6 Best Exercise Bike For Back Problems

By Rajesh Panda

best exercise bike for back problems
best exercise bike for back pain

Back Problems

Back problem is becoming a common problems among people now a days. In a study conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it has been found that “more than 80 percent of Americans will experience an episode of low back pain at some time in their lives.”. And a greater percentage of people out of that has agreed that how they exercise, makes a major impact on their back pain.

In a study conducted by National Institute of health on back pain, It has been found that proper knowledge and regular practice of exercise helps strengthen your back and improve the quality of life. Cycling on exercise bike could be a great form of exercise for people with lower back pain, considering it’s low impact on the spine.

Here is the list of best exercise bike with back support that are ideal for back pain and problems.

1. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

2. Harison B8 Recumbent Exercise Bike

3. Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike

4. Marcy Recumbent Bike with Resistance ME – 709

5. Progear 555LXT Magnetic Tension Recumbent Bike

6. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike

Quick Comparison

 

Understanding Your Back

This is your back and it’s, made up of four regions.

1 – Cervical
2 – Thoracic
3 – lumbar
4 – Sacral

Your back is a complex structure comprised of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and intervertebral discs. Problems in any part of this structure result in back pain.
Back pain is either acute or chronic, depending on how long the pain is experienced

 

Causes of Back Problem:

There are several reason for back pain. Muscle and ligament strains are the most common causes of back pain, usually caused by heavy and improper lifting, awkward movements, poor posture and muscle spasms.

Structural issues that cause back pain include disc herniation, bulging disk, sciatica, osteoarthritis, scoliosis and osteoporosis.

Risk factors like obesity, aging, anxiety, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, strenuous activity and pregnancy can all increase back pain development.

If you feel like you have back pain and can’t find relief with everyday remedies like over the counter medications then there are certain Exercise that can actually help with your back pain, as long as you are focusing on the correct muscles and using the right equipment. And when it comes to exercise equipment for back pain, exercise bike  is widely suggested due to it’s low impact and benefits.

But you need to bare in mind that the type of exercise bike you choose, may affect your back pain. That’s the reason we have listed down some of the best exercise bike for back problems in this article.

There are a wide range of exercise bikes currently available in the market. These are divided in to 2 main categories

1 – Upright Exercise Bike
2 – Recumbent Exercise Bike

Both Upright and Recumbent exercise bike provides a great cardiovascular workout. The upright bike is more suitable for intensive cardio workouts and more likely you can get the experience of a typical road bike.

Upright bikes are designed more like the standard road bike, which means you have to sit upright and hold onto the handlebars as you exercise. You can either sit and paddle or stand and paddle, which allows you to vary the workout for your legs and muscles that are targeted. For those who want to push their workout experience to the maximum and those who want more versatility in their regular workout routine, the upright bike would be a better option.

On the other hand, a recumbent exercise bike is a uniquely designed exercise bike that allows you to sit closer to the ground in a seat that is more comfortable than the standard upright exercise bike. 

It comes with a reclined seating system along with a back support which is great for people with lower back pain or other back problems.

Recumbent bikes also provide great comfort which helps you to workout for a longer duration without putting much strain on your joints.

So considering all the factors,  a recumbent bike could be a great option for people with back problems.

Upright Vs Recumbent – Which one is best for Back Problems

There are a wide range of exercise bikes currently available in the market. These are divided in to 2 main categories

1 – Upright Exercise Bike

2 – Recumbent Exercise Bike

Both Upright and Recumbent exercise bike provides great cardio vascular workout. The upright bike is more suitable for intensive cardio workout and more likely you can get the experience of a typical road bike.

Upright bikes are designed more like the standard road bike, which means you have to sit upright and hold onto the handlebars as you exercise. You can either sit and paddle or you can also stand and paddle, which allows you to vary the workout for your legs  and muscles that are targeted. For those who want to push their workout experience to the maximum and those who wants more versatility in their regular workout routine, the upright bike would be a batter option for them.

On the other hand a recumbent exercise bike is a uniquely-designed exercise bike that allows you to sit closer to the ground in a seat that is more comfortable than the standard upright exercise bike. 

It comes with a reclined seating system along with a back support which is great for people with lower back pain or other back problems.

Recumbent bikes also provides great comfort which helps you to workout for longer duration without putting much strain on your joints.

So considering all the factors,  a recumbent bike could be a great option for people with back problems.

Best Recumbent Bikes For Back Pain and Problems

  1. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

Rating 4.5 /5

 4.5/5

Quick Summary:

The Schwinn 270 recumbent bike is on of the top product in Schwinn’s reclined bike category.

It comes pre loaded with 29 workout programs ((12 profile; 9 heart rate control (4 Beginner; 4 Advanced; 1 Custom).

 

It’s DualTrack LCD system which helps you monitor all your fitness metrics.

It’s adjustable seat  makes it suitable for multiple users of different heights.

 

This relaxed body positioning and lower back support let you ride in maximum comfort with minimum strain.

It’s  25 levels of eddy current resistance provides challenging workout and keeps you motivated.

 

It comes aligned with a high speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel for a smooth and quiet workout.

The technology being used and the feature it comes with makes it a good choice for many households.

Pros

  • Walk-Through and Attractive Design
  • Sturdy and Durable
  • 25 Level of eddy current Resistance for smooth and quite operation.
  • Dual LCD display.
  • 3 speed Fan, Water bottle holder, USB Charging Port,  Media Rack.
  • 4 User profiles can can be customized and used by different family members.s
  • USB Data transfer, easy integration with Fitness apps my Schwinn Connect and MyFitnessPal.
  • Nice sound system that comes with a acoustic speakers
  • Auto shut down after you stop exercising

Cons

  • LCD display is a little bright especially in a darker room.
  • The Flywheel is light. Heavy flywheel would have much batter.
  •  
    • Control panel doesn’t have adjustable height, so you can’t watch a home TV with a straight-on view as you ride

Conclusion:

After going through all the user reviews  and considering all the factors i would say this is a durable built recumbent exercise bike from Schwinn. It gives the best bang for the buck.  It is best suited for people with back problems and those recovering from knee injuries. Overall it’s a good option  considering the price range it comes.

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  1. HARISON B8 Recumbent Bike

Rating 4.2 /5

 4.6/5

Quick Summary:

HARISON B8 Recumbent Bike comes with a solid construction with durable stain less steel frame. It has all the necessary features that one would expect in an recumbent bike. 

The 14 level of smooth magnetic resistance helps you adjust the intensity and make your workout more challenging. 

The multi function LCD, adjustable seat and backrest and the Heart Rate Monitor Handrail are some of it key feature that sets it apart from the other bikes in the same price range.

Pros

  • Solid construction for best performance and durability
  • Smooth 14 level magnetic resistance system for variable workout intensity.
  • Heart rate monitor.
  • Multifunction LCD display.
  • Vented Back seat to keep your back comfortable and cool through out the workout.
  • User weight capacity of 300-350 LB
  • Comfortale paddle with anti-slip design.
  • Super quite riding
  • ipad and water bottle holder.

Cons

  • The display doesn’t have backlight
  • No pre-set workout programs.
  •  
    • Not that easy to assemble

Conclusion:

HARISON R8 recumbent bike is designed for home cardio workout. It can provide a smooth, comfortable and and quite cardio workout. The step-through design makes it suitable for the seniors to perform daily workout.

It comes with 30 days of money back guarantee and 1 year of free replacement option. Over all it’s a pretty good recumbent bike and is best suitable for regular home workouts 


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  1. Nautilus R16 Recumbent Bike With Back Rest

Pros

  • Super Quite and comfortable
  • Sturdy and durable design.
  • 325 lbs weight capacity.
  • Nautilus Gel Seat for Extra Comfort.
  • Telemetry Enabled Heart Rate Monitoring.
  • Chest Strap included.
  • Ergonomic Pedals with Straps.
  • USB charging port.
  • Smooth and quite workout.

Cons

  • No Lifetime Warranty.
  • Heavier Equipment.

Conclusion

Nautilus R618 is a premium recumbent bike loaded with smart features. Even if you have to spend a couple 100 dollars extra , it’s still worth the money. 

The ergonomic design, comfortable seating arrangement along with the the ability to quickly connect and sync your fitness data with the Nautilus trainer app or any other partner fitness app makes it a great option to consider. 

  1. Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike With Back Support

Rating 4.5 /5

 4.5/5

Quick Summary:

 

The Marcy ME-709 recumbent magnetic exercise bike combines the benefits of working out in a relaxed and comfortable seating position.

 

It has many of the features found on larger, more expensive recumbent exercise bike are present in this bike.

 

The recumbent seating position keeps you comfortable through out your workout. So you stay motivated push forward. Shape, form and tone your body while improving your stamina, metabolic rate and cardio-vascular health.

 

Key features includes  8 pre-set levels of smooth and quite magnetic resistance, a comfortable seat with over sized pads which provides adequate support and comfort for the back. Adjustable paddles and seat along with transport wheels for portability makes it a good deal altogether.

Pros

  •  
    • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy and Durable
  •  
    • Smooth and quite operation
  • Adjustable seat and paddle
  • 8 level of magnetic resistance
  • Easy to read 3.5″ LCD screen displays speed, distance, time and calories burned.
  • 2 sets of handlebars allows you to exercise in different positions.
  • Convenient transport wheel
  • 60 lbs bike support max user weight of 300 lbs 

Cons

  •  
    • Lack of computer programs.
  •  
    • The resistance may not be adequate for those who need more challenging workouts.

Conclusion:

Considering all the pros and cons of this bike, we can say that, this is a good recumbent exercise bike for low to moderate cardio workout. 

This is a economic bike, So if you are on a budget this bike could be great option for you. It’s durably built and comes with a limited warranty of 2 years. Overall this is good exercise bike at this price point.


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  1. PROGEAR 555 LXT Recumbent Bike

Rating 4.4 /5

 4.5/5

Quick Summary:

The PROGEAR 555 LXT Magnetic recumbent bike comes with a step-through design and workout goal setting computers.

 

 

It’s unique  space saving design along with durable steal frame makes it a great choice among people.

 

It has 250 lbs max user weight capacity and can accommodate users   6’3″ in height.

 

To ensure effective and comfortable workout , this bike features over sized paddles with secure foot straps, Soft grip handle bar for pushing through intense workout.

 

 

The 555 LXT features a quite drive belt system for quite and  uninterrupted workout sessions.

 

Users can select up to 14 Level of magnetic tension resistance.The display computer allows you to set 3 workout goals for distance, time and calories burned.

Pros

  • Wide Screen computer.
  • Sturdy and durable frame.
  • 250 lbs weight capacity.
  • Padded seat with cushioned back support.
  • 14 levels smooth magnetic tension.
  • Step Thru Design allows easy on and off the bike.
  • Infinite slider seat position adjustments for user height range of 5 feet to 6 feet 3 inch.
  • Water bottle holder.
  • Built-in smart phone/tablet holder.
  • Quite Belt drive system.

Cons

  • No heart rate sensors.
  • Not suitable for trailer people (above 6’3″).
  • No front handlebars. A tablet placed on the holder will cover the console display, which may be an inconvenience.

Conclusion:

Considering all the pros and cons i would say that PROGEAR 555 LXT  is a decent recument bike at this price range. It’s adjustable seat along with cushioned back rest is able to provide adequate back back support. 

It’s step thru design and 14 level of smooth magnetic tension system makes it quite in operation.  Overall if this bike offers decent cardio workouts and it’s best suitable for people with knee and back problems.


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  1. JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike for Lower Back Pain

Rating 4.4 /5

 4.5/5

Quick Summary:

If you are looking for an exercise bike for lower back pain and at the same time you  are on a tight budget plus you don’t really want to compromise on the quality, then JEEKEE Recumbent bike would be a great ooption for you as it comes equiped with a comfortable seat along with a ergonomic hand pulse grip to track your fitness stats.

The best part about this bike is the 9 position seat adjustment option which allows you to adjust the seating postion based on your comfort, which can fit user height from 4’9 to 6’5 inches.

The 8-levels of magnetic resistance allows you to change the workout intensity using the resistance knob at any point during your workout. 

Pros

  • 9 position Adjustable seat based on user height
  • Hand grip heart rate sensors
  • 8 level of magntic resistance
  • Ergonomic design
  • best for seniors, rehabilitation and kind of sports injury

Cons

  • Not for shorter user
  • Difficult to assemble

Conclusion:

After going to through the pros and cons of this bike we can say that it’s a good recumbent bike at the price it comes. The ergonomic design provides a great support to your back.  It is also a good bike for daily cardio workout, recovering from knee injury or knee surgery.


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Our Recommendation

All the 5 bikes that i’ve have listed in our review here offers great value for money. It’s up to you to choose the one that will best suite for your needs. But if you ask me, I would suggest the HARISON Magnetic Recumbent B8. Considering all the features it provides at a price range of blow $500 it could be the best bang for your bucks.


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