exercise bike

[jayne14]

can someone please tell me the key benefits of using an exercise bike many thanks

[plonker]

Exercise?

[jayne14]

thanks, but what i meant was ,what muscle group will it tone and how will it benefit the heart, its for my daughters P.E test,

[Loosehead]

Depending on the load the bike will tone the legs obviously, other that that there is an aearobic benefit if the cycling is hard enough to raise the heart rate to 80% of max for at least 20 minutes.

max = 220-age so a 16yr old for example would be:

0.8 x (220-16) = 163 (80% of max)

How long to the test? 30 minutes 3/4 times a week should improve aerobic fitness, depends how long to the test.

It should also be a solid bike built for the purpose with continuous consistent resistance, not an Argos special that'll break if you put any strain on it.

[jayne14]

Thanx a million loosehead, that should her loads

[Cymbeline]

Other than that...it's a good clothes horse ; )

[swamp duck]

Mine made a good clothes horse too!!

[PhilBy]

They are ok for cardiovascular work outs or for limbering up before strenuous exercise but as a serious get fit aid ........... much better as a cloths horse I'm afraid :-)

[zara 4]

Mine's a clothes horse too!!!!

[Jennykins]

My bike at home Has made my legs in GREAT shape.. and biking is my cross training to running.. Biking will also make running up hills very easy and if you do hard and easy 1-2 min intervols you will burn LOTS of calories bringing your heart rate up and down.. AND... biking is great cardio as long as you bring up the tension and really make thoughs lungs work!.. You see the harder it burns on your legs the deeper your breaths will be since Oxygen is what makes your muscles WORK... AND the legs are the BIGGEST muscle group on your body.. SO.. that means you will burn LOTS of fat that is stored as energy. Remember... hard easy intervols.. ITS NOT A COAT HANGER!!! hahaha

GOOD LUCK!!!! JEN