Featuring a battery-operated monitor displaying speed, distance, time, calories burned, and heart rate, this two-in-one machine combines a recumbent bicycle and a rower for two types of low-impact strength and cardio workouts. Moving a pin switches from one mode to the other. In either bicycle or rower mode, magnetic resistance provides a quiet, smooth workout, whose intensity can be varied by turning an eight-position knob without interrupting a workout. A foam-padded seat glides on a ball-bearing roller system along an aluminum rail during rowing, and adjusts to fit different leg lengths for recumbent biking. For bicycling, oversized pedals and adjustable foot-straps hold feet securely to improve pulling motion, in addition to pushing motion. For rowing, a heavy-duty nylon strap and foam grips keep hands stable and comfortable. Assembled, the machine measures 74-1/4 inches long x 23-1/2 inches wide x 34 inches high and weighs 108 pounds. Folded for storage, it measures 34 inches long x 23-1/3 inches wide x 56-1/2 inches high.
About Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out.
The term recumbent literally means "lying down." Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full ergonomic back support, without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulders, all of which can be common effects of using an upright bicycle. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.
Customer Review: Excellent dual use home exercise machine
First, it's important to note that you're not going to get the same level of quality with home fitness equipment as you will in the gym. This is because the price of the equipment you see in the gym is much higher. Keeping this in mind, I want to offer my thoughts on this combination rower/recumbent bike. I am used to gym quality exercise equipment, but needed something good for home use when my schedule or the weather wouldn't allow me to get to the gym. I've had bad experiences with home exercise equipment before, so decided to give this one a try. I was pleasantly surprised. First, I want to comment on getting the unit set up. I am not an expert at putting things together. In fact, I'm pretty lousy with my hands. But, I put this unit together in around an hour with a couple of simple tools and made no mistakes. Simply put, the instructions are clear and not beyond what the average (or below average) person can handle. Second, the unit itself is well made. Honestly this is the first home machine I've actually felt confident using on a regular basis (and that didn't make it to the garage in the first three months). Most home equipment feels like it's going to fall apart, but this unit is sturdy, yet the movement is fluid. It easily converts from bike to rower and back with a simple movement and locking or unlocking of the seat. The computer has many features like calories, heart rate, distance, odometer, etc. However, like most home equipment the computer's accuracy is suspect, at least on calories (there's no option to input weight), and on my computer, the heartrate monitor only works part of the time. Still, I can live with this since I can easily take my own pulse. The unit is rather large but can easily be "folded up" to get it out of the way. Third, the bike and rower are a great combination for fitness since you can easily work upper and lower body with the simple movement of a seat. In fact, although difficult, rowing is probably one of the best all around total body workouts. This unit has multiple difficulty settings so that people of all fitness and strength levels can use it. The "two for one" aspect is probably my favorite part since it was the one piece of home exercise equipment my wife and I could agree on! She enjoys the bike while I love the rower. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this combination rower/recumbent bike. Although not quite gym quality, for the relatively low price, you get a high quality, sturdy, dual exercise machine. It's passed my personal test: after nearly a year it's still in my house, in one piece, and above all, being used!
Customer Review: We love it
We are very pleased with this bike/rower. It shipped much faster than promised, was easy to assembly and is easy to operate. It is smooth sailing to use, and no trouble to switch exercises in the middle of a workout, which helps us stay at it for more than 30 minutes. And it is quite enough to use while the TV is on in the same room and not disturb anyone. We are very satisfied with our purchase.
Get three complete mat workouts in one DVD - a basic workout, an intermediate workout, and an advanced workout. Once you master the basic workout, progress to the intermediate level and finally to the advanced level as your core becomes stronger and your body more flexible. These routines may be performed daily, but working out at least three times a week will improve strength, flexibility, flatten and strengthen abs, and improve posture so you move with balance and grace. These workouts were developed and choreographed by two of Pilates elite instructors, Pilates expert Marjolein Brugman and Pilates Master Teacher Romana Kryzanowska. Brugman and Kryzanowska lead you through each workout demonstrating the proper form that is essential to get results and prevent injury.