Ergometer / exercise bike

Exercise bikes and ergometers are among the most popular fitness equipment and are suitable for all body sizes, weights or ages. Cycling is a very efficient and enjoyable way to exercise. The upper body is supported by the saddle and thus relieved, while the pedaling motion is even and gentle on the joints. Cycling is an effective endurance sport and trains the cardiovascular system and strengthens the leg muscles. It can burn fat, improve fitness and agility. Exercising on an ergometer is also ideal for rehabilitation and as a warm-up workout.

Exercise bikes and ergometers were the very first home sports equipment and have hardly lost any of their popularity to this day. Exercising at home is comfortable, possible at any time and independent of the weather. Cycling is a very effective and pleasant way to exercise. The upper body is supported by the saddle and thus relieved, while the pedalling motion is even and gentle on the joints.

Cycling is an effective endurance sport and trains the cardiovascular system and strengthens the leg muscles. It burns fat and improves mobility. Cycling is also ideal for rehabilitation and as a warm-up workout. A further development of the ergometers are the recumbent bikes, which differ from the conventional ergometers by a comfortable seat with backrest, which relieves the spine optimally. Recumbent bikes are becoming increasingly popular, especially with older or heavier users.

Ergometers are technically more complex and often more expensive than exercise bikes. The ergometer displays your training power in watts, while exercise bikes only indicate a load level. Unlike exercise bikes, ergometers are electronically adjusted and are also characterized by precise load control and a high degree of display accuracy. Ergometers are therefore often suitable for therapeutic use.

The magnetic brake used in ergometers is usually an electronically controlled eddy current brake. Since it has no moving parts, unlike a mechanically or motor-adjustable magnetic brake, these braking systems are very durable.

In the case of speed-dependent ergometers, the current pedalling power is displayed in watts. With speed-independent ergometers, the wattage can be adjusted. If the user pedals faster, the pedalling resistance is reduced. If the pedalling frequency is too low, the pedalling resistance is increased. In this way, the user always remains at the preset power level (watts). With a speed-independent ergometer, the user trains at the exact power level specified by him or her or by the doctor. This is why speed-independent ergometers are also suitable for therapy and rehabilitation or for top-level sport.

Ergometers are equipped with training computers that offer a variety of programs. Pre-programmed load profiles, watt- and pulse-controlled programs, interval programs as well as user-defined training programs are part of the offer. With many ergometer models, the programs can be programmed by computer via PC interface. The training data can also be recorded and evaluated using special training software. User-friendly displays show comprehensive training statistics such as time, distance, watts, heart rate, wheel rotation, etc..

Pulse-controlled programs, such as the Circle Fitness B8 or Tunturi E60, automatically control the target pulse after entering the desired training pulse (for fat burning or endurance training) by lowering or increasing the pedaling resistance. Pre-programmed training profiles, as usual with most ergometers, increase the motivation by a varied training.