Question
Spin Bike on the Biggest Loser
I was wondering if you can tell me what the difference is between a spinning bike, and something like a Precor recumbent bike? Is one better than the other?
The personal trainer from the biggest loser says that riding a spinning bike is one of the best things for someone heavy because it is great exercise that keeps the weight and strain off of their joints, and bones.
What are your thoughts on this idea? Is there a machine that you recommend? Thanks for any help you can offer.
Answer
The term “Spinning Bike” is copyrighted and credited to Madd Dog Athletics – with that legal disclaimer out of the way, spin bikes deliver a very effective cardio workout that’s ratcheted up a notch over a traditional recumbent or upright exercise bike for two reasons:
1. Spinning Bikes are made to be used while standing up and grinding hard on the pedals to simulate hill climbs and sprints.
2. Spin bikes have a large heavy flywheel that dish out more pain and punishment than all but the most upscale traditional exercise bikes.
Is a spin bike better than a recumbent exercise bike? It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish – if you’re looking to get into racing shape and take the cardio beating of a spin style workout it’s a good fit, but in reality most people aren’t tough enough to handle the demanding workouts longer than about two weeks before giving up.
For most people, an upright or recumbent exercise bike is a better cardio machine choice, especially if you’re de-conditioned when you start as almost all riders are. Traditional upright style exercise bikes will give you an excellent workout that’s easier to stick with in the long run.
As to “Bob the trainer from the Biggest Loser” and his comments on spinning bikes being the end all be all, take what he says with a grain of salt. A spinning bike will NOT get all your weight off of your knees and ankles unless you stay seated throughout the entire workout which is NOT what spin bikes are designed for.
On a related note, I came across this new spin bike called the “RealRyder” that’s all the rage in the health clubs. According to the Realryder website, their new bike has a “unique, articulating frame that allows it to steer, turn, and feel like a road bike”.
I don’t know if the Realryder is all that, but it’s interesting enough that I thought I would mention here and let you know it exists.
see my picks for best exercise bikes for here
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I am Getting a recumbent Bike within a week. The Sole LCR, $1499.00 is looked in on my radar, simplybecause it appears to be the best long term investment, forme and my home,for years to come. My question to you, “Can You Suggest another recumbent bike that matches this sole, pound for pound, and Bang-For-The-Buck. I truly believe that I have compared EVERY recumbent on the market in my narrowing down process. SemperFi!
I am Getting a recumbent Bike within a week. The Sole LCR, $1499.00 is locked in on my radar, simply because it appears to be the best long term investment, for me and my home, for years to come. My question to you, “Can You Suggest another recumbent bike that matches this sole, pound for pound, and Bang-For-The-Buck”. I truly believe that I have compared EVERY recumbent on the market in my narrowing down process. All of your info inwhich I have read impresses me! SemperFi!
Both the sole Light Commercial Recumbent (LCR) and the R92 Recumbent are great bikes. The LCR has a nicer LCD screen, is self generating (no power outlet required) and a 4 pound heavier flywheel (30 pounds on the LCR as opposed to the 26 Pound flywheel on the R92. I don’t think you can go wrong with either bike, just depends on whether or not you want to spring for the commercial features.