I am trying to convince my OH that a cycling machine is something that I will use. (money is tight but we can just about stretch)
I am seen two different types of cycling machines and I am wondering if it is worth spending the extra amount for the second option:
The first is a standard cycle at around £40. The second option is a cycle which has 'dual action handle bars' so you are moving your arms as well as your legs this machine is £70
Is it worth the extra £30 to get the arm movement?
If you can find a used shwinn spinbike that would be a good find. You can also buy spinning videos to go along with it (or any bike for that matter). I'm thinking about doing that myself since the only reason I go to the gym is for the spinning classes and free weights.
If you can find a gym that has different types of stationary bicycles and offers some sort of free guess pass or even a reasonable day rate, it would be worth it to try out the different kinds of cycles before making an investment. Try each machine for as long as you would expect to work out with the cycle in your home (rather than the limited amount of time you are able to test out the cycle in the store), so you can really get a feel for it.
I have found that I much prefer an upright cycle (where you can cycle in both a sitting and standing position) rather than a recumbant bike (where you are leaning back and have to cycle in a sitting position). I find that I can't manage more than 5 or 10 minutes on a recumbant bike before my butt gets so sore I have to get off it. But I've heard others complain that they experience more butt soreness on the upright.
I've never seen a cycle with arms that move, but if you are moving your arms in addition to your legs you are going to be burning more calories and getting a better workout. Of course, if you got the bike with stationary arms, you could always pick up an inexpensive set of weights and do various upper body exercises with them while you are cycling.
For me, the upright bike makes my butt more sore. However, I like to read when I'm on the bike (it's one of the few cardio things that I CAN read while doing, because my upper body isn't moving around like on the elliptical or treadmill). Maybe I have it adjusted wrong, but I find that on the recumbent bike, my upper body DOES move a little bit, which is annoying.
Which type of cycling machine is best?
