Learning how to ride a bicycle is without a doubt one of the greatest life skills one can ever learn. You can cover much more ground versus walking , and it’s a whole lot more fun. Not to mention, it’s great exercise! If you’re someone who loves cycling but is looking for an even more challenging workout, consider investing in a recumbent bike with moving arms.
If you’re looking for a way to take your cycling workouts to the next level then this might be the next best thing.
A recumbent bike with moving arms is the perfect way to get in shape. You can burn up to 400 calories per hour, and the moving arms make it even more effective.
With a recumbent bike with moving arms, you’ll be able to tone your entire body while getting in great shape. You’ll also improve your cardiovascular health, increase your strength, and reduce your stress levels.
Best Recumbent Bike With Moving Arms- Our Picks
Image | Models | Features | Price |
  |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
|
Best Recumbent Bikes With Moving Arms- Detailed Comparison
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike with Arm Exerciser SF-RB4936
Sunny Health & Fitness magnetic recumbent bike with moving arms is considered by many among the ideal value-for-money brands available on the market. It is a dual action exercise bike with arm pedals enables you to work out on your body and burns more calories. This is our pick for the best recumbent bike with moving arms.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 magnetic recumbent bike is considered by many among the ideal value-for-money and the best recumbent bike with arm workout available on the market.
In the case of this SF-RB4708 recumbent bike with arm workout, rather than arm pedals, you receive movable handlebars to meet the requirements of this very specific niche segment. Its handlebars move back and forth as you pedal to work out on your arms, shoulders, and lower back.
Achieve a hassle-free cardio workout with this magnetic recumbent bike model number SF-RB4936 by Sunny Health & Fitness. This design produces and your arm movements produces great results in burning calories while being a low impact fitness machine. With a full-sized H type frame, the machine features a rail-mounted seat along with a flywheel housing in front.
An LCD monitor on the minimalist console displays different workout functions like calories and calories burned, distance and speed. The pulse sensors shows heart rate and lets you accurately calculate your workout intensity.
The recumbent bike includes an oversized padded seat that provides reasonable comfort throughout your workouts. The seat features horizontal adjustment ability for getting into a comfortable position and will accommodate a user weight capacity up to 350 pounds.
Pros
Cons
2. Stamina Recumbent Exercise Bike with Upper Body Exerciser
At first glance, Stamina’s recumbent bike might not seem that impressive, but the product is a super-compact, folding recumbent bike with an easily storable arm crank makes Stamina the very best recumbent bike with moving arms. People with limited living room space will love the Stamina recumbent bike with moving arms. With a convenient foldable design makes the Stamina recumbent bike easy to maneuver.
Usually, stability is the most important thing to consider with any model. The space-saving feature is worthless if you have to worry about your balance during exercise. Fortunately for all people, Stamina did best job with the frame, despite being a bit narrow for our taste. In terms of the features, this indoor recumbent bike with adjustable pedals offers a height-adjustable padded seat, a console interface that shows basic stats, and side handles. If you are a budget user, this recumbent bike is for you, which comes with a mobile and compact minimalist rig.
Users can adjust the pedal’s tension in addition to the handle’s resistance to customize every workout. This permits you to really go hard and also decrease the pace if your body does not feel like it. The customizable seat and grips allow added comfort and relaxation. With all this, the Stamina recumbent bike with upper-body workout offers all of the essential features a beginner can benefit from. Though the screen may be bigger, it is tough to complain about its affordable price. Service
Pros
Cons
3. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
Nowadays, we often hear that recumbent bikes are one step away from ellipticals. This is our third pick for the best recumbent bike with moving arms a.k.a. best recumbent bike with arm exerciser. These two machines differ in that you have the option to add the upper body workout on ellipticals. This hybrid machine is essentially a recumbent elliptical having a cross-trainer component (movable arms). It works great, regardless of how complicated it sounds. This machine has a rear-mounted flywheel which offers a complete length of stride at the recumbent position. Truly the best recumbent bike with arm motion.
The FreeStep recumbent bike with arms, designed for low-impact workouts, puts minimal stress in the body and allows you to burn calories more efficiently. Its frame and patented stride technology provide good comfort on your joints, knees, and back. Just sit back and make the best of the recumbent position with simple adjustable arm bars.
Teeter FreeSteps push-and-pull mechanics is a perfect fit for stronger arms and shoulders. The pedals and handles can be adjusted to tone other elements of the body, helping you to burn more fat. The modified H pattern layout of the machine facilitates this weird layout. For this feature, it is the most stable piece of exercise machine you can buy. FreeStep includes a built-in console unit, and much more. If you are looking for a little to zero impact gym trainer, we’d highly recommend this type of device with rear-mounted handlebars.
Do check the current price of the other model (LT-3) as well. Though it cost more It is a great piece of fitness equipment. You can also check the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike even though it is an old machine it is as popular as ever.
Pros
Cons
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4631 Cross Trainer Magnetic Recumbent Bike with Arm Exercisers
The SF-RB4631 is our fourth pick for the best recumbent bike with moving arms that enables upper body exercises. This sturdy recumbent bike with hand pedals is well-built, has a solid sturdy frame, and can accommodate users weighing up to 350 pounds. Most importantly, the standard H pattern frame made from quite decent piping offers plenty of stability even in the event that you go ham on that crank.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4631 recumbent bike with an armrest features a built-in heart rate sensor. It has side-mounted multi-grip arm pedals and slightly over-the-shoulder handles. This not-so-chest-level position of the handles forces your arms to stretch outside the maximum range of motion. Additionally, rolling the exercisers helps you to tone your chest and upper body to achieve a complete exercise routine.
The recumbent bike stays sturdy even on very uneven surfaces with the help of stabilizers and a steel frame. This one is more streamlined compared to the SF-RB4708 model, although both are based on identical chassis. The only difference is the price. This one is cheaper, thus making it a reasonable deal for people with limited investment for a recumbent bike.
The Integrated console packs a small but easily legible display. The LCD screen displays speed, distance, calories burned, and workout time. The exerciser includes a magnetic belt drive resistance with eight levels of tension control.
To solve the vertical seat adjustment issue, Sunny Health & Fitness put the seat frame onto a sliding vertical. Additionally, it comes with a 3-year frame warranty plus 180 days on parts. Having all these features, we expected a hefty price for this recumbent bike, but to our surprise, it’s available at a very reasonable price.
Lastly, the recumbent bike weighs only 89.5 lb. and has a dimension of 53 x 24 x 54 inches. Though the recumbent bike is a bit on the heavy side, you can easily move the recumbent bike with the built-in rollers located on the base of the SF-RB4631.
Pros
Cons
5. Velocity Dual Action Space Saving Recumbent Exercise Bike with Upper Body Motion
Taking a Look at the design this recumbent bike is well-built for the price and will last for a couple of years without any hitch. This is one of our favorite picks for the best recumbent bike with moving arms and It is also one of the best dual-action exercise bikes on the market today. The stabilizers of this bike make the bike not wobble when exercising. The rear stabilizer is adjustable and makes the bike sturdy on uneven surfaces.
The front stabilizer includes transport wheels for easier transporting. The seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally and tends to be a bit uncomfortable for people with height under 5’4 ′’, especially in the closest horizontal settings.
The cycle weighs just 82 pounds includes add-ons like a hand pulse reader, thick cushion seat adjustable to the shape of your back for adequate support, and without causing any discomfort. It also features a 5 kg flywheel with eight levels of resistance control to adjust the difficulty when you are exercising.
The tension mechanism is magnetic, like the other majority of the recumbent bikes with arm workouts. This magnetic resistance and belt drive produces an indoor cycling bike that is totally silent during strength training. The bike also features a digital LCD display that allows you to keep track of your workout information like speed, total calories, distance, and time.
One of the best features of the velocity recumbent bike with moving arms is that you set the resistance separately for the arms and legs. This added feature is a huge help for persons undergoing rehabilitation or having specific physical conditions. The simple LCD console has only one button to change the modes and requires just two AAA batteries to operate. Stats such as distance, calories burned, heart rate, and time are displayed.
The pulse rate can be measured by holding the sensors located at the side of the bike during your sessions. The heart rate function is not accurate, unlike other bikes in this price range. You can use the resistance knob to vary the intensity of your upper body workout.
It’s a shame that you cannot use the pulse sensor during the upper body or arm workout as the sensors are located not in the arm pedals but at the side of the bike, which feeds data to the digital monitor. If this is not a substantial issue for you, this arm bike is a solid buy and a great choice.
If you are someone for whom comfort is a critical factor, then nothing will go wrong by choosing this arm bike. The bike features a thickly padded seat that provides maximum comfort. A vertically and horizontally adjustable seat allows you to find the ideal riding position according to height. Last of all, the company Velocity Exercise that supplies the dual-action recumbent bike has great customer service. The bike offers a solid warranty of 5 years for the frame, 90 days for digital display, and 30 days for parts.
Pros
Cons
6. HCI Fitness Physiotrainer CXT Recumbent Bike With Arms
The HCI Fitness CXT recumbent bike with handles is a pretty standard model packed with helpful features that ensures a fun and easy workout experience. On number six of the best recumbent bike with moving arms list, this is our best pick for seniors. Users can select their preferred one from eight distinct tension levels. This permits a very customizable workout session, depending upon your goal and mood.
In addition, it has resistance bands so that your arms aren’t neglected throughout your workout. The Fitness Physiotrainer CXT recumbent bike with arm exercise has an ergonomic design to reduce physical stress, which makes it very user-friendly and an ideal choice for beginners. All in all the simplicity is what makes this one the best recumbent bike with moving arms.
Pros
Cons
7. Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike
The stamina elite total body recumbent bike is expensive and features a steel frame, stabilizer bars, a comfy cushioned seat, built-in side-mounted heart rate sensors send the pulse data to the multi-function monitor. This is another best recumbent exercise bike from stamina and our last pick for the best recumbent bike with moving arms and best total body recumbent bike. Also packs a complete control module up top. The 2 in 1 setup of stamina elite lets you utilize your arm or legs to pedal for upper body workouts. With a combination of intuitive controls, an efficient arm exerciser, and a small form factor this is an all one machine.
One of the main factors which impact the comfort in almost all recumbent bikes is the seat. The seat can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally and padded using a semi-ergonomic contour. So you can adjust the height in addition to the nearness of the seat to the hand pedal. Now, taller people (over 6’5″) will need to fold their knees slightly while pedaling and will not be able to fully extend their legs.
The core of the stamina elite total body recumbent bike, which is the frame is rock solid. The H pattern unit sits on adjustable feet, which you can easily level out. The stamina elite total body recumbent bike has a precision machined flywheel, and the build is quite decent. This piece makes the machine noiseless and stable during a heavier strength training routine. Resistance can be adjusted utilizing the tension knob that is located underneath the arm crank. That built-in console displays stats that you’ll discover important (calories burned, distance, total time) besides the heartbeat.
Pros
Cons
Regular Bicycle Workout vs. Recumbent Bike Workout
The main difference you’ll notice between a regular bicycle and a recumbent bike is the position you’re in while riding. On a regular bike, you’re sitting upright, which can put strain on your back and neck. On a recumbent bike, you’re lying down in a reclined position, which takes the strain off your back and neck and puts it on your legs instead. This position is much more comfortable and ergonomic, making it ideal for people with back pain or other injuries.
Another difference is that a regular bike only works your legs, while a recumbent bike with moving arms also works your upper body. The moving arms provide resistance as you pedal, resulting in a full-body workout.
Recumbent Bike with Moving Arms: Why Buy?
The answer to this question depends on your goal. If you are aiming for an upper-body workout, then yes recumbent bike workout is great, you should invest in one. Now let’s move on to a detailed explanation so that you can make a more informed decision:
Upright Bike vs. Recumbent Bike
The two do the same thing and assist you in achieving a similar result. But, recumbent bikes and upright bikes differ in their design. The former typically have a rear supporting seat much bigger than an upright bike. So, you can sit the way you sit in a chair. On the other hand, in an upright exercise bike, you sit in an upright position with none to very minimal support for your lower back.
So if you are a senior and have a back issue or have a physical injury and are in rehabilitation, buying indoor recumbent bikes as low-impact cardio is better since it provides greater support for your spine. The low-impact, low-strain design of these recumbent bikes makes them suitable for people who seek quality cardiovascular fitness. In contrast, an upright bike is suitable for younger, more active persons or those who have basic physical fitness levels.
With any recumbent bikes listed above, you can work on muscles in your arms and legs. The more you work, the more your arm muscles move, a great benefit that is a solid total body cardio workout is very much possible with these types of recumbent bikes. At the end of the day, you need to decide your goal fitness-wise. Recumbent bikes will suit all purposes, realizing your goals is imperative.
Recumbent Bike with Moving Arms: Choosing the Right one
Recumbent bikes come in various shapes and sizes. Knowing what to look for will make choosing the right one very easy. That said, pay attention to the shortlist above when shopping for recumbent bikes. Make it a starting point. Now let’s focus on the features you want to look for:
Weight Capacity
This is critical, especially for overweight persons. Not knowing the weight limit of this bike or your own weight might result in unfavorable issues. Therefore we recommend buying the best recumbent bike with moving arms that has a weight capacity of 10 to 20 more pounds than your bodyweight.
Compact design
It’s no surprise that people really like to take into consideration the size when shopping more so when they are searching for the very best recumbent bike with moving arms for home use. As the recumbent position necessitates a machine to be massive, finding a small one can be a lifesaver and also a space saver. If your home lacks space to facilitate such a lengthy exercise machine, you will need to pay more attention to the size. A compact fitness machine like folding recumbent bikes can be a solution.
Resistance & Flywheels
Another essential thing that is overlooked when choosing a recumbent bike is the flywheels. To be specific, nicely made and massive magnetic resistance is a preferred choice we see on the majority of the market brands; nonetheless, flywheel quality still matters. A bad flywheel makes a lot of noise through usage and can also negatively impact your balance in extreme scenarios. You need to search for something which creates enough inertia, runs smooth, and runs silently. This description matches every single model on our list above.
Another vital factor is the resistance level and tension type. Most bikes tend to utilize felt pad resistance to control the difficulty. But getting a magnetic resistance recumbent bike should be your preferred choice. It’s also essential to have more options for tension level and an easy-to-reach resistance knob.
Comfort
Comfort is among the most critical factors. The idea behind recumbent bikes is to enable you to recline and enjoy the comfort. So, what defines comfort? A simple backrest or an ergonomic adjustable seat? Maybe or maybe not, but the padding is essential for the majority of the people. Whatever the reasons, a distance between the adjustable seat and arm pedal aids in recovering and limiting physical stress caused by lousy workout postures. Therefore, choosing a recumbent bike that provides adequate comfort with adjustable height is crucial, and each of the recumbent bike listed above satisfies this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is a Better Upright or Recumbent Exercise Bike?
Understand that it doesn’t matter which is better. Both are well-designed exercise bikes created to offer solutions to issues that are fundamentally different. A better question is, are recumbent bikes better for your joints than upright exercise bikes? The answer is a solid yes. A semi-reclined seat with all the pedals in front rather than beneath has several benefits:
- Your back is supported, rather than hunched.
- The weight is equally distributed across the butt. This reduces the pressure placed on your sitting bones (that is, the ischial tuberosities).
- Reduces strain in your neck as your head remains at a natural, forward-facing position.
- You are not forcing your arms to support your weight, which eliminates potential strain on your wrists.
The cross trainers you have noticed on our picks above do not put any loads on your spine, neck, or wrists in a detrimental manner. Recumbent bikes are often employed as part of the injury rehabilitation process. Now, if you are wondering if an upright or recumbent bike is best for the knees, the truth is they have the same benefits in this regard.
Are Recumbent Exercise Bikes Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, it is an effective tool for weight loss. The reason why this question gets asked so often is that people associate the reclined seating position with relaxation. You may have trouble believing that you can burn calories in a relaxed body position. In this case, do not trust your brain, and for the record, the truth is you absolutely can. Just because you’re sitting comfortably while working out, that does not mean your legs are not working overtime and not getting that cardio burn off.
In contrast, you siphon out a very effective workout from an upright bike, recumbent bike, or something else with a good training regimen. If you’re doing your job and maintaining a decent routine, you will lose weight naturally. Also, keep in mind that your diet plan is a massive portion of the equation too.
Can a Recumbent Bike with Moving Arms Tone Your Legs?
Yes, a recumbent bike with moving arms can be used in building and toning your own legs. Among the two reasons, one is deeply rooted in the basics of hypertrophy and muscle building.
Stimulating your muscle with increased resistance will prompt muscles to grow. With bikes whose resistance is more adjustable, you could build your leg muscles if you are adequately using the resistance settings on your recumbent bike. If you are persistent enough, sticking to a HIIT regimen will undoubtedly make quick work of your legs.
Which Is the Best Recumbent Exercise Bike with Moving Arms?
We have created a list of the best recumbent bikes with moving arms that represent a cross-section of the current market. You can find both expensive recumbent bikes and cheap ones too with built-in resistance bands for arms workouts. Additionally, there are recumbent bikes with moving arms that take things to a new level, like the Stamina Elite Total.
The absolute most essential factor while searching for a recumbent exercise bike with moving arms would be to choose one which offers you the right support and comfort. Use this guide as well as other guides to make the right choice.
However, our recommendations and our team’s choice for the best recumbent bike with upper-body workout would be the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 Recumbent Bike. We hope this guide helped you to figure out how to choose the best recumbent bike with moving arms and why these fitness machines deserve an area in your house. All you need to do is find one which best fits your requirements and your lifestyle.
Conclusion
The recumbent bike with moving arms provides a great workout for the whole body. It is low impact, so it is easy on the joints. The bike is also adjustable, so you can find a comfortable position for your body. The moving arms add an upper body workout to the cardio benefits of the bike. The bike is also easy to get on and off, making it a great choice for people of all fitness levels.
So next time you’re considering a new yet familiar experience, go for a recumbent bike with moving arms!
You won’t regret it.
Related Articles:
- Echelon vs Peloton Bike: Which Is Better?
- How Many Calories Do I Burn on an Exercise Bike?
- 7 Best Elliptical Bike Combo Machines -Review
