Recumbent Reading

April 16, 2012

For years, I used a standard exercise bike in my home. However, as the years passed, the seat became more and more uncomfortable (notice it had NOTHING to do with my derriere changing – just the bike seat became more uncomfortable!). In addition, my aging back began to complain about the forward leaning position. While visiting a bicycle shop, I tried out a recumbent tricycle (oh yes, we DO go in full circles in life… back to a tricycle!). I loved the lumbar support of the recumbent and decided I might like the change – NOT a REAL ride-on-the-road recumbent, but one to ride-in-the-house seemed like a grand idea!

Now - as the owner of a new recumbent exercise bike, I want to share with you the joy I have of NOT being back in the "saddle" again! I soon discovered that I liked not only the comfortable seat but also the under the seat handlebars. You don’t really need the handlebars to steer (like a REAL bike), but I like the additional power I can expend when I "hang on" and peddle hard. I can peddle longer and maintain a steady heart rate more easily, which means I ride more often! That is a very good benefit!

The newer recumbent exercise bikes have built in programs to guide the user as they progress through fitness levels, or you can set up your own exercise schedule. My bike is so quiet, I can carry on a conversation or even listen to the TV at a regular audio level. I love to prop up my Kindle and peddle my way through several chapters of a book that I downloaded through our Library website. Exercise never felt so easy!

Laura C.
Smithville Branch