Difference between recumbent or upright?

lindssaurus
lindssaurus Posts: 98 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Is there a real difference in terms of toning more versus the other?

Replies

  • fitnotskinnyxo
    fitnotskinnyxo Posts: 38 Member
    bump
  • HappyStack
    HappyStack Posts: 802 Member
    Cycling?

    It takes a lot more effort to cycle uphill, but that's moot if you're using a stationary cycle.

    Neither has an advantage over the other, the effort comes from the legs... the pivot point of the hips isn't of any consequence.
  • auzziecawth66
    auzziecawth66 Posts: 476 Member
    I will note that seems like recumberant ones aren't built well for short people (even with adjustable seats I could never use on comfortably)
  • tavenne323
    tavenne323 Posts: 332 Member
    I think the upright uses more core and glut muscles because you aren't leaning on anything. I find the recumbent to be very awkward and not a natural movement. Plus, on an upright, you can add in standing v sitting, go up and down.

    The only time I ever use a recumbent is if I'm feeling sick.
  • icimani
    icimani Posts: 1,454 Member
    exercise-bike-recumbent.jpgexercise-bike-upright.jpg
    Source: http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbent-exercise-bikes/upright-vs-recumbent-exercise-bikes.htm


    "Although both upright and recumbent stationary bikes provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout, these two machines differ in their details. While upright bikes mimic the form of a traditional bicycle, featuring simple saddle-like seats without backs, recumbent bikes provide back support with low, chair-like seats. Neither style is innately "better" than the other -- the ultimate choice between recumbent and stationary bikes boils down to your own personal exercise needs and preferences."

    Source: http://woman.thenest.com/recumbent-vs-upright-stationary-bikes-2357.html
  • HappyStack
    HappyStack Posts: 802 Member
    I think the upright uses more core and glut muscles because you aren't leaning on anything. I find the recumbent to be very awkward and not a natural movement. Plus, on an upright, you can add in standing v sitting, go up and down.

    The only time I ever use a recumbent is if I'm feeling sick.

    I don't think it matters if you're using a high enough resistance to stress the musculature in the legs. I don't know if recumbent bikes offer an incline option, but that would do it, too.

    Ultimately it's all cardio anyway. Chris Hoy didn't get tree trunks for legs by cycling...

    article-2166394-11D09268000005DC-785_306x490.jpg
  • Rak0ribz
    Rak0ribz Posts: 177 Member
    exercise-bike-recumbent.jpgexercise-bike-upright.jpg
    Source: http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbent-exercise-bikes/upright-vs-recumbent-exercise-bikes.htm


    "Although both upright and recumbent stationary bikes provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout, these two machines differ in their details. While upright bikes mimic the form of a traditional bicycle, featuring simple saddle-like seats without backs, recumbent bikes provide back support with low, chair-like seats. Neither style is innately "better" than the other -- the ultimate choice between recumbent and stationary bikes boils down to your own personal exercise needs and preferences."

    Source: http://woman.thenest.com/recumbent-vs-upright-stationary-bikes-2357.html

    I've also heard that you need to be careful not to push too hard (strength-wise, not effort-wise) on a recumbent, because the seating position makes it easier to injure your back and knees. Probably worth considering.
  • lindssaurus
    lindssaurus Posts: 98 Member
    Thanks. I'm tall and I found the upright more comfortable.
  • PrairieRunner2015
    PrairieRunner2015 Posts: 126 Member
    I don't think there is much of a difference between the two, besides personal preference. For me, the recumbent is less prone to give me a wedgy.

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