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You’ve probably seen those old-school exercise bikes gathering dust in your grandparents’ basement. But don’t write them off just yet – new research suggests that exercise bikes could be the key to sustainable weight loss. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the latest research to see if exercise bikes really can help you lose weight.
The case for exercise bikes
Exercise bikes have long been a popular choice for those looking to get fit. They’re low-impact, easy to use, and can be done in the comfort of your own home. But can they actually help you lose weight?
According to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, the answer is yes. The study followed nearly 500 overweight and obese adults over the course of 12 weeks. Participants were split into two groups – one group was asked to diet, and the other group was asked to diet and use a stationary bike. Both groups were given identical calorie goals.
The results were impressive – those in the diet and exercise group lost an average of 5kg (11lbs) more than those in the diet-only group. And a staggering 70% of participants in the diet and exercise group met their target weight loss goal, compared to just 40% of those in the diet-only group.
So it looks like those old-school exercise bikes could be onto something after all. If you’re looking to lose weight, adding some regular exercise bike workouts to your routine and a healthy diet, could be the key to sustainable success.
High-intensity interval training
This is considered the most effective type of workout when it comes to burning fat and the fastest way to burn calories. HIIT involves alternating between short bursts of very high-intensity activity and periods of rest or low-intensity activity. This type of workout is very effective because it keeps your heart rate up, even after you finish working out. By creating a calorie deficit alongside such exercise it’ll certainly be good for weight loss, but you’ll need to be careful not to limit your calories too much, otherwise, you’ll have no energy to actually work out with.
How much weight will I lose with moderate-intensity exercise?
If you use moderate-intensity exercise when using an exercise bike, you can expect to use about 200 calories per half-hour. By consistently using an exercise bike for weight loss, you can expect to see a difference in your body composition in just a matter of weeks.
How often should I be indoor cycling to make a difference?
The great thing about exercise bikes is that you can use them as often or as little as you like. If you’re just starting out, we recommend 3-4 times per week. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the frequency and duration of your workouts.
Conclusion
So there you have it – ‘can exercise bikes help lose weight?’ – according to the latest research, yes, exercise bikes really can help you with managing your body weight and, indeed, weight loss.
If you’re looking for a low-impact way to improve your fitness and shed some unwanted kilos, dust off that old exercise bike and give it a go!
…don’t have an exercise bike? No need to worry, there are plenty of options available on the site to get you started, and on your way, from stationary bikes to a recumbent bike, we’ve reviewed them all.
…and remember – exercise bikes good for weight loss, bad for getting to the shops.
