6 Best Recumbent Bikes with Arm Workouts of 2024

By Nancy LangLast update: 2023-07-24

You may already know that recumbent bikes allow for low-impact workouts, which is good for your core and back pain. But if you can get a recumbent bike with arms, it will even help you exercise with your entire body, increasing the benefits.

That’s why today, we will help you find a perfect candidate for the best recumbent bike with arm workout.

Here are the best recumbent bikes with arm workouts you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall: Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
  • Best For Bad Knees: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
  • Best For Heavier People: Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike
  • Best For Large-framed People: MaxKare Exercise Bike Slim Cycle 3-in-1 Folding Stationary Bike
  • Best For Hip Pain: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936
  • Best For Lighter People: Xspec Foldable Stationary Exercise Bike
6 Best Recumbent Bikes With Arm Workouts
Best Overall
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
    Best For Bad Knees
    Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
      Best For Heavier People
      Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike
        Best For Large-framed People
        MaxKare Exercise Bike Slim Cycle 3-in-1 Folding Stationary Bike
          Best For Hip Pain
          Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936
            Best For Lighter People
            Xspec Foldable Stationary Exercise Bike

              Best Overall: Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical

              Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
              Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
              Pros
              • Combine cardio with strength training without stress or compression to your joints - patented stride technology
              • Operate quietly - Smooth variable magnetic resistance technology
              • Enhance longevity - friction-free linkage system
              • Customizable and easy to use – adjustable handles, 3 resistance levels, and adjustable seat
              Cons
              • A bit overpriced

              The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical give you three “free”: Free from excuses. Free from limitations. And, free from the pain that normal exercise can cause.

              It gives you a full-body workout that combines cardio with strength training without stress or compression to the back, hips, and knees, all thanks to the patented stride technology. Smooth variable magnetic resistance technology allows you to customize your exercise program while causing no noise.

              Besides, the friction-free linkage system offers longer-lasting use.

              The exercise equipment is designed to let you get a full-body workout or focus on arm/leg muscle training. Adjust the handlebars to exercise your triceps or biceps while building back and chest muscles.

              For exercise experience enhancement, Teeter also built this machine with an adjustable high-tension foam padded seat with backrest and a monitor for tracking your fitness progress. For the price, it is well worth.

              Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical Specifications

              Dimension

              54 x 29 x 52.5 inches

              Max User Weight

              300 lbs.

              Resistance Levels

              3

              Highlight Features

              Patented stride technology

              Smooth variable magnetic resistance technology

              friction-free linkage system

              Adjustable handles, 3 resistance levels, and adjustable seat

              Verdict

              Designed to optimize your body-toning progress while causing no pain, impact, or noise, along with many notable add-ons, the Teeter LT1 is our best overall performer.

              Best For Bad Knees: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike

              Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
              Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike
              Pros
              • Minimize the amount of pressure on your knees - oversized seat and backrest, variable resistance levels, adjustable handlebars
              • Give you stability while exercising - Non-slip, adjustable pedals with extra-large foot surface and secure straps
              • Easy to maneuver – transportation wheels
              Cons
              • Wish the directions were clearer
              • The resistance levels 1-5 are indistinguishable from each other

              By featuring an oversized seat and backrest, the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike efficiently minimizes the amount of pressure on your knees while giving the best body toning progress. This seat is also adjustable to provide you with the optimal distance from the handlebars to the pedals.

              There are eight resistance levels to fit your knee conditions as well as your fitness degrees.

              And you can adjust its handlebars to transform the bike into ultimate low-impact exercise equipment. Non-slip, adjustable pedals with extra-large foot surface enhance your stability while exercising, and the added straps keep your feet from unexpectedly sliding to the side.

              If you have struggles in moving heavy items around because of your bad knees, the transportation wheels built in this machine might be a big plus to help you with that.

              Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike Specifications

              Dimension

              60 x 25.5 x 52 inches

              Max User Weight

              350 lbs.

              Resistance Levels

              8

              Inseam Length

              Min 26.5 in / Max 34 in

              Highlight Features

              Oversized seat and backrest, variable resistance levels, adjustable handlebars

              Non-slip, adjustable pedals with extra-large foot surface and secure straps

              Transportation wheels

              Verdict

              Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike is designed with everything you need to exercise with no pressure on your bad knees: oversized seat and backrest, variable resistance levels, adjustable handlebars, and more while the price can’t be cheaper.

              Best For Heavier People: Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike

              Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike
              Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike
              Pros
              • Strong and heavy-duty – a weight capacity of 350 pounds
              • User-friendly and customizable - 10 resistance levels & an adjustable knob
              • Simple storage – foldable design
              Cons
              • No built-in wheels
              • No memory for workouts.
              • Unable to switch between miles and kilometers

              While a normal recumbent bike is prone to wobble while you’re exercising, this isn’t the thing.

              Built to be stronger, it is capable of handling heavier people – up to 350 pounds. In addition to that, it features 10 resistance levels that are easily adjusted by twisting and pulling the knob. A big plus is at whichever resistance level, it always runs smoothly with no noise, thanks to the magnetic tension system.

              It also gives you two resistance bands for training your upper body.

              While featuring an LCD monitor and a tablet holder – just like other options here, it highlights a foldable design with an easy lifting mechanism for easy and effortless storage.

              Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike Specifications

              Dimension

              30.7” x 19.7” x 42.3”(L x W x H)

              Max User Weight

              350 lbs.

              Resistance Levels

              10

              Highlight Features

              Weight capacity of 350 pounds

              10 resistance levels & an adjustable knob

              Foldable design

              Verdict

              Don’t worry if you’re a bit overweight, the Merax 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike is built with superior strength and reasonable exercise program options, making it perfect for heavier people.

              Best For Large-framed People: MaxKare Exercise Bike Slim Cycle 3-in-1 Folding Stationary Bike

              MaxKare Exercise Bike Slim Cycle 3-in-1 Folding Stationary Bike
              MaxKare Exercise Bike Slim Cycle 3-in-1 Folding Stationary Bike
              Pros
              • Enhance your comfort – ultra-large 12” wide seat cushion with adjustments & good distance between the handles and seat
              • Easy to store – foldable construction & built-in wheels
              • Give better support for you - multi-grip handlebars
              Cons
              • The film is partly removed from the sensors

              Some recumbent bikes feature the handles staying too close to the seat, making it tight and uncomfortable for large-framed exercisers to use with comfort. The too-small seat is also another common issue.

              But when it comes to the MaxKare, our testers don’t experience such annoyances.

              It boasts an ultra-large 12” wide seat cushion that’s easily adjusted to fit rider heights ranging from 4’11” to 6’3”. Regardless, the machine isn’t bulky for storage when you’re not using it thanks to the adjustable design with built-in wheels.

              We do appreciate the added multi-grip handlebars for extra comfort and support during the use.

              MaxKare Exercise Bike Slim Cycle 3-in-1 Folding Stationary Bike Specifications

              Dimension

              45.5 x 16.9 x 37.7 inches

              Max User Weight

              300 Pounds

              Resistance Levels

              8

              Highlight Features

              Ultra-large 12” wide seat cushion with adjustments & good distance between the handles and seat

              Foldable construction & built-in wheels

              Multi-grip handlebars

              Verdict

              Don’t feel bad if you’re a large-framed exerciser, there’s always good exercise equipment matching your body torso. The MaxKare Exercise Bike Slim Cycle 3-in-1 Folding Stationary Bike is a shining example.

              Best For Hip Pain: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936

              Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936
              Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936
              Pros
              • Allow you to exercise with low impact on hips and back – ergonomic seat construction with adjustments
              • Comfortably fit your leg length – inseam of 24” to 31”
              • Easily track and control your fitness progress - HeartRate Zone, Pulse sensors, and a monitor
              Cons
              • A bit pricey
              • Not for heavy people

              Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 is the most comfortable recumbent bike we’ve found. It keeps your legs exercising while the back is against the seat, meaning there’s no impact on your hips and back.

              Unlike the upright bikes, this one features an adjustable seat with an easy-to-use lever to align your seating gesture properly while giving the best fit to your leg length. Its inseam is from 24” to 31”. Besides, there are eight levels of magnetic resistance with precise control to suit your hips’ condition and fitness goals.

              A big plus is you can gauge your BPM by using the provided HeartRate Zone aside from tracking other of your fitness indicators (like pulse, calories, time, distance, and speed) through the stock LCD monitor.

              Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Specifications

              Dimension

              60 x 26.5 x 46.5 inches

              Max User Weight

              265 Pounds

              Resistance Levels

              8

              Inseam Length

              24" Min - 32" Max inches

              Highlight Features

              Ergonomic seat construction with adjustments

              The inseam of 24” to 31”

              HeartRate Zone

              Verdict

              Don’t let your hip pain stop you from shaping and toning your body. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 is here to help.

              Best For Lighter People: Xspec Foldable Stationary Exercise Bike

              Xspec Foldable Stationary Exercise Bike
              Xspec Foldable Stationary Exercise Bike
              Pros
              • Universal - adjustable seat heights of 26”-33” & a 16-level magnetic tension control system
              • Secure and reliable - large counter-weighted pedals & heavy-duty steel construction
              • Easy storage – compact design & transportation wheels
              Cons
              • The seat is a bit wobbly

              If your body weight is under 220 pounds, Xspec Foldable Stationary Exercise Bike will definitely the best companion.

              It is sturdy, comfortable, and compact for storage.

              The heavy-duty steel construction with large counter-weighted pedals, adjustable seat heights of 26”-33”, and a 16-level magnetic tension control system is a perfect combo making the machine itself universal. It fits people of different heights while the foldable design is ideal for even a small apartment.

              Xspec Foldable Stationary Exercise Bike Specifications

              Dimension

              36 x 23 x 44 inches

              Max User Weight

              220 Pounds

              Resistance Levels

              8

              Inseam Length

              26” - 33"

              Highlight Features

              Adjustable seat heights of 26”-33” & a 16-level magnetic tension control system

              Large counter-weighted pedals & heavy-duty steel construction

              Compact design & transportation wheels

              Verdict

              If you’re finding the best recumbent bike with arm workout for light people, this is a great selection.

              How To Choose The Best Recumbent Bike With Arm Workouts?

              Compact or Full Size

              While this may seem not important, you need to pay attention and choose the right size for your recumbent bike. If the bike is too big for your place, you can’t even have it settled let alone work out on it.

              Generally, you need to decide whether to go with a compact or full size. If your home is huge, you can get a full-sized bike, but if you have limited space, you should consider buying a foldable bike.

              Flywheel and Resistant

              In terms of the flywheel, you need to check its size and quality because a bad flywheel can not only be noisy but also have negative impacts on your balance. So you should look for a flywheel that runs smoothly, quietly, and creates enough inertia.

              As for resistance, the best choice you should go with is magnetic resistance.

              Adjustable Pedals

              Adjustable pedals are recommended because they help make sure you are comfortable when working out.

              Besides, you should find pedals with clips loaded on the springs on the out edge of the pedals. This way, your feet will be held in place throughout the workout.

              Which Brands Make The Best Recumbent Bike With Arm Workouts?

              Teeter

              Founded in 1981, this brand is committed to helping people lead a healthier, more active life. Especially, if you need a product for back pain, this is your go-to brand.

              Sunny Health & Fitness

              Over the past ten years, this brand has specialized in importing and distributing high-quality products in the health and fitness business. Here, you will find the best recumbent bikes from the most trusted brands in the world.

              Xspec

              This is a leading brand when it comes to sports, fitness, and outdoor products. It offers a wide range of selections with the highest quality but the most affordable prices.

              FAQs

              Are recumbent bikes with arm workout any good?

              Yes, they are. Recumbent bikes with arms are especially effective if you are recovering from an injury and for seniors. They let you do low-impact workouts to improve your physical and cardio strength.

              How long should I exercise on a recumbent bike with arm workout?

              The duration of the exercise should be based on your real-time capability, but start with at least 30 minutes per day. Then, once you have got used to the exercise, gradually increase the duration.

              Is a recumbent bike as good as walking?

              Yes, in fact, exercising on a recumbent bike can be even better than walking if you want to lose weight.

              Is a recumbent bike good for sciatica?

              Yes, it is. Sciatica refers to the pain in the hip, back, and outer side of the leg. Exercising on a recumbent bike lowers the risk of these pains and helps build strength.

              Do recumbent bikes work your core?

              Yes, they do. The pedaling action works your core, glutes, and back. It also helps improve the strength in your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.

              Conclusion

              This is the end of our complete guide on finding the best recumbent bike with arm workout. We hope that the post has helped you figure out what to look for in a good recumbent bike with arms for your workouts.

              Remember to consider each factor carefully based on your specific needs and look at reliable brands like those listed here. Good luck!


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