Have you ever seen someone riding a bike with their body lying down? That's a recumbent bike! While regular bikes require you to sit upright, recumbent bikes allow you to recline and pedal with your legs. This style of bike has several health benefits, particularly for seniors.
The reclined seating allows for less strain on the back and joints, making it a comfortable option for those with arthritis or limited mobility. It also reduces pressure on the wrists, making it a good choice for those who may have wrist pain.
In addition, a recumbent bike's low center of gravity provides more stability during rides. Since the rider can extend their legs while pedaling fully, they may be able to cover longer distances with less fatigue.
Recumbent bikes are one of the safest types of exercise equipment for older adults. These stationary bikes allow you to work out your glutes, calves, and thighs in a controlled and safe setting. People use recumbent bikes to help overcome joint problems and improve balance. Many of these bikes have other features like heart rate monitoring and padded backrests.
Cycling is also proven to help with numerous things, from blood pressure to heart and lung health and weight management. So, if you're looking for an exercise option that's low-impact and comfortable, consider giving a recumbent bike a try.
Why Seniors Should Get Recumbent Bikes
- Recumbent bikes are indoor bikes. It’s safer for seniors to ride indoors than outdoors. They can avoid traffic and all the dangers that come with outdoor cycling.
- Seniors can avoid falling because recumbent bikes are stationary bikes where balance isn’t required.
- Seniors can experience the fun of working out with others, since they can attend cycling classes with others.
- Cardio exercises like cycling on a recumbent bike are proven to improve mental health by reducing stress and boosting mental performance.
- Cycling on a stationary bike consumes 400 to 600 calories, making it an ideal activity for weight loss.
- The Recumbent bike improves muscle performance and endurance.
- Any senior, regardless of ability level, can use a recumbent bike. It has adjustable settings to accommodate beginners and experts alike.
- Recumbent bikes for seniors have added features like smart digital displays that show heart rate and other helpful data.
What Is The Best Recumbent Bike For Seniors?
Here are some of the best recumbent bikes, so you can start reaping these health benefits:
1. Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Bike with Pulse
The Exerpeutic Recumbent Exercise Bike with Pulse is perfect for anyone looking for a workout. With eight magnetic tension levels and a large oversized seat cushion and backrest, this bike is perfect for users of any size. It can accommodate individuals up to 300 lbs. This bike is considered one of the best recumbent bikes for short seniors.
The easy-to-read LCD provides all the information you need while working out, including distance, calories burned, time, speed, and heart rate data. You can also connect your bike to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to track your progress and share your workouts with friends.
The easy step-thru design makes it easy for seniors to get on and off the bike, while the compact footprint makes it easy to find a spot for it in your home.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 from 5,805 reviews
| Pros | Cons |
| Oversized seat cushionsEasy-to-read LCDEasy step thru design | Complicated assembly instructions (per user review) |
2. Schwinn Recumbent Bike
Introducing the Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series, your versatile home exercise solution. With Goal Track capability, you can set individual exercise goals and track your progress using their smartphone app. It has 20 resistance levels that offer a wide range of workout intensities to suit your needs.
Seniors will also enjoy the easy start-up and smooth, quiet workout. The recumbent bike accomplishes this because of its high-speed, high-inertia drive system.
The bike comes with DualTrack 2 LCD screen offering increased visibility of programs and goal tracking. Not to mention, it has 22 preset workout programs, including nine profiles, eight heart rate control, two fitness tests, and one quick start option. This recumbent bike has so many features and possibilities that your elderly loved ones won’t get bored.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 9,016 reviews
| Pros | Cons |
| Lots of interesting featuresConnectivity to a smartphone appQuiet operation | The console can get confusingBulky setup |
3. Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike
The Nautilus Recumbent Bike Series is the perfect way for seniors to stay in shape. Users can monitor progress with popular app-based tracking tools with enhanced Bluetooth connectivity.
The padded seat with ventilated back on the sliding seat rail is adjustable for your comfort. It comes with an MP3 player jack and a built-in charging port to make it easy to stay entertained while your elderly loved one is working out.
The stunning feature of this recumbent bike is the 50-plus global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed. Seniors can feel like they are exploring the world from the comfort of their homes.
Note: Explore the World subscription is required for this feature.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 1,597 reviews
| Pros | Cons |
| Interesting features for entertainmentBluetooth connectivityGlobal routes | The console can get confusingBulky setup |
4. Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike is an excellent choice for home workouts. It has a step-through design for easy access, eight resistance levels to challenge your workout, and an easy-to-read computer screen.
The padded seat is comfortable, and the counterbalanced pedals provide a smooth ride. No wonder it’s one of the most purchased and well-reviewed recumbent bikes on Amazon. At $168, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 19,368 reviews
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy-to-read screenStep thru designPadded seats | The LCD isn’t backlitSeat adjustment is sometimes difficult.Clicking sounds when pedaling |
5. NordicTrack Commercial VR21
Looking for a quality exercise bike that can keep up with your workouts? Look no further than the NordicTrack Commercial VR21 Smart Recumbent Exercise Bike. This bike is perfect for streaming live and on-demand workouts, with a 5-inch backlit display that tracks distance, cadence, and estimated calorie burn.
It also features 25 resistance levels and an oversized adjustable seat for maximum comfort. With a 350-pound total weight capacity, the NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is perfect for all fitness levels.
Plus, you can enjoy your favorite tunes during your workout with the auxiliary music port.
Amazon Rating: 4.1 out of 5 from 283 reviews
| Pros | Cons |
| On-Demand Workout streaming25 resistance levels350-lb max weight capacity | Console can get confusingPushes for iFit membership that’s unnecessary |
6. Schwinn Exercise Bike
The Schwinn Exercise Bike Series is a fully-loaded recumbent bike with DualTrack blue backlit LCD screens, 29 workout programs, and telemetry heart rate enabled. The seat is ventilated and contoured for comfort, with a padded seat bottom and an aluminum slider seat rail system with quick and easy lever adjustment.
The bike provides a smooth and quiet workout with 25 levels of resistance, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, and 50plus global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 9,016 reviews
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable seats29 workout programsQuiet operation | Very bright screenHard to assemble |
Qualities Of A Good Recumbent Bike
Recumbent bikes, with their low seating and back support, are a comfortable option for older riders. When shopping for a recumbent bike, paying attention to a few essential qualities is important.
- Comfort
First, ensure the seat is adjustable and comfortable - nobody wants to ride on a poorly padded seat. Consider getting a bike with a step-thru design for ease of access, especially for seniors with limited mobility.
- Resistance Levels
Check how many resistance levels the recumbent bike has and match it with the physical fitness level of your senior loved one. A physically fit senior will appreciate more resistance levels, while a novice will be fine with less resistance.
- Features
Features like Bluetooth connectivity, workout streaming, and music ports are good, but can also be confusing. Depending on the comfort level of your elderly loved one, opt for a simple recumbent bike or an advanced one.
Choosing The Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors
When choosing the best recumbent bike, consider factors like weight, size, LCD screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and other features. Look for added features like water bottle holders and screen holders, which can help increase comfort when working out.
You can also consider the living space where the bike will be placed. For smaller spaces, look for the best folding recumbent bike for seniors, like the Barwing Stationary Spin Exercise Bike.
Lastly, consider your budget. The more features a recumbent bike has, the pricier it gets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do the best recumbent exercise bikes for seniors cost?
Prices can vary depending on factors such as the brand and features, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $2000 for a recumbent bike. Remember that certain features, such as adjustable seats or multiple-speed options, may increase the price.
2. Which recumbent bike for seniors has the most comfortable seat?
Regarding recumbent bikes for seniors, the most important thing to consider is comfort. After all, what good is a bike if it's so uncomfortable to ride that you won't use it?
That's why many experts agree that the recumbent bike with the most comfortable seat is the Exerpeutic 900XL Recumbent Bike. This bike's seat not only has ample padding and back support, but it can also be adjusted to fit various users' sizes. Plus, its adjustable LCD allows easy monitoring of your workout stats.
3. What’s better: an upright or recumbent bike for seniors?
When it comes to choosing the best exercise equipment for seniors, consider commercial recumbent bikes. The reclined position delivers the same cardio intensity without harming the joints. In contrast, upright bikes are usually hard on the back, neck, and joints, making them a non-ideal choice for seniors.
For a more intense workout, you can also look for the best recumbent bike for seniors with arm workouts like the Marcy Dual Action and Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bikes.
4. Is cycling using exercise bikes advisable for seniors over the 70s?
Yes, recumbent cycling benefits seniors in their 70s because it’s a low-impact cardio exercise known to increase flexibility and endurance. It can improve your mood while lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure. However, for seniors, it’s still best to get your doctor’s advice and greenlight before attempting any exercise.
5. What’s the difference between a regular exercise bike and a recumbent bike?
Regarding exercise bikes, there are two main types: regular and recumbent. Regular bikes, sometimes called "upright" bikes, have a more traditional setup with handlebars at the same level as the seat and pedals below.
On the other hand, recumbent bikes have a reclined seat with pedals forward and handlebars beside the seat. This design offers several benefits for those with limited mobility, such as seniors or those recovering from injury.
The lower center of gravity and back support provided by commercial recumbent bikes may reduce joint strain, making them a safer option for older adults or those with joint issues.
In addition, recumbent bikes offer various adjustable options to customize the workout experience for each individual further. So, while both regular and recumbent exercise bikes offer excellent cardiovascular benefits, commercial recumbent bikes are often the preferred option for older adults or those with limitations.
What Is The Best Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors?
At the end of the day, finding the best recumbent exercise bike for seniors involves considering the different features and matching them with the needs of your elderly loved one.
Maintaining an active lifestyle helps seniors enjoy the rest of their year by elevating their moods and preventing diseases. Help your elderly loved ones get the exercise they deserve in the safety of their homes. Try recumbent cycling and look for the best recumbent bikes for seniors.
Get started on your fitness journey today, and thank yourself later. Check out Senior Strong today for all the latest tools, senior wellness tips you should know about for your senior loved ones.
William Rivers is an editor with a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling at Maine State University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry.
