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Our team has vetted a dozen recumbent bikes, and only five made the cut. Schwinn, Sunny, and NordicTrack, among others, feature what we look for in the best recumbent exercise bikes.
Recumbent bikes are a type of stationary exercise bike that you use while in a reclined position.
Many people prefer recumbent exercise bikes to upright recumbent bikes. Recumbent bikes are often more comfortable and stable, providing additional support for your upper body and lower back.
If you’re shopping around for a stationary exercise bike, you might feel overwhelmed by your options and the features that these bikes offer. To help you choose, we’ve put together this list of the best recumbent bikes on the market, considering several factors and features.
We selected the recumbent exercise bikes included in this article based on the following criteria:
Available features: The bikes offer features such as:
pulse sensors
built-in speakers
device holders
streaming workout classes
Training options: The bikes offer multiple resistance levels or preset training programs.
Cost: The bikes offer a good value for the price.
Customer reviews: The bikes have mostly positive reviews online.
Vetting: The bikes on our list have been vetted to ensure they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
While any form of indoor cycling may offer several health benefits, recumbent bikes may be a great form of endurance conditioning exercise — particularly if you’re:
newer to exercise
rehabbing an injury
experiencing joint discomfort
According to research from 2019, recumbent exercise bikes are considered a low impact exercise option for older adults or anyone with pain in the:
hip
back
knee
Thanks to the reclined seating position, recumbent bikes place less strain on your lower back, and the backrest provides added support. Additionally, the low impact nature of pedaling recumbent bikes puts less pressure on your knees as you exercise. A recumbent bike can be a great choice if you’re rehabbing an injury.
Research suggests that recumbent bike use helps improve range of motion and flexibility, which can help alleviate certain forms of pain according to a 2017 study.
That said, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional who can help you determine whether a recumbent exercise bike is suitable for your specific needs and concerns.
You’ll also want to consider which type of resistance a recumbent exercise bike offers. The most common types of resistance that recumbent bikes offer are:
Magnetic resistance: Powerful magnets apply resistance against the flywheel. This is one of the most popular types because these exercise bikes are generally the quietest and require less maintenance than contact (friction) resistance. However, magnetic recumbent bikes tend to be more expensive.
Contact (friction) resistance: A felt or leather pad applies direct resistance against the flywheel. This option for an exercise bike means that the bike can be slightly louder than magnetic resistance but not terribly so. The biggest drawback: You’ll need to replace pads as they wear down over time.
Air resistance:Air bikes create resistance by pushing air through a giant fan as you pedal. While this is the loudest form of resistance, these recumbent bikes are a favorite for high intensity interval training enthusiasts because the difficulty directly results from your effort.
When considering the best recumbent bike for your needs, you’ll also want to think about practicality. For example:
Bike size: Consider the best space for your recumbent bike and measure it out. Consider whether you’ll need a compact bike or not. You can also opt for a foldable recumbent bike if you’d prefer to store it between sessions.
Bike weight: Stationary exercise bikes are generally heavy. If you need to move it frequently, consider purchasing a recumbent bike with transportation wheels or a lighter bike.
Weight capacity: All stationary exercise bikes have a maximum weight. You might want to consider the recumbent bike weight capacity. If you’re over the maximum, cycling may damage your bike or become dangerous.
Budget: Stationary bikes differ significantly in cost. It’s wise to work within your budget. But don’t forget that a high quality recumbent bike may be more cost-effective than a cheap bike that breaks frequently, has a short warranty period, and is uncomfortable to use.
Beyond the physical specifics of the exercise bike, you might consider the types of workouts and classes you prefer.
While some recumbent bikes offer streaming capabilities for live or on-demand classes, others have built-in workout programs.
Yes, you can get a good workout with a recumbent bike, older research from 2016 suggests. Similar to walking on a treadmill or riding an upright bike, using a recumbent bike can help strengthen the muscles in your core and legs.
Some recumbent bikes even include features to support upper body strength training while you ride.
Pedaling on a recumbent bike is a cardio workout that can burn calories. When combined with a nutritious, balanced diet, indoor cycling can be a low impact way to support your weight loss efforts, according to research from 2019.
Just keep in mind that the exact number of calories burned depends on several factors, including the duration and intensity of your workout and individual characteristics such as your:
Depending on your workout goals and health restrictions, riding a recumbent bike can be as good as or possibly even better than walking.
Both are low impact workouts, but because riders are seated and supported on a recumbent bike, those with balance issues don’t have to worry about tripping and falling while they exercise.
That said, walking is a good choice if you find it more enjoyable. Plus, it can make it easier to exercise outside.
In short, the best exercise depends entirely on your unique needs and preferences. Whatever style of exercise you’re considering, it’s always a wise idea to discuss it with a healthcare professional.
Choosing the best recumbent exercise bike for older adults depends on a number of factors, including budget and workout needs or restrictions.
Some features to look for may include:
an easy-to-read display screen
wide ergonomic pedals
a step-through design to make it easier to get onto the bike
extra cushioning on the seat and backrest
For the purpose of this article, we chose the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4616 as the best recumbent bike for older adults, thanks to its cushioned seat, adjustable pedal straps, and easy-to-read monitor.
The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike is one of the best recumbent bikes overall, with 25 preset workout programs, an adjustable padded and ventilated seat, Bluetooth speakers and capability, and transport wheels.
However, the best bike for you depends on your needs. You might prefer the FitNation Flex Bike Ultra if you want a foldable model, the Marcy recumbent bike if you’re seeking a more affordable option, or the NordicTrack Commercial R35 if you want a more high-end option.
Recumbent bikes might not give you as much of a full-body workout as an upright exercise bike because you’re in a seated position, which means your core will not be affected as much. Low impact workouts generally aren’t as effective or intense as other cardio workouts.
Recumbent exercise bikes can also be less stimulating than a bike that you can ride outdoors, meaning that you might not always feel as motivated to ride it.
This depends on your needs. Regular upright bikes engage your core muscles more, which can be good if you’re looking to build core muscles. But if you find that upright bikes are uncomfortable or too tiring, a recumbent bike might be a better bet.
Remember, the best workout is one that works for you. If you prefer recumbent biking to upright bikes, it may be a better choice for you.
Cardio is some of the best exercise you can do for losing belly fat and burning calories.
Riding a recumbent exercise bike can help you lose belly fat while also reducing your risk of strain or injury because of the low impact, low risk nature of the exercise.
But keep in mind that recumbent bikes aren’t specifically targeted for losing belly fat, so you may not notice any changes at first.
A recumbent exercise bike can be a sound addition to any home gym. Recumbent bikes may be more comfortable and easier to use than other bikes.
There are various exercise bikes to choose from, all of which offer a wide range of features and functions.
To find the best recumbent bike for your needs, consider the:
price
training options
available features
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Bouillon L, et al. (2016). Comparison of trunk and lower extremity muscle activity among four stationary equipment devices: Upright bike, recumbent bike, treadmill, and Elliptigo. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827362/
