The Dual Action Exercise Bike -- 5 Tips
For years the dual action exercise bike has been a popular machine. The Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike is the most recognizable example. See, you can work out your lower body and your upper body at the same time. That's a good deal partly because it results in a more balanced workout getting at many different muscle groups at the same time. But it's not just because it's a better, more balanced workout either. It's a real way to fight boredom. Boredom stops many exercise bike riders as well it might since simply pedaling along at a constant pace at a constant load is mind-numbing boring.
Here's what to look for to get the right machine that will be enjoyable to ride and interesting to use as well as holding up to hard duty.
1. Heavy counts...
See, what you want is heavy and rugged. Why's that? This type of machine takes a real beating. The loads the machines are subjected to lead to stresses on frames, joints and components of the bike as well as to the rider. The bike may give in and up before the rider does. There's one brand that made these machines famous. There are also look-alikes that want a piece of that market. Problem is... the wannabes often come apart in no time. Make sure your bike is heavy and rugged or it may lead a short life and an early end...
2. Seats count in uprights as they do in recumbent bikes.
Riding an exercise bike involves a lot of sitting and quite a bit of moving. The right seat makes all the difference. You can almost tell by looking that many seats are torture devices. Get a good seat. You won't be sorry.
3. Noise matters.
Dual action machines generate resistance with a turning fan. That's a good way to make a lot of breeze as well as much noise and commotion. Does the bike you're looking at shield the rider from the wind? Is there some attempt to control the noise? There's more...
4. Looks can be tricky...
A bike may look like it would work, but look deeper. Look at the fit and finish of a machine. If it's really cheap to buy, there may be a reason. Quality pays, but it often costs too. Buy a discount machine and get ready for a self-destruct. Don't pay too little for an exercise bike. It will be a waste of money. The machine will likely start almost immediately to loosen and come apart, in some cases literally coming apart at the seams and joints.
5. Are there a lot of owners?
Can you find owner feedback? That's the ticket. Especially if you find a bike that's been around for years. You can then feel some confidence that you will be wisely turning loose of your hard earned funds. Online reviews make it clear whether there are many bikes out there and what owners think of what they ride. Let there be problems and sparks will fly!
A dual action exercise bike is a great way to stay fit without leaving home. Look out though. It's hard to make a machine that can stand up to the pounding. Looks are deceiving too.
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