A dual action exercise bike is another type of exercise bike, aside from the upright and the recumbent bikes. This is the ideal type of exercise bike if you want a full-body workout.
The dual action bike is almost similar to the upright bike, except that its handle bars are attached to the pedals, although there are some models of recumbent bikes that are modified to make them dual action as well. This way, operation of the bike requires arm and leg coordination, which means both the upper and the lower body get a workout, but with most of the effort coming from the arm. This is why a dual action exercise bike is safe even for those with weak legs or knees caused by previous injuries or medical conditions.
Due to the ease at which the bike can be used, it is considered a low-impact workout, which means that the muscles and bones get only mild pressure throughout the duration of the exercise. However, it nevertheless makes you break a sweat and counts as a great cardiovascular exercise.
Types of Dual Action Exercise Bikes to Consider
- Dual Action Upright: Schwinn Airdyne
- Dual Action Recumbent: Stamina 15-9003
1. Dual Action Upright: Schwinn Airdyne
The Schwinn Airdyne is one of the most popular models of dual action bikes. Schwinn is a respected name in the exercise equipment industry, and its other exercise bikes in the upright and recumbent categories are making the same noise in their respective markets.
The Schwinn Airdyne offers the usual fare expected from a full-body dual action exercise bike, including the fan wheel air resistance, which creates a stream of cool air while you work out, thus also ensuring your comfort. But to go beyond the norm, Schwinn offers you a patented fan wheel technology that recognizes the strength with which you pedal and correspondingly increases wind resistance.
The bike itself comes with a durable steel frame, a seat with adjustable height, and heart rate monitor. The display also provides several key data regarding your workout, including workout time, distance pedalled, calories, calories per hour, RPM, and workload. As a bonus, you also get a water bottle holder. Warranty’s looking good, too with 30 years on the frame, 3 years on parts and electronics, and 1 year on wear items.
The Schwinn Airdyne is available on Amazon for around $625, which is relatively cheaper than its list price of $699 on the official Schwinn sellers. According to reviews, it is well-built, quiet, and easy to assemble.
2. Dual Action Recumbent: Stamina 15-9003
There are some less common dual action bikes that are like modified recumbent bikes, like the Stamina 15-9003. This hybrid exercise bike gives you the same full body workout the regular dual action exercise bike offers, but at the same time, you can also fold it into a smaller recumbent/rower package, which creates a totally different kind of workout but with the same machine. As a bonus, the smaller configuration also means it’s easier to store.
This multi-purpose product is turning quite a number of heads, especially in the world of weight loss where sustained exercise is necessary. The Stamina 15-9003 can also be used for body strengthening exercises such as bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, and so on. There is also a resistance cord, which allows you to do light leg presses when it is attached under the seat. Due to the different ways this one single bike can be used, exercisers who have it are more likely to stick with their exercise.
Other features include a multi-purpose LCD display monitor that tracks your speed, time, distance, number of calories burned, and pulse rate. Heart rate is monitored by a grip heart rate system. Construction is impressive, with rotating rowing pedals, foot straps on all the pedals, steel frame, and aluminum rowing beams.
A Dual Action Exercise Bike for Weight Loss
If you are intending to lose weight using your dual action exercise bike, then you can expect to see some improvements since the dual action bike really provides great cardio exercise. You can also combine the use of the bike with the interval training concept, wherein you ride intensely at a higher pace for a while then switch to a monotonous slow pedaling for a while before switching back.
Aside from making your workout more interesting, interval training is known to keep the body burning fat for hours after you end your exercise. It’s one of the most effective ways you can use your dual action exercise bike to lose weight.