Bike riding is an excellent cardiovascular workout. Bike riding also provides an excellent low impact lower body workout. Many busy and active people find that the use of a stationary bike in their own home provides them the availability to get a work out whenever they want, regardless of time of day, or weather conditions. Some choose to purchase their bicycles with monitors that measure heart rate, fat burning zone and cardio zone to keep track of their fitness levels.
Stationary exercise bicycles generally come in two different models, the standard upright and a recumbent. Standards mimic a conventional standard bicycle where you sit upright in the seat. However, just like on a conventional bicycle some find that the longer they sit on a bike the more aching they have in their lower back or groins. This can sometimes be corrected with a padded seat.
A recumbent stationary bicycle is very well suited to those who suffer with chronic back pain or with lower back problems. You sit down into a very wide saddle seat with a well cushioned back. You sit and lean back into the seat on a recumbent bike, with your legs extended out in front of you. It's like sitting in your favorite reclining chair. Recumbent bikes produce less strain for your knees and lower back.
Whatever your level of fitness remember to start slowly. You will want to warm up your muscles before you start pushing them. There is no better way to burn fat than an aerobic program. Stationary bike riding is a very good way to introduce interval training into your fitness program.
If you're interested in more of a total body workout you can look into stationary bikes that have handlebars that you pull and push away from you as you pedal. If you choose a standard stationary bicycle you will want to make sure that you get an upper body workout using weight lifting or resistance training.