How do i go about buying an exercise bike?

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Elise

Im looking to buy a used exercise bike, but honestly, i have no idea what to look for!
What qualities should i look for in the bike? I wanted to find something relatively cheap, but i also dont want something thats a complete piece of junk you know?
Any advice?

Answer
There are 3 general categories of exercise bike:
1. Upright resistance. The upright uses a flywheel or fan for resistance. Stay away from the fan since they are much louder. Flywheel types often use belts or other friction material so always check them if buying a used one.
2. Recumbent. This is the one where you sit low to the ground and put your legs out forward. These are good if you have a back condition. The only true way to see if you like them is to try them for a workout. They have similar resistance units to the upright types.
3. Spinner. These have a direct drive meaning they don't allow you to stop pedaling unless you have an emergency stop device. They are probably the best workout, but are definitely not for everyone especially if you have knee trouble.

A quick and dirty way to see the condition of the unit is to check ride it, check the pedals for wear and if they're bent. You'll also be able to listen and see if the resistance unit feels smooth and quiet. If not, something is wrong and walk away.

Try all 3 types out at a local health club. That's the best way to see what works for you. You can often pay for just one visit and not have to get a membership.
Try the local classifieds and CraigsList in you local for a used one and hopefully have a friend with minivan or pickup. Used is the only way that you'll get a worthwhile unit for low cost.

What's the differences of different types of exercise bikes?

Ivy

I want to purchase an exercise bike but I found there are so many types such as stationary bikes, recumbent bikes, cardio bikes and etc. What's the differences?

Answer
If your want to slim down by burning extra fats during exercises, you should choose stationary exercise bikes. There are three styles of stationary exercise bikes that include upright, semi-recumbent, and recumbent which are available on different prices. You can ride these bikes while listening to music, reading your favorite book or watching TV.

If you want to increase stamina and also strengthen the muscles in legs, arms and improve the overall functions of heart, the recumbent bike is what you need. This type of exercise bike is designed in ergonomic way, which increases the pedaling efficiency as well as comfort for extended riding. So you can sit in a chair-shaped seat and do pedaling on the pedals out in front. This is special good for those who suffering from lower back pain and joint pain to ride.

The cardio bike works on the cardiovascular system of the body. You can do both easy and hard training on it just with the flick of a wrist. Ride this type of exercise bike can strengthen the muscles of legs; improve the core stability and increase blood flow.

http://www.lavadeals.co.uk has quality exercise bikes, you can have a look.

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What are your suggestions for creating a great basement gym?

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Olive Sorc

I'm redoing my basement. There are several women in my house -- teenager, 20 somethings and even a 50-year old who all want to do some sort of workout.

Is there a book on the topic of designing an at-home gym. I don't mind spending the money on the equipment but I don't want to waste time and money if it isn't going to be used.

What equipment should I buy -- stationary bike, treadmill, rower? What about flooring? I was thinking of getting a TV and dvd recorder to encourage its use.

I thought about putting in a counter for a water jug and maybe even a refrigerator.

Would you recommend a fan?

Should I mirror a wall? Like a ballet studio.

Answer
Great for you, so you want a home gym in the basement to be used by mostly the females. I don't know what your budget is but I've put together some recommendations that might give you some ideas.

Necessary:
*A floor that gives, you can use rubber flooring or cork tiles (very popular these days);
*Yes, a water dispenser or a small refrigerator to stock with water and power snacks is an excellent idea;
*A high quality air purifier and air purifying plants will keep the air in your basement safe to breath and nice smelling;
* A bench for breaks.

The Essentials:
*A CD Player or MP3 Player at the very least is a good investment; Although not necessary a DVD player with plasma screen will also kill two birds with one stone, it also functions as a CD Player;
*Motivational posters and pictures set in a nice frame will give you all something to work towards;
*Yes mirrors are another great idea, put in place after you have purchased your equipment, so that you know where best to put it. It will help everyone watch their posture at a glance.
*A cabinet or dresser can act as the perfect place to store towels, cleaners, mats, jump ropes, etc.

Equipment: (My own top 10 List)
1. A Rebounder (also available with a stabilization bar) is possibly the most important equipment you can own. If I were to list all the things rebounding can do for you, it would be hard to believe. http://www.healthbounce.com/33ways.htm
2. A punching bag is a great use for the corner of your home gym and is great aerobic and strength exercise for men and women.
3. An exercise ball will help strengthen your core and is the best exercise to build abs, better then crunches according to Consumer Reports;
4. A Pilates or stretching mat, get a good book on the topic. Fantastic, to start and end your workouts with.
5. Stationary recumbent bikes are easier on your backside and more pleasurable to ride then the standard upright. Great for cardio and endurance.
6. Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells have revolutionized free weight workouts. One pair of dumbbells replaces up to 34 individual free weights: http://www.bowflexselecttech.com/
Nautilus makes one also.
7. The Total Gym is as good as advertised. You can do Pilates on it.
8. You should have a workout station Bowflex and Nautilus have one that would be great in your home.
9. A weighted jump rope.
10. An indoor rower. Good: http://www.waterrower.com/

Extras:
1. Infrared (better some say) or Steam Sauna; do your research.
2. A hydrotherapy shower room, 10 times better then a whirlpool I think.
3. Light your basement with 'full spectrum lighting' which is therapeutic and energy saving.

I hope these will give you some idea's that you can use.

what is the best exercise bike to buy?

jcc

I do not want to spend a lot of money but want a decent bike. I would prefer a recumbent bike

Answer
I just bought a nordictrack Audio Rider U300. I love it! It's not a recumbant, but they do have a similar one that is pretty much the same thing. It comes with an iPod adapter and a built in speaker so no headphones are necessary.
Here's the link to the one I bought:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00621662000P?adCell=A3
And here's the link to the recumbant one that's similar:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00621673000P?vName=Fitness+%26+Sports&cName=Cycles%2C+Steppers%2C+%26+Specialty+Machines&sName=Cycles

As you can see, they are not that expensive, and they are a good quality brand name!

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