A Low-Impact Cardio Favourite
Exercise bikes, also known as stationary bikes, are a staple in gyms and home workouts alike. Designed to replicate the pedalling motion of a traditional bicycle, they allow you to enjoy the benefits of cycling without needing to go outdoors. With pedals, handlebars, and a saddle, they look much like regular bikes – just without the wheels or the need to balance.
Whether you're aiming to boost cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, strengthen your lower body, or recover from injury, an exercise bike can be a valuable and versatile addition to your workout routine.
How Do Exercise Bikes Work?
Unlike road bikes, exercise bikes remain in one place, but that doesn’t mean the workout is static. Most models let you adjust the resistance level, so you can control how easy or hard it feels to pedal. This flexibility means you can tailor each session to your own fitness level, training goal, or energy level for the day.
You can go for a gentle ride to warm up or cool down, or turn up the resistance for a challenging hill climb simulation to really get your heart rate up. Some bikes even come with built-in training programmes, heart rate monitors, and app connectivity to help you stay motivated and track your progress.
Benefits of Using an Exercise Bike
- Low-impact on joints – Great for those with knee, hip or back concerns
- Improves cardiovascular health – Supports heart and lung function
- Burns calories – Ideal for weight loss and endurance training
- Strengthens lower body muscles – Especially the quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes
- Customisable intensity – Suitable for beginners through to experienced athletes
- Weather-proof – No need to worry about traffic or rain
Ideal for Home Workouts
Exercise bikes are also a top choice for home workouts. They’re compact, quiet, and easy to use, making them suitable for people living in flats or those who want to get active without taking up too much space. Many models start at around £150–£200, with higher-end versions offering extra features like touchscreen consoles, resistance-based training programmes, and even virtual rides through scenic landscapes.
Physiotherapy and Recovery
Exercise bikes are frequently recommended as part of rehabilitation and physiotherapy programmes, especially for individuals recovering from lower-body injuries. Because cycling on a stationary bike is non-weight-bearing and low-impact, it can help improve circulation, range of motion, and muscle strength without placing excessive stress on joints or healing tissues.
They are particularly helpful for:
- Knee and hip rehab
- Post-operative recovery
- Building strength after long periods of inactivity
However, it’s always important to seek advice from a GP, physiotherapist or healthcare professional before starting or resuming exercise after an injury. They can help you determine whether an exercise bike is suitable and how to use it safely and effectively in your recovery plan.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to fitness, returning after injury, or looking to improve your cardio endurance, an exercise bike offers a safe, effective, and user-friendly way to stay active. With its ability to adapt to different fitness levels and goals, it’s no surprise that the exercise bike remains one of the most popular and practical pieces of cardio equipment.
Best Selling Exercise Bikes by Brand
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
NordicTrack T Series 9 Bike |
£599.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
NordicTrack GX LE Upright Bike, Black |
£599.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
NordicTrack X24 Bike |
£1,999.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
NordicTrack GX LE Recumbent Bike, Black |
£829.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
NordicTrack GX10 Recumbent Bike, Black |
£1,499.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
