Let’s be honest: it can sometimes be difficult to get to the gym. Between work, kids, shopping, you name it…we’re busy! But we all know that exercise is a key part of our mental and physical health. If you’re looking to get in shape from the comfort of your own home, an exercise bike can be a good start. There’s no shortage of products to choose from as more Americans embrace home gyms, but what are the best exercise bikes according to the pros?
Of course, millions of Americans ditched their fitness club memberships during the pandemic and turned to at-home routines. According to a 2021 study, two-thirds of Americans would rather workout at home than in the gym. In fact, another survey reveals that half of adults suffer from “gymstimidation” or the fear of working out in front of other people.
Either way, working out has major benefits for your mental health. A recent study reports that the key to sleeping well is exercising regularly. And there’s simply no excuse as to why we can’t fit fitness into our busy schedules. Research shows that even two minutes of exercise a day can add years to your life. A study from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases also linked regular exercise to “positive impacts on cognitive function in addition to physical conditioning.”
When it comes to exercise bikes, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular program. Plenty of research points to the great benefits of trying this routine, which involves high intensity intervals followed by shorter intervals at a much lower intensity, in a cyclical fashion. A study by scientists at McMaster University shows that HIIT workouts work wonders on the brain. Other research shows that HIIT increases the amount of protein in skeletal muscle. These proteins are absolutely essential for muscle contraction and energy metabolism.
And if you’re still not sure whether you should splurge on a bike, consider this: Having an exercise bike at home helps most people fight the the biggest problem with training, who has time to exercise. With all our responsibilities, Americans are finding less time for themselves. A recent survey suggests that the average person has less than five hours of free time per week!
So if you’re ready to shop, we’ve put together a guide listing the five best exercise bikes, according to professional reviews. StudyFinds visited 10 of the top expert websites to see which products were most frequently recommended on those sites.
The list: the best exercise bikes, according to expert reviews
1. Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycle
This sturdy exercise bike is known to be a well-priced investment for avid cyclists who want to do their workouts indoors. It even comes with dual-sided pedals so users can choose to use specialist cycling shoes or opt for regular trainers.
The strategist named it the best bike overall, writing “This bike uses magnetic resistance, ‘which results in an incredibly smooth and quiet ride’.”
“I really like this bike!! I find the bike solid and reliable. The bike does not wobble, even when I pedal extremely fast. I was able to perform a wide variety of workouts at all levels,” it reads. in the test notes of VeryWellFit who chose the bike as a finalist for best overall.
Wire cutter calls the bike “versatile and reliable” saying, “We love its adaptability, functionality and smooth ride.” Wirecutter also noted the LCD console that displays metrics while you ride and its Bluetooth capability, “which allows the bike to connect to eight different cycling apps and a heart rate monitor.”
2. peloton bike
Peloton is one of the most popular household names for exercise bikes. Popularity skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s a reason this bike is so popular.
Livescience.com named it “Best Exercise Bike for Most People” saying: “Sleek and feature-rich, the Peloton bike is a best-seller for good reason. It’s not cheap, but what you get for your money is an extremely well-made machine with endless features to keep you motivated. and on track with your health and fitness goals.
The bike has a touch screen and the ability to access a multitude of courses. The strategist chose it for “Best Exercise Bike with Display”. “These days, Peloton is almost synonymous with home cycling, and for those who want to dig deeper into their stats and have access to guided workouts, it’s hard to get much better.”
CBS goes into details of the lessons saying, “The lessons for Peloton cover a wide range of options, but what makes the lessons unique is the semi-live feel. Even if you’re not in one of the live classes, which frequently take place via the Peloton app, your performance is displayed in real time alongside others who have taken the class.
3. Bowflex VeloCore Bike
The Bowflex VeloCore is known for its ability to be modified to add more core intensity to your cycling routine. It also has a display screen for those looking to track their stats while working out or taking a class (it comes with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor armband, a set of dumbbells and a JRNY trial two months).
CBS calls it a “convenient bike for everyone.” “You get a lot with the Bowflex Velocore bike. It’s amazingly modular, you can take any shoes and seats and even weights and tablets for the ride and the design supports it… In fact, on more than one occasion I’ve even taken Zoom meetings since the saddle of this Bowflex indoor cycling exercise bike, and the handlebar supported the design very well.
It’s great for increasing intensity, “it has two water bottle holders and a button that lets you access 100 levels of resistance,” writes BNC News. Also, VeryWellFit adds, “This bike from Bowflex kicks that intensity up a notch. It has an incline mode, which lets you sway from side to side as you follow JRNY’s outdoor cycling videos, giving you the feeling of navigating your way down a winding road.
4. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
Known for its affordability, the YOSUDA indoor cycling bike is another popular choice. If you’re looking to invest in a quality bike without breaking the bank, this one’s for you.
Checked named it “Best Budget Exercise Bike”. “Similar to what you’d find in a gym or studio, the bike has a slim profile, sturdy steel frame and 35-pound flywheel for strength.”
Life sciences also picked it for best budget bike noting the pros, “smooth belt-driven flywheel, good value and sturdy, smooth ride.”
“For half the price of our overall pick, you can enjoy many of the same cycling benefits with this YOSUDA bike,” said VeryWellFit who also picked it for Best Budget Bike.
It can also save you money in the long run with its warranty. “The Yosuda comes with a three-month warranty for the whole bike and offers free spare parts within a year of purchase,” says BNC News.
5. NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Bike
NordicTrack has been known for making quality exercise equipment since the 70s. Their exercise bikes are no exception to their quality work line, so it’s no surprise that the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle features on the list.
Health line named it “Best Premium Exercise Bike”. “While the bike is expensive, its high-quality steel construction, smooth ride, and wide selection of workouts make it a worthwhile investment.”
men’s health called it more innovative and compared it to a Peloton noting its lower price. “In fact, it’s actually $1,000 less than Peloton’s flagship Bike+ exercise bike, while still boasting many of the same features, including a 22-inch HD touchscreen and a rich lesson library. studio on demand.”
It is also suitable for beginners and has been chosen as Good Housekeeping notes that it “doesn’t require cycling shoes and offers a ton of content for cycling beginners through competitive cyclists…Runners loved the destination workouts available through iFit, where you ride in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
If you’re looking to get moving and get your heart rate up, there’s no better way to do it than with an exercise bike.
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Note: This article has not been paid for or sponsored. StudyFinds is not affiliated or associated with any of the brands mentioned and does not receive any compensation for its recommendations.