Upright and recumberant stationary bikes, what is the difference when working out?

Question

Aside from the obvious way you sit on one, what real difference does it make when it comes to your workout. I know the upright ones are harder on my back since there is no support, but will it make a difference either way?

Answer 1

You need to work out longer with a recumbent to acheive the same intensity as with an upright.

A lot of people like recumbents because they don't put stress on your back... the position is relaxing. But you get a better workout with an upright.

I like recumbents, but I'm not going to get one until I'm older or if I have health problems that could be helped by riding in that kind of position.

Answer 2

I think it depends on what your trying to accomplish. The better muscle and calorie workout will be accomplished on the Upright, do to the fact you use more muscle groups than the recumbent style. When riding a recumbent you are using a different muscle group than the upright, which most people do not realize.
I ride both styles of bikes and keep records of all rides and have found I've always lost more weight on the upright.
The recumbent style of riding is a more relaxed and comfortable style of riding using legs and lower back muscles, with very little upper body. You do however get a good cardio workout with both styles, and contrary to belief is not an old fart bike as some people think.
Being comfortable especially on exercise bike is important feature of the bike, as it is boring.

Answer 3

If you raise your heart rate by the same amount you will be getting an equal workout. They work the same muscle groups but slightly differently.

Many upright riders find that time on a recumbent improves their riding. This is also true the other way around.So if you can mix it up.

Riding a stationary bike tends to be a bit boring so try the real thing whenever you can.