Stationary Exercise Bikes For Seniors – Stability, Safety, Ease Of Use

Using a stationary exercise bike is the safest and lowest-impact way for older folks to stay in shape.  We are going to provide more information on these benefits and discuss the best stationary exercise bikes for seniors.

Out of all types of exercise bikes, the “recumbent” version is recommended the most for seniors.  It is stable, easy to get on and off of, and is the most comfortable.  We will also cover the pros and cons, and what to look for in a recumbent exercise bike.

 

Stationary Bike Exercise Benefits

One of these bikes could be the best equipment for the home gym.  The stationary bike offers the best type of low impact leg exercise for the best results.  These bikes are easy on the joints, they increase circulation and build endurance. 

Having an exercise bike at home is the most convenient way to maintain a consistent fitness program.  There is no getting ready, it doesn’t matter what the weather is, and it can be used at any time of the day.

They are also used by most rehab facilities because stationary bikes are a safe way to increase joint and muscle strength.  If you are using this bike correctly and consistently, it will provide very rewarding benefits for overall health.

⊕ Increases cardio fitness

⊕ Lose weight by burning more fat

⊕ Easy on the joints

⊕ Builds muscle endurance and stamina

⊕ Increases full body circulation

⊕ Strengthen and tones muscles

⊕ Preferred low-impact method for rehab

⊕ Great way incorporate “interval training“

⊕ Convenience to workout anytime

⊕ Safest method of exercise

 

See more Stationary Bike Exercise Benefits

 

What to Look for in Stationary Exercise Bikes for Seniors

Since recumbent bikes are known to be the best option for seniors, we are going to concentrate on a few key selling points that you will want to look for in a bike.  These bikes can be a big investment for some, so be sure that you are getting the one that meets your needs.

The best recumbent bike should have a better level of comfort, accessibility, and bike stability.

Comfort

Unlike “spinning” bikes or “fan” bikes, recumbent bike users will be sitting in the seat for the duration of their workout.  Recumbent bike manufacturers take this into consideration by providing the largest and most heavily padded seats.

At the minimum, the seat should move back and forward towards the pedals.  Up and down movement is not as important on this type of bike, but most offer this option.  Recumbent type bikes should also have firm handles at the side of the seat for added stability.

LCD Screen Display

It is important for older users to have a display that is large and clear to help them keep track of their workouts.

At the minimum, it should show the time, speed, and duration of the exercise.   Other helpful options are lap time, calories burned, and heart rate.

A heart rate monitor (sometimes positioned on the handle with a recumbent bike) can be the most useful tool.  It’s important to keep a minimum heart rate to get the most out of any workout.

Some bikes come with Bluetooth connectivity so they can link up with your phone.  The advantage of this is that they will provide a free training “app” to give you a customized workout.  It will provide a more interesting and effective fitness program.

Ability to Move or Store

Not many stationary bikes that are easy to store because of their size.  If this is important, there are options for folding bikes.  Just be careful as these may not be as stable.  Check the maximum weight capacity.

The most important thing to look for is a set of wheels attached to the frame.  Recumbent bikes are not very heavy, so you should be able to simply pick up one end and roll it out of the way.

Tension Adjustments

Look for a recumbent bike with multiple adjustments (8 is an average number) that can be used for increased tension.

This will help to keep it your heart rate up and make workouts a little more challenging.

The magnetic resistance system is the most popular type used in recumbent bikes.  This allows for consistent and smooth levels of resistance.

Price

With any type of stationary bike, the sky is the limit as far as price.  Fortunately, you can purchase a decent recumbent bike for a reasonable amount of money.

We recommend staying in the $200-$400 range.  You get what you pay for, and less expensive bikes give you fewer fitness options on the display, fewer adjustments on the seat, and not as many levels of resistance to choose from.

⇒  If you have any questions or comments on what to look for in the best stationary exercise bikes for seniors, please leave a message below and I will respond.

 

See the Best Exercise Bike for the Home in 2020

 

Best Stationary Exercise Bikes For Seniors

 

#1 Pick for Best Options

 

 

XGEEK Recumbent Exercise Bike

This a stable bike that will hold up to 380 lbs of body weight, but still light enough to wheel it out of the way.

The XGeek recumbent exercise bike comes with an easy to mount, comfortable, padded seat with a supportive back.

This seat is easy also to adjust and moves up and down as it slides back and forth to your height.  There are sturdy handles at the size that contain heart rate monitors to record your pulse.

The XGeex uses magnetic resistance that can be adjusted to eight different levels.

This recumbent exercise bike comes with a large, easy to read LCD display screen.  The display showers time, speed, distance, and pulse which can help you monitor progress.

My favorite part about this bike is that the Bluetooth technology connects to a free app.  This keeps track of your fitness data, workout routines, and can help to coach you through workouts.  The tablet/phone holder above display will allow you to watch your progress.

XGeek bike comes with a 3 year warranty on the frame and 90 days on parts.

XGeek Benefits

• Sturdy bike that holds up to 380 lbs of body weight
• Large LCD screen shows speed, distance, time, pulse
• Built-in heart rate sensors
• Bluetooth technology connects workout apps on phone
• 8 adjustable magnetic resistance levels
• Compact enough to store out of the way

Potential Negatives

• Frame does not have a protective powder-coat

 

Check Price on XGeek Recumbent Bike

 

Runner Up – Designed Specifically for Seniors

 

 

JeeKee Recumbent Exercise Bike for Adults Seniors

This recumbent bike has an adjustable frame length as well as 9 seat position adjustments.  It’s one of the sturdier and well balanced bikes that can hold up to 300 lbs of body weight.

The JeeKee Recumbent Bike uses a flywheel for resistance from a long life neodymium magnet.  With this comes 8 adjustable difficulty levels of magnetic tension with an easy to adjust knob.  It has a long lasting dual belt system to make the pedaling more uniform and smoother.

Like many “recumbent” type bikes, the large seat and backrest are ergonomically designed to take the pressure off of the tailbone and spine.  The style helps ensure no joint pain because of this low impact design.

The LCD monitor tracks your workout data and daily goals.  This includes speed, distance, time, and calories burned.  It’s even equipped with pulse grips to record your heart rate.

This bike comes with a one year parts free replacement.

JeeKee Recumbent Benefits

• Weight limit is 300 lbs
• LCD monitor tracks speed, distance, time, calories
• Comes with a heart rate monitor
• 8 adjustable difficulty levels
• Seat has 9 position adjustments
• Sturdy low to the ground design for seniors
• High quality magnet resistance flywheel

Potential Negatives

• Does not include Bluetooth

 

Check Price on JeeKee Recumbent Bike

 

Most Versatile – Dual Action and Folding

 

 

Stamina Recumbent Exercise Bike with Upper Body Exerciser

This is a rare find in that it is not only a dual action recumbent bike but is also light and folds up for easy storage.  It only weighs 53 lbs and can be easily folded and rolled away.  It’s even sturdy enough to hold up to 250 lbs of body weight.

The dual action part of the bike allows the arms to get a workout at the same time as the legs.  This means a full body workout to cut some time off of your routine and offer the opportunity to go a little harder.

A lower and upper body workout together will provide you with a better cardiovascular workout.  Of course, you have the option to use only the foot pedals by themselves at any time.

The arm pedals are also adjustable.   If using leg pedals only, there are sturdy handles at the side of the seat.

This Stamina Recumbent Exercise Bike comes with eight levels of quiet resistance for both the upper and lower body.

It’s nice that the seat and backrest are padded to make this bike comfortable for longer periods of time.  This seat has an easy adjustment to go back and forward, up and down for a custom fit.  The pedals are textured and non slip.

The display console shows speed, RPM, calories burned, time, and distance.

There is a warranty for 90 days on parts and 1 year on frame

Stamina Recumbent Benefits

• Foldable and light for easy storage (only 53 lbs)
• Recumbent means easier to mount and more comfortable
• Dual action full body workout option
• 8 levels of smooth magnetic resistance
• Maximum body weight is 250 lbs
• Displays speed, calories, time, distance
• Fully adjustable seat and arm pedals

Potential Negatives

• Does not measure heart rate
• No Bluetooth
• Doesn’t sit as low to the ground

 

Check Price on Stamina Recumbent Bike

 

Economy Pick

 

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike

This popular recumbent bike is manufactured by Marcy, a company with a successful track record for over 75 years.  The Marcy model is the least expensive and most basic design in this review.

It is sturdy yet compact enough to be able to move it out of the way when necessary.  At the same time, it can hold up to 350 lbs of body weight.  Like all recumbent bikes, this one is low profile making it easy to get on or off.

It has an extra padded seat and back that is adjustable by shortening or lengthening frame.  It’s convenient that the pedals are weighted to make them counterbalanced to ensure they are always in the upright position.

The Marcy drive train runs smoothly and the resistance is delivered by eddy current which offers 8 levels of resistance.

It comes with a display screen that is easy too read and shows speed, distance, time, and calories burned.  The heavy duty powder coat finish resists nicks, chips, and scratches.

The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike comes with a 2 year limited warranty.

Marcy Recumbent Benefits

• Good bike for the price
• Sturdy bike holding 350 lbs but only weighs 66 lbs
• Compact design can be positioned out of the way
• Display shows speed, distance, time, and calories
• 8 smooth levels of magnetic resistance

Potential Negatives

• Not as many seat adjustments
• Does not record heart rate
• Bluetooth not available

 

Check Price on Marcy Recumbent Bike

 

Stationary Exercise Bikes For Seniors – Conclusion

All bikes in this review meet the senior requirements of stability, ease of getting on and off, comfortable seat, large display, and levels of resistance.

If I had to pick the best recumbent bike, the XGeek model comes with Bluetooth compatibility with a free phone exercise app, and also has a heart rate monitor.

The Jeekee Recumbent is another great pick because of the heart rate monitor, multiple seat adjustments, and is made specifically for seniors.

⇒  If you have any questions or comments on stationary exercise bikes for seniors, please leave a message below and I will respond.

 

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