Some people find the reclining style of a recumbent bike to be more comfortable than an upright bicycle, especially for long, calorie-burning jaunts. Unlike an upright bike, which forces its riders to sit in an awkward hunched position, recumbent bike riders are able to sit in a more relaxed and comfortable position while out getting their exercise. Additionally, upright bike riders have to hold their head up to see, which can tire the neck muscles. That, luckily, is not a problem for recumbent bike riders.
Instructions
1. Ride your recumbent bike five times a week for at least 45 minutes at a time if you want to burn calories and prevent obesity. According to England's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, and a report by the United States federal government in 2008, it is important to get at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise five days a week if you want to stay healthy, but 45 minutes of exercise will help people to keep from being overweight.
2. Start your calorie-burning program on relatively easy courses at first. Choose level roads with few hills in the beginning because recumbent bicycles require a rider to use different muscles than those that are used to power upright bicycles. The first few times a rider uses a recumbent bike he may experience soreness in muscles that he may not have used hard before. Additionally, some people find the pumping action necessary to power a recumbent bicycle can be harder on their knees.
3. Map out a course with varying terrain. After your muscles get used to the recumbent bicycle, it is time to burn more calories by challenging your body to perform at a higher level. Choose a course that includes varying degrees of hills and flat surfaces.
4. Challenge yourself even further by attempting to ride up steep hills. Although, in some ways, recumbent bikes are easier than regular bicycles to power up a hill because you don't have to try to keep your balance while pedaling, there is one big disadvantage. Recumbent riders are not able to bear down on the pedals with all their weight like an upright bike rider can. To go up a steep hill, recumbent riders need to use a low gear and spin the pedals fast.
5. Use a gear that will challenge your muscles. If you can get up a hill using a higher gear, use it. It will work your muscles a little harder.
6. Ride with other recumbent bike riders. You will be more likely to go on more frequent and longer rides if you are with other riders. There are recumbent bicycle clubs across the United States. Many plan group rides.
7. Use an indoor recumbent bicycle if the weather is bad. Burn calories even when it is snowing, raining or too hot by taking advantage of a stationary recumbent bicycle.
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