How to turn on and off an exercise bike?
Proper use of the exercise bike will extend its service life. Each model has its own instructions for use, so the power on or off buttons may be located in different places.
Standardly, for the monitor to work, you need to click on “Power on” or “Reset”; it is also possible to write “Stop”. Other models start when you turn the pedals. After this, the screen of the simulator should light up displaying the functions of use.
Modern analogues include a number of prepared programs for training. All you need to do is include information about yourself (weight, height, goal) and decide on the program.
Your performance graph will be displayed as you progress through the graph. Towards the end of the lesson, gradually reduce the pace until the “Stop” indicator appears.
Service details
The main points are:
- Cleaning. For cleaning, it is advisable to use a cotton cloth and a mild soap solution. The display can be cleaned with distilled water and a soft, clean cloth to avoid leaving streaks.
- Lubrication. The components of the exercise bike are initially lubricated, but after several months of use the lubrication should be repeated.
It is recommended to check and lubricate the moving parts of the exercise equipment every three months.
The instructions for each specific type of simulator provide a detailed diagram of how to lubricate correctly. Attention! Before each of these procedures, be sure to unplug the equipment by removing the plug from the outlet.
How to set up an exercise bike for training?
Exercise bikes include 3 types according to functionality:
- Mechanics – strap type resistance. Jerky riding, there are no additional functions (pulse sensors, speed indicators, km traveled) for configuration.
- Magnetic – acts on the flywheel with magnets for a smoother workout. Includes advanced functionality that can be customized.
- The electromagnetic type uses an action field with a built-in computer. In the settings of such a simulator, you can turn on the program, goal, your data, and control resistance.
Seat
The seat is adjusted based on individual parameters, which include: comfort, height, weight of the user. The optimal height setting is to have your leg bent at the knee at the lowest point of the pedal.
In the case of a vertical trainer:
- Sit on it and turn it on,
- Put your feet on the pedals
- Scroll a full circle to the lowest point of one of them,
- The angle of the bent knee should be 30 degrees,
- Make sure your hips don't sway - this is a sign that the seat is too high.
In the case of a horizontal trainer:
- Turn on and pedal the circle for the point farthest from you,
- The knee angle should be no more than 30 degrees.
Check your machine model. In the latest releases, the settings include vertical and horizontal adjustment. This makes it easier for tall people to use.
Steering wheel
The main body load should fall on the pedals. For this reason, the steering wheel is adjusted to a height proportional to your torso. You should not lean against the steering wheel.
Do not overdo it - to minimize stress on the neck and back, freedom of action should be based on the “back and forth” principle. Approximately – position at the same level as the seat.
First launch: what do you need to know?
Professionals emphasize that the convenience and effectiveness of training depends on how accurately the manufacturer’s requirements are followed. It should be remembered that the location of the power button differs between different lines, but general rules will be given below, because the instructions are similar for both the Elite series and the Ketler exercise bike .
To turn on the display, you must press the “reset” or “power” button, sometimes it is marked as “stop”. Some series start working after turning the flywheel. And, as a rule, after the monitor lights up, device options will become available to the user.
On a note! Home exercise equipment always includes ready-made training programs. To choose one of them, you need to enter basic information into the system - physical parameters (height, weight, sometimes level of training) - and select a goal.
The intensity of the workout and its productivity will be displayed on the display as you progress through the program. Towards the end of the session, the pace is systematically reduced until the “stop” command lights up.
Basic parameters on the display
The display includes basic data for your body:
- Driving speed
- Pulse,
- The kilometers you have traveled
- Time spent training
- Calories burned (in modern models).
The resistance strength can be adjusted manually or automatically, depending on your condition.
Benefits of an exercise bike
Why this particular mechanism? Doctors say:
- Health. Exercising on this simulator strengthens the cardiovascular system and brings blood pressure back to normal. In other words, the risk of strokes and heart attacks is reduced.
- Metabolism. Exercise on an exercise bike will help your metabolism. As a result, calorie consumption per day increases.
- Losing weight. This is an aerobic type of exercise. In just one hour of intense training, you can lose up to 500 calories, and this is a third of your entire diet for the day.
- Physical attractiveness. Regular exercise will help strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, legs, and buttocks.
What other “advantages” are there in exercise on exercise bikes?
- Develops leg muscles.
- Helps improve joints, ligaments, and prevents injuries.
- Strengthening the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
- Stress relief. If you don't exercise intensively, you can relax after nervous tension.
- Figure correction.
No matter what type of exercise bike you use, you can achieve very good results.
How to sit and pedal correctly?
The correct position on the exercise bike is the key to an effective workout. Your foot should be firmly fixed to the pedal and stand firmly on it. Pay attention to the heel: it should not hang down or be movable. The load should be distributed evenly between the groups of legs.
To do this, control the force used - do not let go of your free leg while the leading leg is working. The beginning and end of the workout always takes place at low speed with a gradual increase or decrease. This reduces the strain on the muscles and minimizes possible body pain.
You can enable 5 types of training speed:
- Up to 15 km/h.
- Up to 20 km/h.
- 20-23 km/h.
- 23-30 km/h.
- More than 30 km/h.
Interval program
The point of this technique for eliminating excess weight is to use different speeds during one session. This program must be preceded by several regular workouts of 30 minutes at a speed of 25 - 30 km/h. After such preparation, you can choose one of the following programs:
- 15–16 km/h, easy workout for weight loss on an exercise bike, allows you to burn calories with a weight of 50 kg, 55-300, 60 – 340, 65 –
- 19–20 km/h, average training: 50kg – 370, 55 – 405, 60 – 450, 65 – 480.
- 22–25 km/h, vigorous training: 50k – 485, 55 – 515, 60 – 565, 65 – 600.
- 27–30 km/h, strenuous training: 50 kg – 590, 55 – 635, 60 – 680, 65 – 730.
- from 35 km/h, very intense training: 50 kg – 775, 55 – 845, 69 – 900, 65 – 975.
The duration of each workout in this table is assumed to be an hour long. The effectiveness of exercise can be determined by the presence of a moderate burning sensation in the working muscle groups (not to be confused with soreness), which persists for 20 minutes.
Program “Minus 10 kg”
- Warm up for 3 minutes at Individual Exercise Rating (IER) 3, 0% incline or resistance 1-5.
- Preparation 2 minutes, ION 8 (very high load), accelerated mode is added. Or: 2 minutes, ION 5 (moderate load), but slow down the pace and do 4 sets.
- Glute workout: 1 minute, ION 7-8 (high and very high load), duration 5 minutes. It is necessary to change the pace, incline or resistance every minute.
- Cool down: 3 minutes, ION 3 (light load), no incline, but with resistance 1-5.
Which is better: an orbitrek or an exercise bike for weight loss?
An exercise bike is an imitation of cycling. Orbitrek is an elliptical trainer designed for cardio training; it combines the functions of a treadmill and a step machine. On the first, the muscles of the legs, lumbar region and hips are loaded, on the second, in addition to those listed, the shoulders, arms and the body itself also work.
Classes on the orbitrek may not be available for people who are very overweight. This design is too large and cumbersome to easily place such a device in an apartment for individual classes.
If possible, you can combine training on these two apparatuses. If not, then a more compact exercise bike is better suited for home, and you can visit the gym for exercise on the orbit track.
How to breathe on a simulator, heart rate
When exercising, it is important to control your breathing. To prepare for it, do a warm-up - stretch, jump, roll every joint you use: hands, feet, knees, neck. Before turning on, restore your breathing - inhale deeply through your nose and raise your arms. As you exhale, lower your body.
During exercise you need to breathe through your nose. Breathing through your mouth indicates overload - this is your limit for now, it’s time to end the lesson. Gradually reduce the load until it stops completely. At the end, your heart rate and breathing should be completely restored.
Your heart rate should not exceed 75% of your normal value.
It is affected by:
- Level of preparation (for someone who has never trained, it will be more difficult in training and vice versa).
- Weight (if you are overweight, your strength runs out much faster).
- Health (even if you have a cold it will be more difficult to exercise).
- Presence of diabetes and varicose veins (before starting training, consult your doctor).
- The intensity of the workout is also selected according to the goal parameters: losing weight, maintaining good shape, increasing endurance.
Almost all exercise machines include heart rate sensors on the handlebars. More expensive analogues have a chest or wrist device for measuring pulse. Read about existing errors: they can directly affect the indicator. Bicycle ergometers provide accurate data.
Contraindications
Not everyone can afford to use an exercise bike to lose weight. People suffering from serious illnesses are at risk. For example:
- oncology;
- cardiovascular diseases and complications from them;
- diabetes;
- thrombosis;
- joint problems;
- hypertensive crisis
Ignorance of your physical capabilities can lead to negative health consequences. The first signals may be nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart pain. In these cases, you should stop training immediately and visit a doctor to clarify your condition.
Monitoring your heart rate is a must for fat-burning workouts.
The experts themselves recommend getting advice before starting classes. They will help you adjust your training program and find the original source of the excess weight problem. Professional advice will significantly speed up the process of losing weight and increase the efficiency of the process.
Equipment selection
If you are buying an exercise bike for your home, then the following recommendations are taken into account when choosing:
- the cost and number of functions are estimated;
- the appropriate type of equipment is determined, since it can be electromagnetic, magnetic or mechanical;
- According to the seating position, exercise bikes can be horizontal or vertical;
- If you don’t have a lot of space at home to install equipment, then it’s important to focus on mini-exercise machines that are easy to transport and also have a folding design.
This equipment requires regular maintenance, for which it is periodically cleaned of dust using a cotton rag and soap solution. Use plain water to clean the display. The main components of the structure must be lubricated regularly, and the process is performed once every three months. The most popular malfunctions include a broken display, hard-to-turn pedals, or broken wires.
Attention! Before servicing, the exercise bike must be disconnected from the electrical network.
Using software
Modern exercise bikes are usually equipped with an “on-board computer”. It displays information about the current speed, duration of the activity and heart rate. Expensive models have built-in ready-made training programs.
The more advanced the simulator, the more carefully you will have to get acquainted with it. Don't be afraid - everything can be figured out. It's worth it: using a sophisticated device is very beneficial in terms of working for a specific result.
The first 2-3 lessons will be properly conducted in test mode. Evaluate purchasing opportunities and listen to your own feelings.
If pain or other discomfort occurs, do not force yourself to pedal; Consult a doctor or professional fitness instructor for advice.
Everyone has heard about how beneficial cycling is. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to do it, so an alternative such as an exercise bike comes to the rescue. Such exercise machines are available in gyms. They are also available for purchase and use at home. If you learn how to properly exercise on an exercise bike, you can both lose excess weight and build muscle in your legs.
First, we need to understand what exercise on an exercise bike provides. Their benefits are as follows:
- Such exercises allow you to lose weight with maximum comfort
, in a sitting position. For many people who are quite lazy, this is a clear advantage. Those for whom running is contraindicated can exercise on an exercise bike, as this will not put much strain on the knees. An exercise bike is also suitable for those who have problems with the musculoskeletal system. It can be set to a mode that will be as gentle as possible on the spine. - Although when exercising on an exercise bike we are in a sitting position, nevertheless, this sport is classified as cardio exercise. Cardio exercises make it possible to lose weight. In view of this, cardio training on an exercise bike is a great solution for those who want to lose excess weight. Due to regular exercise, you can also improve endurance, strengthen the cardiovascular system and respiratory system
. - An exercise bike is great for strengthening your muscles, but in addition, by training to the limit of your capabilities, you speed up your metabolism and increase your calorie consumption
. If you exercise regularly, you will be able to lose weight much faster. - Training on an exercise bike for men is useful because it allows you to pump up your leg muscles
. For women, the benefits of this simulator are completely undeniable. For many of them, the most problematic areas of the body are the legs, hips and buttocks. The exercise bike is specifically aimed at training these areas. After exercising regularly for a couple of weeks, you will soon notice that your figure has become more toned and your lower body has acquired an attractive shape. - Exercise on an exercise bike for men helps develop strength and endurance
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For women, training gives them the opportunity to get rid of cellulite
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Exercise bikes are convenient for use at home. They allow you to study at any time convenient for you, they are quite compact and easy to use. In addition, during exercise you can listen to your favorite music or watch TV, which will make losing weight even more enjoyable and comfortable.