Recumbent stationary bike vs. Regular?

[ebh87]

Hi everyone,
My old, loyal exercise bike broke down on me this week and I am shopping for a new one. Does anyone has an opinion on recumbent bikes vs. regular upright stationary bikes?
Thanks!
Erica

 

[trevor]

Hi Erica!!
We have these recumbents in our fitness center. I like them ok I guess but I find myself leaning forward when using it because I am so used to the regular upright bikes. I think recumbents are supposed to be easier on the back but since I bike so much outside I cant get used to the recumbent position. It definitely hits the muscles from a different angle I think.
Trevor

 

[amynicole]

Recumbent bikes hit the hamstrings more while uprights hit the quads more. I have a recumbent excercise bike and chose it instead of an upright since I do so much step- which works the quads a lot I wanted to make sure my leg looked balanced so I chose a recumbent bike. Plus you are right about the back issue, my DH has some back problems and he uses the recumbent bike with no problem. Hope this helps!