Is stationary bike good for arthritic knees?

Stationary bikes are becoming popular day by day for their immense benefits. They are best known for their low-impact cardio workout. But is stationary bike good for arthritic knees? Let’s find out!

Unlike outdoor bikes, stationary bikes are safe and convenient. And yes, they are good for arthritic knees, as they provide low-impact workouts, so they put less pressure on the knees and joints. There are a varieties of best exercise bikes for bad knees available in the market for you to find the right one from! Okay! Without further ado, let’s get to the point, is a stationary bike good for arthritic knees?

Benefits of stationary bikes:

Leg motion:

The stationary bike offers a gentle leg motion that also increases the range of your motion if you are suffering from arthritic knees. Along with making your leg stronger, it also improves the core and legs muscles, which are associated with the knees and joints, and helps you to heal.

Cardiovascular workout:

Stationary bikes offer the cardio workout which not only improves the heart, and reduces the risk of heart and cardiovascular diseases but also increases the capacity of lung and blood and oxygen flow throughout the body. It also increases brain functionality, boosts energy and mood, and helps you fight anxiety, depression and improves sleep.

Muscles:

Stationary biking also improves and strengthens the body muscles including quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Some of the stationary bikes like upright bikes offer full-body workouts too.

But what more important is that it strengthens and workout the leg and its surrounding muscles which supports knees and joints, and reduces pain and stiffness.

Why stationary biking is good for arthritic knees:

1. Stationary biking puts less pressure on the knees and allows you to cycle without any pain and stiffness.
2. Excess weight can increase inflammatory arthritis and put pressure on the knees, but the stationary bike can help you get rid of the excess weight and remove that pressure.
3. You can increase or decrease the intensity of your workout, as you want and when you feel pain.
4. It strengthens the muscles associated with the knee and legs and supports and protects the knees.

How to make the stationary bike good for you if you have arthritis knees:

Choose the right type of bike:

There are different types of stationary bikes available in the market, they all offer an excellent workout, but for arthritis knees or knee pain, consider getting the recumbent bike, as they go easy on your knees and offers you to ride using a backrest, and also does not put pressure on your knees. They are also comfortable and stable, which is a plus point for riders with arthritis knees.

Right posture:

Getting into the right posture is important because if you are not in the right form you will be harming your knees rather than doing any good. So, while cycling, adjust the seat to your hip height so that you can reach the handlebars comfortably keeping your knees slightly bend and push down and pull up with the full revolution. Make sure to strap your shoes into the pedals, otherwise, your feet might slip from the pedals.

Start small:

Start with 5 minutes of stretching, then hop on your bike, and ride for 5 minutes at a low intensity and then gradually increase your intensity to medium, after finishing the ride, cool off for 5 minutes. Try riding for 20 minutes per day for three to five days a week. Then gradually increase your duration. Also, make sure to stretch for 5 minutes after the ride is over.

Stationary bikes are great for low-impact workouts and protecting your knees if you have arthritic knees. So, what do you think? Is stationary bike good for arthritic knees? Let us know your opinion!