Upright Exercise Bikes

1. Upright exercise bikes provide a surprising variety of motion. Sit for a long cruise and good back and butt workout. As you stand, you shift more work to your thighs. Lean forward Lance Armstrong-style to add a workout to your upper back, shoulders, and triceps.

2. If you're easing back into exercising, we strongly recommend upright exercise bikes. Besides being so fun you won't quit, they feel familiar. Like the adage goes, you don't forget how to ride a bike. You can hop on without worrying that you're doing it wrong. And oh my, what a workout!

3. Set your own pace. Upright indoor bikes let you workout like a madman or enjoy an easy cruise to keep your lungs healthy. A lazy bike pace is also an ideal way to push lactic acid out of your legs after a strenuous workout, so you avoid the post-routine muscle ache. After a hard ride, spin down easy for a few minutes.

4. Big people need big bikes. Check the specs tab on each of the exercise bikes we offer to learn how much weight it is designed to carry. If you need extra strength, you'll find lots of options in the commercial exercise bike section too.

5. Lock in! Pedal loops and bike shoe-compatible clip pedals give your entire leg a workout. Lift with one leg while you push with the other, and practice adding force through the entire circle of motion, like wiping your feet. You'll really feel the difference, and you'll fly the next time you get on a regular bike.

6. Figure out the peak heart rate that's right for you, then use a monitor to hit your number safely every time. Some upright exercise bikes come with computer-controlled memory that tracks your calories burned, your daily progress, and even offers varying routines to keep the ride fresh.

7. If you run on the street or treadmill, you've come to expect knee and shin problems. Upright exercise bikes let you work your legs without the jarring impacts, helping tendons and joints heal.

8. Long legs will appreciate an indoor bike seat that adjusts vertically and horizontally. When the pedal is at its farthest extension, your knee should be slightly bent. Too far away works the knee joint needlessly, too close stresses tendons. Go for just right, Goldilocks.

9. Use your upright indoor bike to heat up for other exercises. Stretching routines like Pilates and yoga are safer and more satisfying if your muscles are warmed and flexible. It's a perfect cardio addition to weight training too.

10. Upright exercise bikes take up far less space than most other equipment, yet offer a complete workout. Some are collapsible, so you can store them out of the way when space is tight.