In a word, yes!
Folding exercise bikes are lightweight but sturdy and are a great space-saving option if you want an exercise machine that doesn’t require a lot of room. Folding exercise bikes are similar to recumbent bikes in that these provide similar fitness and health benefits, not to mention ease.
Here are all the details you should know about folding exercise bikes.
1. What are the Benefits of a Folding Exercise Bike?
Whether it’s for serious weight management or weight loss, a foldable exercise bike offers the same benefits as any exercise machine you buy. But, a foldable exercise bike puts a subtle twist to its mechanism.
Let’s start with the more practical reason: storage and space.
In comparison to other exercise equipment, foldable exercise bikes don’t have a big footprint. They’re portable, easy to carry, and easy to store. Above all, foldable exercise bikes give you the benefit of a home gym. Paired with a Pilates session and yoga, and your body gets the hefty workout it needs.
Foldable exercise bikes are also lightweight and don’t cost as much either. They provide excellent resistance and come with plenty of features such as LCDs, weight capacity, and heart pulse sensors.
i) Construction and Support:
Folding bikes are hugely popular among those who require extra support for their lumbar spine. The average exercise bike has no posture support, so users must maintain a straight back and push their joints to work out well.
The construction of a folding bike is very different. Some bikes come with large seats for a comfortable saddle, which can be pretty helpful for those who need to cycle for a longer time. You can also adjust the seat’s height, which increases comfort level too.
But, keep in mind that, unlike stationary bikes, folding bikes don’t possess excess sturdiness.
So unless you’re using your folding bike for everyday exercising, look for a model with a heavy-duty frame made of steel, so the structure doesn’t end up folding or warping with use.
ii) Low Impact:
Regardless of your fitness level, bikes are always a good choice if you’re looking for a cardio workout that works your body.
However, if you need a low-impact workout option that doesn’t strain your joints, then bikes are your only option. The low-impact settings in a bike boost your heart rate, but they don’t increase the intensity of your workout so much that you end up putting pressure on your joints.
The longer you go, the better your heart and lungs work. But again, there’s no strain.
With folding bikes, you can go with any stationary bike workout you want. But remember, stability in folding bikes can be a problem if you go at it with full intensity. So, be warned.
iii) Better for Your Health:
Especially if you lead a sedentary life, primarily if you work remotely, finding time to work out may be difficult. Having a folding bike at home gives you the chance to burn more body fat and work through excess energy. Folding bikes also help strengthen your lower body muscles.
Keep in mind; a sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental to your health. Sitting too long can increase your risk of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. With a folding bike, you can slip it out of the closet after a hard day working and exercise those joints, working through all the stiffness and kinks you may have accumulated from sitting at your desk eight hours a day.
iv) Impact on Mental Health:
Biking through the park can be refreshing. But considering the effort that goes into getting ready and trudging your bike outdoors, it’s understandable why you’d want a more accessible option.
Biking—even if it’s on a folding bike—gives you the ease of biking at home, but the benefits of biking outdoors, the impact of which goes a long way. According to an extensive article in bikebiz, a survey taken by Cycleplan determined that a large number of cyclists experienced decreased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression after cycling.
Further studies also show that biking helps you stay mindful, prevents cognitive decline, and boosts your self-esteem since you feel yourself becoming healthier and more robust.
As a result, you feel happier physically and mentally. You gain more energy, your blood pressure lowers, and you sleep better.
2. Are There Any Cons of Folding Bikes?
As is the case with any exercise equipment, you’ll find some cons with folding bikes too. For example, if you’re not using one, assembling the bike and unfolding it will be a problem. In particular, if the bike is lightweight and not too sturdy, that may give you some trust issues with your bike’s folding ability.
Some bikes may also not be as helpful as non-folding bikes are for short or tall people. And some may even have a smaller weight limit, which could delay your workout plans. Folding bikes also don’t have the same resistance as some non-folding bikes do, which may be an issue for serious exercise lovers.
So, How Do You Bypass These Cons?
The devil is in the details!
When buying a folding bike, you should ask about the resistance and weight limit. Also, check the bike’s construction and material. Find out if it is a steel frame construction or something lightweight. If you’re not the only one using the bike at home, your equipment may not last as long.
You want a bike with a simple folding process that is portable and can sustain heavy use in the years to come. If your chosen bike does not tick these boxes, you’ll only end up throwing your money away on something that’s not worth it.
3. Are Folding Bikes Any Good?
Depending on your need, a folding bike could be the ideal answer to your exercise problems. If you’re a beginner who sits all day and wants to work those hamstrings and glutes, a folding bike will easily help you get on the path to becoming an exercise worker.
Find a model that works well for your weight, and be extra careful if you’re extremely overweight. In that case, a stationary bike may be a better choice. Otherwise, any folding bike will be good for your health, body, and mind.
Closing Thoughts
You know the ins and outs of folding exercise bikes, and you know what to look for.
Don’t wait. If you want to start working out your muscles and become fit, purchase a folding exercise bike for your home, and begin your journey on the healthier path!