Can using an exercise bike help you lose weight? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

Can using an exercise bike help you lose weight?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • Making a point of getting physical for a sustained amount of time, several times a week will help you burn even more calories and lose weight.
  • You may want to consider signing up for a class where you can work out with other virtual bike racers.
  • The good thing about using an exercise bike to help you reach your weight-loss goal is that you can safely use it several times a week.

If your goal is to lose weight, you need to have a plan in place that includes a two-pronged approach. Dieting alone is not going to help you lose the pounds and keep them off. You also need to include exercise in the mix, which means you may be wondering, “Can using an exercise bike help me lose weight?”

When you burn more calories than you are taking in, you will lose weight.

In fact, you are burning calories all the time. Your body is using energy for respiration and breathing, even when you are sitting still or asleep. Making a point of getting physical for a sustained amount of time, several times a week will help you burn even more calories and lose weight.

This will give your metabolism a boost, which will help you to continue to burn calories at a higher rate, even after you have finished your workout.

Any type of cardio exercise plan will provide you with this health benefit, and an exercise bike is a great choice when you want to get fit and lose weight. To get the most out of your workouts, go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!

Can Using a Standard Exercise Bike Help You Lose Weight?

A standard exercise bike is one where you sit upright while using it. You push the pedals in a downward motion, in the same way as if you were using a regular bicycle.

This style may be a good choice for people who are just starting a bicycle workout since the pedaling motion is one that they are already familiar with.

Depending on the particular model involved, the tension can be adjusted to make the workout more or less challenging for the user.

Can Using a Racing Exercise Bike Help You Lose Weight?

Once you have been exercising regularly for a while, you may want to try a racing bike for your workout. With this model, you position your body forward with your back on an angle.

This is an option for people who want a more challenging cardio workout. The tension can be adjusted so that you can experience what it’s like to go up and down hills, as well as have easier portions where you are pedaling as if you were on a flat surface.

You may want to consider signing up for a class where you can work out with other virtual bike racers. Having the direction of an instructor and being with other people may help you stay motivated and challenge you to stick with it.

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Can Using a Recumbent Exercise Bike Help You Lose Weight?

A recumbent bike is another choice available to people who want to lose weight by increasing their level of activity. With its back support, this is a great choice for those who feel more comfortable sitting down to exercise. Be sure to adjust the seat to a comfortable position for you before you get started.

With a recumbent bike, you can still get a good workout while taking the pressure off your back while you do so. You will want to be sure that you aren’t stretching your feet too far in front of you to reach the pedals, though.

If you want to be sure that you are working hard enough to keep your heart rate in your target zone long enough to burn fat, simply grab onto the handlebars of the recumbent bike. This action should bring your heart rate up on the display so that you can keep track of your progress.

Do I Need to Warm up or Cool Down When Using an Exercise Bike?

No matter which exercise bike you choose to use for your workout, be sure to do some stretches or some light cardio before you start your workout. You want to make sure that your muscles are warmed up so that you can exercise safely and effectively. At the end of the workout, lower your intensity for a cool down before you stop exercising.

The good thing about using an exercise bike to help you reach your weight-loss goal is that you can safely use it several times a week. You can combine this method of working out with weightlifting if you wish by using the bike on alternate days. Your muscles need a break to rest and rebuild after a strength training session, and the bike workouts can be scheduled on these days.

Good nutrition and getting regular exercise are the keys to losing weight and keeping it off. Using an exercise bike can help you reach this goal. Go PRO today to design your own bike-based exercise routine, have access to certified personal trainers, log workouts, and more!

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