a lever, which youll find at the bottom right of the seat.
The handlebars are covered with vinyl foam, which offers excellent grip. Like most recumbent exercise bike brands, they can monitor your heart rate to keep you informed of your fitness status. On the LCD monitor, you can view and check your calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate.
Pros:
Cons:
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Xterra Sb25r Recumbent Bike
Another best recumbent exercise bike for elders is the XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike. With 24 resistance levels and a heavy flywheel , it has the essential features that you need to challenge yourself and work within your maximum heart rate. It also comes with a poly-V belt drive system for a quiet and fluid motion.
It has several preset programs, including:
The XTERRA SB2.5r is designed for accessibility with its walk-through frame. To customize the fit and maintain proper posture, simply tighten or loosen the pop-in knob. Meanwhile, the seat and back are large and densely padded for great comfort and support. Its also equipped with adjustable levelers to make sure the bike stays leveled and steady.
Youll enjoy your workouts more, thanks to its audio jack and built-in speakers for your favorite MP3 songs. If you need a change of scenery, you can easily move it with the help of its front transport wheels.
Monitoring your heart rate is convenient because of its handlebar mounted pulse grips. You can keep track of your information while working out by simply looking at its LCD screen with blue and yellow backlights.
Pros:
- It has 24 resistance levels, which benefit people of different fitness levels and are good for staying within a heart rate zone.
- The flywheel operates quietly and smoothly.
- Its a stable and sturdy recumbent bike.
- It works great with other monitoring devices, such as a Polar® chest strap.
Cons:
Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike Sf
Price: $
With eight levels of magnetic resistance plus a cushioned seat and backrest, this recumbent bike is a good option for older adults.
It has self-leveling pedals, adjustable pedal straps, and an LCD monitor thats easy to read. The handlebars on either side of the seat have pulse grip sensors, and theres an additional set of nonslip handlebars next to the LCD screen.
You can move the seat both forward and backward while youre still seated so you can easily find a position thats comfortable for your knees, hips, and back.
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Recumbent Vs Upright: Which One Is Best For Seniors
Exercise bikes come in two main variations upright and recumbent. The main difference between the two is the position of the rider. And while they have a unique set of pros and cons, there is no denying that recumbent bikes are usually better suited for seniors.
Upright exercise bicycles have always been around and like traditional bikes they keep the rider in an upright position. They can be very useful for exercising body muscles. Unfortunately, the increased risk of injury makes them less suitable for older individuals.
The position of the rider atop of the bike means that the center of gravity is high. This makes the base less stable, hence a higher risk of falling over. The design of an upright bike requires you to lean your body forward to reach the handlebars. As a result, your back and neck are easily strained. There is also increased stress on the wrists and arms.
On the other hand, recumbent bikes dont have a lot of the issues presented by upright bikes. They are more user-friendly and are a great investment for those who like remaining comfortable during their workouts. They have a chair-like seat that provides support for your back. Users dont have to worry about body strain as recumbent bikes have a reclined position.
Unlike an upright bicycle that requires you to hunch forward and grab onto the handles, a recumbent bike allows for hands-free exercising. You can, therefore, watch a movie or read a movie as you workout.
Benefits Of Exercise Bikes For Seniors
Need a little extra convincing that an exercise bike is the best cardio choice for you? Certified personal trainer and GGR writer/editor Amanda Capritto is here to tell you the benefits seniors could reap with frequent bike use.
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Stationary bikes can help anyone reach their fitness goals, but theyre a particularly great investment for seniors, Amanda explains. Older adults often need to minimize joint impact due to arthritis or other medical conditions, and exercise bikes allow for physical activity of all intensities without the skeletal impact.
Recumbent exercise bikes can even further reduce joint discomfort thanks to the reclined position that alleviates pressure from the hips, knees, and lower back. Also, higher-end exercise bikes with interactive programming can be great for seniors who are just starting or reigniting an exercise habit. Instructor-led workouts are engaging and can help keep you safe, Amanda says.
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Best Overall: Sunny Health & Fitness Sf
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Heavy duty flywheel for stability
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Easy to customize fit
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No digital display
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No “smart” features
What do buyers say? 85% of 500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
This indoor cycling-style bike checks all the boxes on our list in impressive ways which is why its our top overall pick. The heavy-duty, 44-pound flywheel keeps the bike stable during vigorous exercise so you dont feel any wobbling mid-ride. It has an emergency break feature that stops the wheel immediately and the high-durability steel frame construction supports a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds.
The bike uses a magnetic resistance mechanism that is easy to adjust mid-ride and requires virtually no maintenance over the lifetime of the bike. It also features a fully-adjustable seat, moving forward, backward, up, and down to give you the best fit. The bike comes equipped with four-way adjustable handlebars and caged toe pedals for a secure ride.
Price at time of publication: $700
Style: Indoor cycling | Resistance: Manual knob | Product Weight: 136.5 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Dimensions: 48.5 x 24 x 53.5 inches