While watching TV, you are sure at one time or another to have seen a commercial that advertises the best equipment and the easiest way to get in shape. If getting in shape, having better health and stamina is your goal, sometimes watching those commercials can be downright frustrating when you are trying to decide which workout program and fitness equipment is best for you.

For a healthy, safe and smart cardio workout, a recumbent exercise bike is recommended by many physicians and trainers. These experts will tell you that recumbent bikes are also one of the safest pieces of exercise equipment you can use to burn calories, increase stamina and improve overall health.

Healthy

A recumbent exercise bike can give you a comfortable, low-stress cardio workout. Depending upon your efforts, working out on an exercise bike can raise your heart rate by 60-85 percent. Greater range of motion and flexibility, as well as increased lower body strength, are also health benefits you will gain by using a recumbent bike. Another advantage to using an exercise bike is that most models come with pre-programmed workouts and monitors to indicate pulse rate and number of calories burned during your workout session. For the greatest health benefits, experts recommend exercising for at least 20 minutes a day, three days a week. Be sure to talk to your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Safe

One of the best and safest pieces of exercise equipment to use when getting started on your fitness program is the recumbent exercise bike. Perfect for people of every fitness level, whether beginner or advanced, recumbent bikes are also a great option for people with minor physical problems…especially back problems. Unlike jogging or running, using a recumbent bike creates less pounding and stress on the spine and joints. The bucket seat sits low to the floor, while stretching the legs out in front creates great support for your back while putting less pressure on the knees and other joints. Because of the comfort and safety you find in using the recumbent bike, you will want to exercise more often allowing you to enjoy a great aerobic workout.

Smart

Exercising with a recumbent bike is a smart idea. Even if you are at a more advanced level of physical fitness, adding weights and/or adjusting the recumbent seat backward will give you a great upper body workout. Sliding the seat forward and raising the legs will allow you to work your lower abs without doing painful crunches. Compared to a recumbent bike, an upright exercise bike will also give you a good cardio workout; however, an upright bike does not allow for much upper body work, although they are great for strengthening and toning the lower body, legs and thighs.

There are also many different recumbent models to choose from, including manual, electronic or self generating recumbent bikes. Manual bikes are equipped so you can choose your level of resistance. Electronic recumbent bikes come with your choice of programs and feedback functions. Self generating bikes are exactly as the name implies: self-generating power. All of these models come with a contact heart rate monitor.

Because of the many different workout programs available for each model, your workouts will be less monotonous and more likely to keep you motivated to exercise. Since recumbent bikes are suitable for all fitness levels, everyone can find a routine that can be enjoyed on a regular basis, helping to achieve their fitness goals.

With the various models and price ranges to choose from, it is easy to find a recumbent bike that fills your fitness needs and fits your budget. Since they are safe and comfortable to use, a recumbent bike is possibly one of the best investments you can make in your health and well-being.

Ken is the author and owner of http://fitnesswizshop.com, a website dedicated to fitness and cardio vascular health. Recumbent exercise bikes are just one of the many products found on his website. Visit the website at the above link to view the variety of recumbent exercise bikes and other exercise equipment available.