Recumbent Exercise Bicycles

Which type of exercise bike is better for fat burning....upright or recumbent bikes?

Public Comments

1. there is really no huge difference on the type of bike. it is really about the effort you put in. if you have never been on a bike, start with the upright bike. it will be easier and more comfortable. you want to make it easier and fun at the begging. carlos www.bikingthings.com ride hard, get fit, be happy
2. I agree with the 1st answer. However, when I see people using both, I note that the people using a recumbent tend to not work as hard - they often read while pedaling and it seems they do a much milder workout. It seems to me that reading and doing a good workout would be difficult.
3. Depending on what style of cycling exercise you plan to do, I may disagree with the first two guys (only mildly though) and here's why. There are two ways to approach fat burning, and some controversy about which is better. Some people think really pushing yourself with intervals (peddling very fast for short bursts) is the way to go. Others think that long slow distance, going slowly and comfortably for a long period of time is better. The important thing for you to determine is which type of workout you prefer. The workout that is the best for you is the one that you will ACTUALLY DO. So if you prefer long slow distance, get the recumbent. A recumbent is going to be more comfortable than an upright because you don't have to deal with a saddle, which can be very uncomfortable for people not used to them. Sitting on a recumbent is like sitting in a chair. It is also easier on your knees if you have problems with them. If you prefer more intense workouts with intervals, you are almost certainly better off with an upright. If you are really an interval junkie, you may even want a spin bike. These are great if you really want to burn fat and sweat, but the routines are usually difficult. One final piece of advice. Many exercise bikes end up being unused, except as clothes hangers. There are tons available on craigslist. So if there's a chance that yours could end up unused and you would sell it, I would get a recumbent. The reason is that there are fewer of them around, so you stand a better chance of recouping more of your investment when you sell it. Good luck.
4. All interesting answers, so far. Here is the deal, you can burn fat on any bike. Simply burning fat requires long, moderately paced workouts. (Remember, though, losing weight is a matter of burning more calories than you ingest. It is quite easy to burn fat doing a long, slow workout and yet gain weight because your appetite goes through the roof.) The real trick is to get the kind of machine you'll love using. Before laying out the cash to buy one, I'd try some out at your local health club and see which you prefer. I often ride exercise bikes when travelling. I find upright bikes have very uncomfortable saddles and riding positions. I do a lot of road and mountain bike riding and can't stand the big wide seats they put on upright exercise bikes. Coupled with the very upright position you have to sit in, I feel as if my fanny is falling asleep after a half hour, or so. If I had to ride one of these very much, I wouldn't do a lot of exercise. But, that is just me. Hope this helps.
5. Go for any exercise bike. It is ur cadence and resistance that will determine if you will be burning fat. Go for 90rpm at a relatively easy resistance that you can maintain pedalling for 5km. Increase the distance by 1km every week. Of course your diet would need to be of less carbo so your body will tap on your fats for energy source.