Upright or recumbent excercise bike?

[greedyvw]

Going to buy an excercise bike this weekend and I was wondering everyones opinion on whether u like the upright or recumbent style better?

[JulieB]

The recumbent style is good for people with back problems. The upright one gives you a bit of a core workout as you have to use your back/abs to sit upright. The recumbent ones tend to have more comfortable seats...and are more expensive. I don't have any back problems, so I got an upright one

[Goodbyefat27]

Id go with the Upright!

[greedyvw]

Unfortunately I have had lower back problems for about a year and a half now but when I work out I try to work those muscles in my lower back in hopes to strengthen them and get the pain to go away.

[Goodbyefat27]

Building the muscles in your back will help a great deal with your back pain. I like the upright back for the workout you get, compared to the recumbant. Another exercise you might want to try to build your back muscles is to lay flat on your back and raise your legs while keeping your arms, head, & torso planted to the ground; it should help with your lower back.

[suppers25]

I have knee and back problems and the recumbent was the best choice for those reasons.
An upright would not have been as costly and I probably could've gotten a top of the line upright for what I paid for my recumbent.

[sham]

I would go for the recumbent one it would be suitable for you.

[imagood1]

I have an upright that I ride 25 miles a day on....unfortunately my bottom is asleep by mile 10 or 15 and stays that way for more quite awhile after I get off the bike...the seats aren't set up for long distance riding.

When I use a recumbent I don't have that problem - it is a different feeling to sit on a regular seat while riding with your legs in front of you instead of dangling down but I'm waiting for the one I purchased to be delivered - can't wait.

[MyMusclesFellDown]

I have a new recumbant bike, I find that my belly gets in the way a little bit. As far as backs go, I also have a bad back and I do better in the respect that my back is not hurting at all after I use it.

Good luck!

[JulieB]

Originally Posted by MyMusclesFellDown

I have a new recumbant bike, I find that my belly gets in the way a little bit...

Sadly, I have an upright & find my belly gets in the way...I won't miss that!!