If you’re looking to maintain a good level of fitness in mid to later life then cycling is an excellent way. We’ve researched to find the best exercise bike for seniors or someone in midlife.
We favor the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike as our top choice but our complete list is below.
As we grow older, muscle size and flexibility slowly decrease. But, make no mistake, sedentary life and inactivity are worse for your muscles than your age. Regular exercise can help us to age more slowly and live a healthier, vigorous life.
This article includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of the products we have discussed in this article, we may receive a small commission.
- Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike – Best Overall
- EXERPEUTIC 900XL Exercise Bike
- Marcy Exercise Bike with Resistance – Best Value
- Sunny Health & Fitness Bike
- HARISON Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Stationary bikes are great for strengthening your legs as well as your heart and lungs. So, you just need to find the best exercise bike that’ll fit your needs.
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
Schwinn’s story began in 1898. It was the most prominent bike manufacturer in the USA throughout the 20th century.
Today they produce a wide range of bikes and gear and Schwinn 270 Exercise Bike is their best product for seniors.
It provides smooth and consistent performance for starters. But, this machine offers much more. This model of the Schwinn recumbent bike has a bunch of useful advanced features.
From padded seat and adjustable armrests to 29 workout programs and 25 resistance levels to Bluetooth connectivity and a media shelf.
If you’re young at heart, you’ll enjoy Schwinn Trainer or Explore the World App, or any other tracking app of your choice.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 64 x 27.7 x 50 inches
Weight: 86.6 lbs.
Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Pros:
- 25 resistance levels.
- Excellent drive system allows smooth workouts.
- 29 workout programs.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Adjustable fan for cooling.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Large and intuitive display.
Cons:
- Not the best for high-intensity workouts.
EXERPEUTIC 900XL Exercise Bike
EXERPEUTIC 900XL Exercise Bike offers a lot in a relatively small package. It works smoothly and quietly.
While it doesn’t have too many bells and whistles, you can monitor time, speed, distance, calories burned, and your heart rate. And it comes at a good price.
This stationary bike is very comfortable thanks to the large, oversized seat and backrest, to accommodate users of any size.
Overall, it’s a well-rounded bike. It stands out for its compact size, and lightweight. The addition of transportation wheels makes it easy to get it out of the way once you’ve done your workout.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 54 x 22 x 34 inches
Weight: 63 lbs.
Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Very quiet and smooth operation.
- Comfortable.
- Pulse sensor.
Cons:
- 8 levels of resistance. It’s enough for most of us, but many models have a wider resistance range.
Marcy Exercise Bike with Resistance
This is the best budget option. Let me put it this way: it’s a perfect simple exercise bike. Considering the price it’s very well built. It is sturdy and runs smoothly.
An adjustable cushioned seat and handlebars provide comfort and support for long workouts.
8 levels of resistance and an easy-to-read display provide reasonable versatility and monitoring abilities.
Overall, not too many bells and whistles, but it gets the job done.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches
Weight: 61 lbs.
Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move.
- Great value for money.
- Large numbers for easy readings.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- Not too many advanced features.
- The adjustable seat has a rather small range of motion. It can be a problem for short people (under 5 ft).
Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike
Do you want to work your arms while pedaling? No problem, this model comes with arm pedals to exercise your arms, too.
The maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds is also impressive.
Apart from these stand-out features, this bike offers more or less standard features such as a digital monitor, ergonomic seat, 8 resistance levels, and transportation wheels.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 51 x 25 x 52 inches
Weight: 91 lbs.
Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs.
Pros:
- Impressive max user weight (350 pounds).
- Hassle-free seat adjustment without getting off the seat.
- Handlebars with adjustable resistance for arms workout.
- Sturdy and reliable.
Cons:
- No readouts for the Arm Exerciser.
HARISON Recumbent Exercise Bike
This is another superb stationary bike. The heavy-duty steel frame is strong and durable. It has a modern and neat design but at its core, it is a versatile and reliable exercise bike.
It has 14 levels of resistance allowing you a wide choice of different intensity workouts.
The padded seat and vented backrest provide excellent comfort. The ride is smooth and quiet.
On top of it, there are a couple of convenient details such as an iPad holder and water bottle holder.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 60.24 x 21.65 x 51 inches
Weight: 77 lbs.
Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable.
- Exceptional maximum weight capacity (350 pounds).
- Modern and beautiful design.
- 14 resistance levels and multi-function display provide versatility and plenty of tracking options.
- Exceptional warranty policy: 30 days, 12 months free replacement.
Cons:
- Not so easy to assemble. Actually, the assembly is pretty intuitive but the instructions are not precise enough.
Benefits of Indoor Cycling for Older Adults
The benefits of pedaling are the same for younger and older people, only seniors could probably benefit more especially if life has been largely sedentary.
It Provides Great Cardio Training
Indoor cycling is an aerobic and low-impact workout. It means that it strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles.
Just like other cardio workouts, pedaling lowers stress and anxiety, improves brain function, stimulates the immune system, and provides better sleep.
Low Impact Means Fewer Injuries
Safe exercising is a must for everyone, but it’s even more important for senior citizens. As we grow older, it takes more time to recover from injuries.
Indoor cycling comes with less stress on joints compared to jogging, jumping, or any sort of high-intensity training.
Improved strength, stamina, and balance mean you’re more likely to avoid injuries and falls.
You Can Lose Weight
You already know that there’s no magic workout regime to make you lean and mean unless you take care of your calorie intake.
Nevertheless, cycling burns calories and body fat. So, if you combine it with a healthy diet, you will lose excessive weight.
Home Workout Is Safer and Easier to Organize
This one’s obvious, isn’t it? But it’s important. No worries about reckless drivers or bad weather.
You can exercise whenever you want without leaving the comfort of your home.
Features to Look For
Comfort
You’ve probably noticed that all models on our list are recumbent bikes. This type of bike provides support and reduces stress on your upper body and joints.
It’s much comfier than upright stationary bikes and easier to get on and off.
If it isn’t comfortable enough, it will only collect dust in the corner of your home.
Size
It doesn’t affect quality, but make sure that it fits your designated workout area. You’re going to need some buffer space around the machine. Talking of “size” in a different sense. For a short exerciser take a look at our article on exercise bikes for shorter people.
Weight Capacity
If you’re not overweight, most of the models will be strong enough. Anyway, if you want your bike to last for years, make sure you buy the one that can handle a greater weight, a sign of durability.
Workout Intensity
Almost all recumbent bikes have multiple resistance levels. More resistance levels provide more versatility. It allows you to find a perfect difficulty level and change it gradually as you grow stronger.
Or mix it up and keep it low for times when your body is asking for a break – that happens.
Durability
Even if you buy a budget option, you won’t be satisfied if it doesn’t last long. No one wants to replace these machines every year or two. So, look for sturdy construction and a high-quality build.
Other Features
Modern stationary bikes usually come with a lot of features. Display, odometers, pulse sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, water holder, phone holder, wheels, and many more make these machines more convenient.
However, none of these features are crucial for everyone. It pretty much comes down to personal preferences and budget.
Some measurements like calories burned aren’t very accurate but can be used as motivation for continued endeavors.
Conclusion
Stationary bikes are great for older adults as they provide a safe and effective low-impact workout. While there are many outstanding models in the market, Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is our top pick. Check out more recumbent bikes here.
It is an exceptional bike and the Schwinn 270 stands out for a variety of useful advanced features.
Bluetooth connectivity provides endless possibilities through apps to make your workouts more interesting. With 25 resistance levels, 29 built-in programs, excellent comfort, durability, and reliability, one couldn’t ask for more.
Some exercise equipment is just ideal for older adults. We’ve covered top rowing machines for the over 50s example. And of course treadmills here.
Apart from cardio machines, we have delved into other exercise equipment great for over 50s and in that we have covered ellipticals.
For more cardio ideas check out our article where we’ve covered low impact machines.
