Best Bike Types for Weight Loss
Biking is a great weight loss activity. It gets you outdoors, is a vigorous aerobic activity, engages large muscle groups, and can be done solo or with friends. If you would like to add biking to your healthy activities regimen, consider the different types of bikes that you can buy. Each one provides different weight loss opportunities.
Road Bike
If you are looking for city bikes or touring bikes, this is the option for you. A road bike is specifically designed to travel smoothly on paved roads and trails. It’s built to travel great distances quickly. This is ideal for losing weight, as the longer and faster you ride the more calories you burn. Some features of the road bike include:
- Modifications to increase aerodynamics
- Narrow tires with high pressure
- Lightweight frame
- Designed for commuting
This bike is a good choice for city dwellers who want to bike for errands or work. It also works well for anyone who likes long rides on paved bike paths.
Hybrid Bike
Perhaps the most versatile of the bikes you can buy, hybrid bicycles are a combination of features from the road bike and the mountain bike. It’s not as heavy as a mountain bike and has narrower tires, similar to a road bike. Why bother with a hybrid? The main advantage is that it rides well on a variety of surfaces. It’s great on roads, trails, and unpaved paths. When you’re trying to lose weight, that flexibility may be key. It allows you to get out on your bike just about anywhere and maintain the consistency of your weight loss program.
Mountain Bike
In some circles, this bike has a bit of a scary reputation. Don’t let the tough vibes deter you. If you’re looking at womens bikes for sale, be sure to consider the mountain bike. Due to the difficulty of the terrain, mountain biking is a significant calorie burner. A person weighing 150 pounds can burn an average of 576 calories per hour while mountain biking. You can expect a few different features on a mountain bike, such as:
- Wide, knobby tires
- Large, heavy frame
- Rigid, hardtail, or full suspensions
- Disc brakes
If you really want to step up your workout and enjoy beautiful scenery at the same time, take a good look at mountain biking and learn where the entry level trails are in your area.
Recumbent Bike
Would you like to bike more, but it’s too hard on your knees? Try a recumbent bike. This bike’s special design takes pressure off your joints. Recumbent bikes also typically have larger seats, which are more comfortable for many people. Thanks to the low-impact design, this bike is a great option for overweight individuals who are just getting started with biking or want to add a new cardio workout to their day. It’s a strong cardio workout, as it works your large leg muscles and keeps your abs engaged.
Improve your weight loss workouts with a biking option. Your body will notice the difference and step up its game.