There are three-wheeled bicycles, there are two-wheeled, and there are. .. wheelless. It's about exercise bikes. Regular training greatly improves physical fitness, is a guarantee of good health and excellent mood.
How to choose an exercise bike? Someone will find this question stupid. Well, what can I choose? Do not rush to make hasty conclusions. Below we show that when choosing this device, which is simple at first glance, it is necessary to take into account some nuances. All questions we combined into a step-by-step instruction.
Step 1: What is the purpose of the purchase?
Of course, if you, without hesitation, choose the most expensive exercise bike in the catalog, this, as well as the subsequent steps can safely skip. But if you are not an oil baron and do not want to overpay for unnecessary functions, then the first thing you need to do is to determine what exactly you want to buy an exercise bike. There may be several reasons:
Cardiovascular disease prevention
If you are worried about the condition of the heart and blood vessels, and the exercise bike you need for medical and prophylactic purposes, then you should focus on the ability to accurately measure the heart rate, that is, the heart rate. You will also need a built-in logging system and the ability to change the load in a wide range.
Toning and psychological relief
If you need a simulator to relieve tension after a working day, it is better to choose from magnetic and shoe models. The course of the pedals in these simulators is almost identical to the natural one, your training will be like a real bike trip. Pay attention, too, to the functions that make the activity more interesting.
For weight loss
Long-term moderate loads help to lose weight. Therefore, the model with a heavy flywheel you to anything. In addition, it is desirable to have a device that measures the pulse rate with sufficient accuracy.
Step 2: learn the materiel!
In order not to become a weak-willed victim of a sales consultant when choosing an exercise bike for a home, go through theoretical training, having studied this section. Here we briefly outlined the information about what type of exercise bikes are, and also told about their advantages and disadvantages.
Size
If all the free space in your room you have already taken under the table football or a bar with liquor, then a full-size simulator in it may simply not fit. Manufacturers have provided this option and released a folding mini-exercise bike that will save the situation.
Power consumption
When every penny on the account and extra money for electricity do not want to spend, it is worth choosing a model with a mechanical load. Unlike magnetic and electromagnetic bikes, mechanical ones do not need electricity at all. However, consider that they are quite noisy: during training you may well not hear the phone ringing or the sound of the TV with your favorite transmission.
Strength of
It is clear that the strength of the frame of an exercise bike is of great importance. You should know that manufacturers manufacture their products in three categories:
- home bikes, designed for loads up to 100 kg;
- semiprofessional trainers, capable of working with a weight of up to 130 kg;
- professional exercise bikes with an allowable load of up to 150 kg.
If you are a person "in the body," then buying a home version can result in a broken device or even an injury. On the other hand, if you remind Thumbelina and reach 50 kgs only with pudgy weights on your hands, then it is hardly worthwhile to agree to buy a professional model praised by the seller. Such an acquisition would be economically unjustified.
Construction
In addition to vertical simulators, which are the most popular due to their compactness, horizontal variants are also available for sale. The pedals of this simulator are moved forward, and the athlete is placed reclining. The advantage of this model is a reduced load on the spine. This type of construction makes it possible to train people with various complications or pains in the back.
Load type
By way of loading, the bikes can be classified in this way:
With belt drive
The easiest and cheapest way to load. Its value depends on the belt tension. This type is characterized by a rather complicated adjustment and high noise level;
Inertial
Can provide a higher load, which depends on the frictional force with the brake pads. As in the first case, a high noise level is observed during operation;
Magnetic
Have a fairly simple device, work almost silently and allow you to easily adjust the load in a wide range. On the maximum load inferior to the shoe( inertial) apparatus;
Electromagnetic
These most modern and technological simulators bear the second name - veloergometers. Load is created by electromagnets, whose operation is controlled by the built-in computer. The latter constantly analyzes the information from the heart rate sensors and maintains the load at a proper level with high accuracy. All that is necessary for the user of this miracle simulator is to choose the preferred training program. In the best bikes, the pulse is measured by remote photoelectric sensors, in more simple - contact sensors installed in the handlebars.
Which exercise bike to choose depending on the manufacturer
Exercise bikes are a fairly common way of maintaining physical fitness and good health. Naturally, such popularity was caused by the emergence of a large number of producers, many of whom care little for the quality of their products, pursuing, in the main, the goals of a commercial nature. Classes on such exercise bikes can turn into a real torture, so it's better to purchase devices of famous brands.
In the budget segment, the products of the firm Body Sculpture proved to be very good. More functional and convenient, but more expensive, are the devices from Torneo or Kettler. This is the average price segment. People with unlimited financial opportunities should take a closer look at the Winner Nord equipment. Veloergometers of this company are a real technical perfection.
Step 3: Create a list of
requirements After analyzing the above information, as well as feedback on the Web, you can formulate a list of your requirements. It will look like this:
- cost: from so many to so many;
- additional functions: a cardiac sensor and a retainer for a container with water;
- type of load: magnetic with minimal power consumption;
- load range: 20 positions.
Step 4: go to the store
Armed with knowledge, you can go to the store. Do not rush to pay for the model you like. First check it in the case, twisting the pedals in the operating mode for at least ten minutes. Do not hesitate to clarify the maximum permissible weight for this exercise bike. Pay close attention to the fastening on the pedals. The leg should not slip, and the straps should not rub the skin.
Make sure that the exercise bike is right for you.
