Exercise Bike Safety Precaution
Doing an aerobic exercise regularly using exercise bikes is a healthy thing to do, it improves stamina and cardiovascular fitness yet easy to do and not too strenuous. In order to get the optimum benefit from this equipment, safety should be considered first.
To avoid injury during an exercise session it is necessary for the bike to be properly set up. Exercise bikes usually come with adjustable handlebars and seats so that you can customize it according to your height and preferences for your own comfort while working out. Having a correct posture while doing your exercise routine on the exercise bike minimizes muscle strain so you must adjust the bike according to you stature and desired position. If you have lumbar spinal stenosis , it is advisable to have the bike adjusted to a forward leaning position. For those who prefer leaning back or sitting upright the recumbent bike is suitable for your preference, plus it has greater support on the lower back.
Aerobic exercises using exercise bikes are usually performed at least 20 minutes each session three times a week, but for someone who is not used to exercising everyday it will be different, it will start slowly then progress up to this level. Before trying out an exercise program, it is advisable to consult a health professional to know if the patient can endure the activity and in order to do no further harm to the patient especially if he or she already has a present medical condition. A few minutes of warm up before the actual workout and a cool down right after will help minimize the risk of injury. For those who already have complaints of back pain, it is advisable to have stretching and strengthening exercise in a fitness program. The doctor can also advise the client as to the suitable riding position that would be most comfortable and beneficial for the client considering the present health condition. In almost all, exercises proper posture must be observe, avoid hyperextension or improper posture while on the exercise bike for it can cause strain on the back and neck. Once pain is felt after a session it is good to discontinue the program and the use of the equipment, instead consult your physician about it.
One of the reasons why exercise bike is a frequent choice among exercise equipments is that it can be used in a fitness center and at home. The main advantage for home use, is that it doesn’t require much space and there are those that can even be folded to fit under the bed or collapsible to fit in a closet. The prices of the exercise bike vary according to the quality, type, programs and warranties. Attend features like a heart rate monitor may cause you extra bucks as well. For those who have an ordinary bicycle, you can just buy a trainer, which is a device that allows the ordinary bike to be used in a stationary position. The rear wheels of the ordinary bicycle are fitted in the trainer to be used as exercise bikes, trainers can be purchased at bicycle shops.
