The recumbent bike is an excellent alternative to the traditional, upright stationary bike. This type of exercise bike allows you to sit back in a reclined position with your feet on foot pedals and your hands on the handlebars. The seat provides extra support for people who have back problems because it puts less pressure on the spine than an upright bicycle. Not only that, but this type of exercise equipment also makes it more comfortable for pregnant women as well! This blog post will cover: What are good features to look out for? Which bikes are best suited for those with back problems? How do I know which size is right for me? And finally, what should I be looking at when buying one of these machines? Read below!
What is the Best Recumbent Bike For Back Problems?
You are here to find the Best Recumbent Bike For Back Problems and we did all the necessary research to make life just a little bit easier for you. With so many options and products available, we narrowed the selection down for you to the absolute best 5 recumbent bikes for back problems and reviewed why they’re worth your time and money.
We have also compiled a list of main things to consider before buying recumbent exercise bike for back problems which you can find later on in this article, together with some helpful FAQs. So let’s get started with the list of Best Recumbent Bike For Back Problems.
1. PooBoo Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults/Seniors
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 50.7 pounds (23 kg) Size: 53.9 x 40.1 x 23.6 inches (137 x 102 x 60 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Screen Type: LCD |
The Pooboo is a compact and lightweight model and is a fantastic option for small spaces. It comes with a two-way external magnetic flywheel that provides higher inertia on the eight resistance levels. However, the highest intensity level offers moderate resistance, so the bike may not be ideal for people looking for high-performance training. On the upside, the bike is stable when using it even though it has a lightweight construction. The exercise bike features a simple LCD monitor that displays four metrics and comes with a tablet holder to keep you entertained while you cycle. The tension and saddle position functions are manually adjusted with knobs, while the low-intensity resistance makes pedaling easy for cardio while reducing the risk of staining the joints. It is ideal for seniors and people recovering from injury, and it’s also easy to assemble. Overall, if you are looking for suitable equipment for easy cardio exercises at home, this recumbent would make an excellent option.
Pros
- Clear instruction manual for easy assembly,
- Low profile design with moderate intensity levels for seniors,
- Lightweight and sturdy construction,
- Compact size for small spaces
Cons
- Not ideal for high-intensity training,
- Pedals may be difficult to assemble
2. SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 86.6 pounds (39.28 kg) Size: 64 x 49.9 x 27.7 inches (162.6 x 126.7 x 70.4 cm) Resistance Type: Friction Resistance Levels: 25 levels Material: Carbon Steel Screen Type: Dual-Track LCD |
The Schwinn 270 is a high-priced model suitable for seasoned cyclists and people who want a high-intensity fitness regimen. The bike handles a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds and is ideal for people with a height of between 4’10” on the low end to 6’4″ on the upper side. Additionally, it features the least cumbersome seat adjustment systems that use an aluminum rail system with a lever to slide the seat. You can also pre-set the seat position and exercise program to twelve user profiles. The recumbent features a perimeter-weighted flywheel and a friction resistance mechanism with 25 levels that helps to simulate riding the bike outside. It comes with a fully loaded dual-track LCD console that offers 29 pre-set workout programs and 13 workout metrics. The console also features an iPad holder if you prefer to watch a movie and Bluetooth connectivity to sync your workout details with apps such as MyFitnessPal. The handles monitor your heart rate, and you also have the option of getting a chest strap for telemetry reading.
Other features I like include a USB charging port, an MP3 input port to connect your phone to the built-in speakers, an adjustable fan, a side-mounted water bottle holder, and a ventilated comfortable seat. I also like that it comes with two inline roller wheels at the front and a grab bar at the back that allows you to lift it and conveniently roll it in place. The recumbent also features leveling adjustments for uneven floors, and you can buy a protective floor mat separately.
Pros
- Accommodates up to twelve separate user profiles,
- Allows you to customize your workout programs,
- Convenient seat adjustments with a single lever, Easy to move the bike for storage with inline wheels,
- Compatible with various media for entertainment,
- Resistance mechanism simulates outdoor riding
Cons
- The heart rate monitor is not accurate,
- Mechanical components may wear out quickly,
- Poor customer service
3. 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 63 pounds (28.58 kg) Size: 54 x 34 x 22 inches (137.2 x 86.4 x 55.9 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel Screen Type: LCD |
The Exerpeutic 900XL is another budget recumbent exercise bike that shares some similar attributes with the March ME-709. It is a sturdy and reliable exercise bike with excellent customer reviews as it is easy to use, has a low maintenance build, and is durable. The bike features a steel frame with stabilizers to keep it firm while you exercise. The saddle adjustment is slightly different from the ME-709 recumbent, where it features a slider with pre-set holes instead of a moving frame. Many users have noted that the seat is wide and comfortable, with the handlebars set wide apart to accommodate big people. Unfortunately, you can’t add holes to the slider if you are shorter than 5’3″ or taller than 6’3″ like the Marcy recumbent. However, it comes with a low-profile design profile that enables most users to mount the bike comfortably. Also, the textured pedals with foot straps help prevent your feet from slipping.
It comes with eight levels of magnetic resistance that you adjust with the tension knob. Unlike the Schwinn 270, the bike offers little intensity on the low levels and moderate intensity on the high levels. The magnetic system has a lag between the intensity levels, and if you are relatively fit, you may not notice the difference.
Also, the pedaling action becomes less stable on the upper resistance levels. On the upside, the handlebars feature a heart rate monitor. Plus, the console gives out six different metrics to help you track your workout.
Pros
- Affordably priced with low maintenance construction,
- Includes a heart rate monitor in the handlebars,
- Resistance levels deliver moderate impact workout,
- The balanced flywheel offers a noiseless operation,
- Leg stabilizers prevent movement while pedaling
Cons
- Unstable pedaling on the high levels,
- Unreliable warranty information,
- Difficult assembly instructions
4. Sunny Health Recumbent Bike SF-RB4631 with Arm Exerciser
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 91.1 pounds (41.32 kg) Size: 52.5 x 51 x 25 inches (133.3 x 129.5 x 63.5 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Steel |
Arm exercisers on recumbent exercise bikes can add value to your workouts by building upper body muscles and strong shoulders. Additionally, if you incorporate moderate weight lifting exercises, you can greatly improve your cardio fitness and reduce the risks of heart disease. The arm exercises on the RB-4631 allow you to engage your upper body to burn more calories. The bike is also ideal for overweight users as it has a sturdy and robust frame with a 350-pound user limit and has a low-profile design for easy access. It also comes with transportation wheels on the rear stabilizer bar to make moving it around your space easier. I like that the bike is easy to assemble even though it is significantly heavy at 91 pounds. However, the bulk does help stabilize the bike on the floor while cycling, and the slider seat adjustment ensures that you get a comfortable fit. Unlike most recumbents with arm exercisers, the pedal mechanism on this bike works independently, which means that you can work your arms without the pedals. The recumbent comes with a wide seat with a contoured backrest and sliding adjustment mechanism that is simple to use while seated. Although it is ergonomic, the seat padding is firm, and some users may not find it comfortable. The resistance system delivers moderate intensity at its highest level, and the bike comes with a simple LCD monitor with a large display.
Pros
- Delivers a smooth and quiet pedal action,
- Features arm exerciser with high friction resistance,
- Sliding saddle adjustment for a comfortable fit,
- Sturdy frame with a high user weight limit
Cons
- Saddle padding may be uncomfortable,
- Poor build quality and durability
5. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 66 pounds (29.94 kg) Size: 53.5 x 39 x 19.3 inches (135.9 x 99.1 x 49 cm) Resistance Type: Magnetic Resistance Levels: 8 levels Material: Premium Steel Screen Type: LCD |
The JEEKEE is another low-impact recumbent exercise bike that is ideal for seniors and users with back and joint problems. Like all the recumbents reviewed here, this bike features a heavy-duty steel frame that supports a maximum weight of 300 pounds. It also comes with stabilizers, but it does not include levelers for uneven floors. The bike features a dual belt drive system that offers quiet operation with little maintenance on parts. The drive supports a magnetic resistance system with eight levels that offer low-intensity workouts. Plus, the flywheel and pedals are interconnected, which allows you to engage more muscle groups by pedaling backward. Lightweight bikes are typically easy to assemble, and this bike is no exception, where many users were able to put it together in under two hours. However, there are a significant number of people who were unable to put it together in a reasonable time due to unclear instructions on the manual. On the upside, it also comes with a relatively comfortable saddle that provides adequate back support. However, the slider system is not infinite, and it features a knob with nine adjustment positions, and you have to be off the seat to adjust it.
Pros
- The saddle has a high 6’5″maximum height allowance,
- Features a low profile design for easy access,
- Resistance system provides low-intensity exercise,
- It comes with excellent customer service
Cons
- “No way to sync the console with your smartphone,
- Seat adjustment not ideal for short people,
- Assembly may not be easy for some people”
Verdict
And that’s it for Best Recumbent Bike For Back Problems. Let’s sum up our findings:
After taking into consideration personal experiences with recumbent exercise bike for back problems, their main features, and opinions of real customers online, our opinion is that the PooBoo Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults/Seniors is the best recumbent bike for back problems out there.
Now, if you want the best product that money can buy then you can go for SCHWINN 270 Recumbent Bike which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the 900XL Recumbent Exercise Bike.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
- Best Recumbent Exercise Bike Under 1000
- Best Rated Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Recumbent Bike For Home Use
What You Should Know Before Buying recumbent bikes for back problems
Adjustability
Saddle adjustments allow you to fit the bike to the length of your legs and reach the pedals. There are two types of adjustments depending on the design of the recumbent exercise bike. The most affordable type involves sliding two movable parts of the frame to bring the saddle closer to the pedals, such as the Marcy ME-709 bike. The frame features pre-set holes that you align to position the seat and lock with a holding pin and knob.
On the other hand, you can get bikes that only use a lever to lock the seat’s position. The advantage of this system is it allows you to adjust the saddle as you sit on it, unlike the previous method. However, these bikes are also more expensive and are ideal for commercial purposes such as the gym. While the recumbent exercise bike saddle design provides excellent support for your back and lower joints, how you position it ensures that you don’t suffer pain and injury while exercising. Generally, the seat should be such that your knees are not too bent or overextended to cause strain. Also, your legs should be at the same level or higher than your hips to protect your lower back.
Types Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
While recumbent road bikes vary greatly in construction, recumbent exercise bikes have slight variations in design features. These differences include digital versus manual consoles, the various seat adjustment, and drive mechanisms, and sizes. I have described these features in detail below.
The Key Features Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes
The key design feature of recumbent exercise bikes is the adjustable reclined seat with a backrest that allows one to be comfortable while working out their lower body. Other critical features include the size and weight of the bike, materials for durability, a display panel to monitor your workout, and resistance levels. One noticeable feature that stationary recumbent bikes lack is the handlebars you would find on upright bikes. Instead, most come with support bars on the sides of the seat or moving handlebars to work out your arms, such as you would find on the Sunny Recumbent Exercise Bike. However, dual-action exercise bikes such as the Xspec Dual Exercise Bike give you the option of using it as an upright or recumbent bike. Hence it features handlebars for the straight position alongside the support bars on the sides of the seat when you recline.
Storage Space
Unlike upright stationary bikes, recumbent exercise bikes take up significantly more space due to their bulky design. The bikes come in different sizes, and you may want to consider the dimensions when shopping for one. Home exercise bikes are typically smaller than the commercial varieties, and you can get foldable designs such as the Exerpeutic 400XL if you have a tight space.
Extra Features
Some of the extra features recumbent exercise bikes come with include media racks to hold your tablet or phone, so you can watch something online or read a book while you exercise. Built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB drives are also included in the midrange models to enable you to link your devices to the bike for entertainment and upload your workout data to apps such as MyFitnessPal. Some extra comfort features to look out for include built-in fans to keep you cool and gel padding on the seats to reduce fatigue while performing lengthy workouts.
Resistance
Resistance helps you determine the intensity of your workout, and the most affordable recumbent exercise bikes feature 8 – 12 levels. Generally, exercise bikes use a resistance mechanism that applies various degrees of pressure on the bike’s flywheel to make the pedaling harder or easier to simulate riding up a hill or a flat surface. There are various types of resistance systems that include friction, magnetic, and electromagnetic. All work the same except that the friction magnetic resistance bike delivers an experience closest to a road bike where a change in the resistance level is immediate as you turn the knob.
On the other hand, magnetic bikes are manual and do not require electricity to work while electromagnetic mechanisms do. The disadvantage of magnetic bikes is they have a slight lag when you switch the resistance level, and electromagnetic systems are typically more expensive.
Comfort
Comfort is a critical design attribute of any recumbent exercise bike and is ideal for people who need upper body support while exercising. The bikes feature a low-profile design that makes it easy for the elderly, overweight, and infirm to get on the bike safely, while the bucket seats provide back support and balance with minimal pressure on the lower body joints.
Pedals
There are three types of stationary bike pedals which include clip-ins, flat, and hybrids. Clip-ins and hybrid pedals are found on upright and spin bikes, while recumbent exercise bikes typically come with flat pedals made of steel or plastic material. Most flat pedals are textured and come with a plastic strap or toe-cage adjustable strap that holds down the forefoot securely on the pedal to prevent slipping.
Maintenance
Like all equipment, recumbent exercise bikes require regular maintenance, and we recommend having your bike checked for wear and tear every six months or so. It is also necessary to ensure that you inspect the bike often for loose nuts and bolts and lubricate the mechanical parts to ensure that it remains in good working condition. In addition, you should also wipe down the handlebars, seat, and digital console with a soft cloth and antibacterial cleaner after every workout for hygiene reasons.
Display
The display console is a pretty standard feature for all recumbent exercise bikes, and they help track and display workout data such as speed, distance, time, RPM, calories burnt, and pre-set programs. The more advanced recumbents will feature a tablet shelf, Bluetooth connectivity, speakers, and possibly a cooling fan. Display screens vary in size, the backlight color, and whether it is a touch screen or comes with buttons.
Drive mechanism
When you are shopping for a recumbent exercise bike, you will probably see the drive mechanism mentioned a lot. The drive mechanism includes the flywheel, which is a disc that sits in front of the bike. It is the component that creates resistance in an exercise bike. It is usually covered with a casing in recumbent exercise bikes and connected to the pedals via a belt or chain. The flywheel is weighted to generate resistance to simulate the experience of outdoor riding on your exercise bike. There are two types of weighted flywheels that include the perimeter weighted flywheel and the center-weighted flywheel. In a perimeter-weighted flywheel, the weight is positioned along the outside of the disc. It delivers the closest simulation to a road bike than the center-weighted option. They are also heavier and require more effort to pedal to start and stop. However, once you gain momentum, the pedaling gets smoother and is ideal for people with joint problems.
On the other hand, center-weighted flywheels are typically lighter and are commonly not used for exercise bikes. They are often more expensive, and the ride may not be as smooth as you would get on a perimeter flywheel. However, they are easier to start and stop as they are lightweight and are ideal for people with joint aches.
Who are Recumbent Exercise Bikes best for
Recumbents have a laid-back design that supports your upper body and helps to distribute your body weight over a large surface area with the seat to reduce pressure on the lower body while exercising. This design setup makes recumbents ideal for rehabilitation exercises, seniors, weight loss, and anyone with poor form starting an exercise routine. Additionally, the professional-grade recumbents are excellent for training professional cyclists and for people who need high-intensity workouts.
Seniors
Recumbent bikes are an excellent exercise option for seniors, especially those with back and joint ailments. The recumbent seat provides back and upper body support while exercising to reduce strain on the lower joints. Additionally, most recumbents provide low-intensity cardio exercises and muscle toning to keep them fit while reducing the risks of injury and stress on the body.
Adults
Recumbents exercise bikes provide cardiovascular fitness in adults and increase flexibility in the lower body by strengthening the leg and joint muscles. The bikes can also help with weight loss in overweight adults and rehabilitate atrophied muscles to improve the range of motion.
Overweight
Recumbent exercise bikes burn fewer calories than upright stationary bikes due to their low impact resistance mechanism. However, you can still achieve decent weight loss results if you include high-intensity interval training in your workout to enable you to burn more calories. It involves doing your exercises in intervals where you perform at a high intensity over a short period followed by a recovery period. You repeat the session a total of eight times, and if you are a beginner, you can have slightly extended recovery periods until your body gets used to this type of training. The advantage you get from interval training is that your body burns more calories in the recovery process after exercise. In this way, recumbents with pre-set programs are your best option for weight loss as they give you interval training options to choose from, depending on your fitness level.
Obese
The reclining seat of recumbent bikes is a feature that makes these bikes ideal for heavy people. Most heavy-weight people suffer from back and lower joint problems and require the support and balance that a recumbent seat provides while exercising. Although most recumbents come with 300-pound weight limits, you can get specialized bikes for obese people that offer up to 500-pound maximum limits, such as the Fitnex R70 Recumbent and Physiostep MDX Cross Trainer.
Apart from the maximum weight limit, other features you may want to look out for include broad seats to accommodate you comfortably and enable you to exercise for extended periods. Also, look for bikes with a saddle that can swivel so that it helps you mount the bike safely. Exercise bikes with pre-set programs are also desirable for performing interval exercises that help you burn more calories.
Questions and Answers About recumbent bikes for back problems
What recumbent bike has the most comfortable seat?
While comfort is relatively subjective, there are salient features you can look out for that will determine how comfortable the recumbent bike seat will be. Seat adjustment and inseam height are top on the list as they determine how long and effective your workout will be. Infinite sliders are easier to use and give you the best fit more than knob adjustments. They make a more comfortable riding experience.
Other features include gel padding to give it more cushioning and reduce pressure on your lower back and ventilated mesh backrest to reduce moisture on your back. Also, having an adjustable backrest is an added advantage as you can contour it to your back for better stability. The seat material is also an essential consideration because you wouldn’t want to keep slipping down the saddle as you workout.
Are recumbent bikes a good workout?
Yes, you can get good cardio work with recumbent exercise bikes, depending on their type. Entry-level models provide low to moderate intensity, while midrange and commercial types provide more intense workouts for professional cyclists. Cycling with a recumbent bike helps build and tone your leg muscles and strengthen your lower body joints while providing upper body support. It is also an excellent option for anyone who needs low-impact cardio workouts, such as the elderly, people starting their fitness journey, or anyone recovering from illness.
How Do I Choose A Recumbent Bike?
Recumbent exercise bikes come with various aspects, and your choice depends on the fitness goals you want to achieve. The critical features to look out for include the resistance levels, where recumbents with more than 12 levels offer more intense workouts for advanced users than those with less. Comfort is another feature to consider, and it includes the saddle adjustment system and seat padding. Safety depends on how easy it is to mount and dismount the bike, and if you are not flexible, you may want to consider a recumbent with a step-through design. Many people consider price as a necessary factor, and there are many affordable recumbents to consider. However, as you look at how much it costs, you should also consider the build quality, durability, and manufacturer’s warranty to avoid buying junk equipment.
How long should I ride my recumbent bike?
Your fitness goals will determine the workout duration on the bike. For seniors and anyone looking for a low-intensity workout, 30 minutes daily on the recumbent exercise bike will provide adequate cardio to maintain health. On the other hand, if your goal is weight loss or to improve your overall fitness level and cycling performance, 60 – 90 minutes for five days a week can deliver the results you are targeting. However, always exercise within your limits to prevent injuries and muscle fatigue.
Does the recumbent bike tone legs?
Generally, any cycling exercises you engage in will tone your leg muscles. Although recumbent exercise bikes are easier to ride than upright stationary bikes, they are just as effective. The cycling action on a recumbent will engage your thigh, leg, and calf muscles while the butt and hip joints get a low-impact effect from the workout.
Do You Need Extra Features?
Midrange and premium-priced recumbents often come with extra features to enhance your workout experience and also provide convenience. These features include Bluetooth connectivity to help you link your workout metrics to fitness apps, speakers for listening to music from your phone or tablet, and 3-speed fans to help keep you cool while you work up a sweat. However, as nice as it is to have extra features, whether you need them or not is a matter of preference. Budget recumbents that feature the minimum functions may give you the results you need just as much as a bike with a water bottle holder. But, the performance features such as the resistance levels will determine if the recumbent will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Are recumbent bikes any good?
Recumbent exercise bikes offer a few benefits over upright exercise bikes, such as upper body support and low impact workouts for seniors, overweight people, and the infirm who most need it. On the other hand, you can get high-performance training that a professional cyclist would require on these bikes while reducing the risk of strained joints and back muscles due to the seating position.
What’s better recumbent bike or upright?
Both types of exercise bikes offer specific advantages depending on your fitness goals. Recumbents are more comfortable due to the saddle position, and they are more suitable for people with knee or lower back problems. However, upright bikes offer more intense, full-body workouts that make them ideal for professional cyclists and people with high fitness goals.
Can I lose weight on a recumbent bike?
Riding a bike is a great cardiovascular exercise that will help you to lose weight. While cycling you can burn a significant amount of calories, especially on long rides, so accompanied by the right diet you will likely hit a calorie deficit and lose weight.
Do recumbent bikes work abs?
Core muscles are activated while cycling, which includes the abdominals muscles. Additionally, cycling is a great cardio exercise that will help you lose fat and expose your abs.
Is recumbent bike as good as walking?
While both forms of exercise are efficient means of cardio exercise and weight loss, recumbent exercise bikes may help you burn more calories than walking as you put in more effort in the workout due to resistance. On the other hand, brisk walking may burn more calories in the same period as riding your recumbent on the lowest settings. When you consider the effect on the body, recumbent exercise offers more benefits as you reduce the impact on your joints as you reduce the weight on your lower body because you are seated reclined. However, walking has a better effect in helping you develop strong bones to prevent osteoporosis than training with a recumbent.
