Exercise Bikes for Weight Loss: Get, Set, Fit!

Exercise Station

Using exercise bikes for weight loss is an effective way of shedding those extra pounds. It helps you in toning your leg muscles and making you shed all that unwanted fat. Exercise bikes are a good form of cardio and a safer alternative to many exercise equipment. It strengthens the lower body and improves your core. Many people combine Augmented Reality glasses with exercise bike sessions to get a realistic feel of cycling. Let us understand a bit more about exercise bikes.

How to Use Exercise Bikes for Weight Loss?

Consuming the appropriate level of calories and burning double of them results in better metabolism and weight loss. Practicing stationary bikes is a great option to get rid of the extra calories. An exercise bike burns about 290 calories in 30 minutes.

Many models come with adjustable speed options and various workouts to choose from. You lose out on calories and build strength in the body when you are training at high intensity. Browse through the leading list on BestViewsReviews. We review and recommend them based on color range, effectiveness, and build quality. There are many other benefits of using an exercise bike. Read our blog to know about them.

  • Sit on the exercise bike and adjust the seat. The toes should touch the pedal, but it shouldn’t be too comfortable. This way, you can pick up speed without getting tired
  • Start pedaling at a low intensity for 5 – 7 minutes
  • Increase your pace to medium power and pedal for 3-4 minutes
  • Pick the pace to high intensity and pedal for about 1-3 minutes
  • Alternate between medium and high for about 20 minutes
  • Decrease your speed to low intensity for 5 – 7 minutes

Is 30 Minutes a Day on Exercise Bikes Enough?

An exercise bike is an ideal way to burn calories if you’re trying to lose weight. A 30-minute ride on a stationary bike burns around 200 to 300 calories. If you can achieve this by your third week, then you will see results. For people with stubborn body muscles, increasing your time gradually to 45 minutes will show results. Experts suggest indoor cycling for at least 3 -4 days a week. Some light exercise should follow during the rest of the week.

You can play with the time by hearing some music. Tweak your usual workout by introducing interval training if you wish to see faster results. Pedal fast for a minute and then go slow for another. Repeat such sets to make exercise on your indoor bike efficient and fun.

Buy the Best Exercise Bikes

3G Cardio Elite RB Exercise Bike

The 3G Cardio Elite RB Exercise Bike with 16-level adjustable magnetic resistance is ideal for home use. The seat is adjustable and is perfect for users from 5’ and 6’5”. It’s suitable for men, women, and seniors. It has got good reviews for its easy-to-hold handlebar and a water bottle holder. The bike can store up to 4 user profiles and is flexible for different positions. The LCD shows how many calories your body burns.

Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike is a great exercise bike for home, apartment, dorm room, or office. This indoor exercise bike helps you shed pounds, improve your health, and give you a lean and toned body. This is an indoor workout bike and is comfortable to ride and use. It has no impact on your joints and knees. It is ideal for those who suffer from bad knees, back pain, or knee arthritis. This is low-impact workout equipment that is safe for users of all ages.

Pooboo Magnetic Exercise Bikes

Reviews of Pooboo Magnetic Exercise Bike show that this bike has a nice and attractive design that folds easily. It is lightweight and you can take it with you around. It offers convenient storage and offer quick fold or unfolding. There is a magnetic resistance system that is built into the exercise bike. Changing any of the moving parts to alter the amount of resistance is not advisable. You have to pedal to make the bike move forward while picking up the speed you want.

DMASUN Exercise Bike

The DMASUN Exercise Bike is the perfect choice for your home workout. It features a solid steel frame construction with built-in transportation wheels for easy moving, a large LCD that shows the current speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, and adjustable magnetic resistance. This model has got good reviews for its comfortable seat and handlebars.

DeskCycle Under Desk Pedal Exerciser

Reviews of DeskCycle Under Desk Pedal Exerciser suggest that it is the best under-desk bike in the market. This bike is compact in size and will slide under desks as low as 27inches. It offers  8 calibrated resistance settings that allow you to adjust the workout intensity at your convenience. You can check variables like speed, time & distance on the 6 functions removable LCD display.

Recumbent exercise bikes have seats close to the ground with comfortable back support. Check out our blog to find the best recumbent exercise bike of 2022.

Conclusion

Investing in an exercise bike for weight loss is a great way to get back in shape. A good exercise bike will not just make you lose weight but also improve your health. It will help in toning your legs and improving your posture. Comfortable bikes for ample support to your lower body and support your back.

Buying the right exercise bike can be tough. Read our blog to know how to buy the best exercise bikes. Browse through to know your options.

BestViewsReviews rates and reviews hundreds of best exercise bikes and top-rated cycling bikes based on design, noise level, convenience and build quality.

Exercise Bikes for Seniors: The Best Way to Get Fit

Exercise Bikes for Seniors

Exercise Bikes for seniors come with comfortable seating, mounting, and riding options. Cycling is considered a recommended practice by health practitioners. You may experience joint pain as you age because of a decline in bone and muscle structure. This prevents you from staying active, resulting in a lazy body. Investing in an exercise bike is an excellent option to keep your aging body healthy and in shape.

Cycling is a low-impact exercise that reduces the strain on your muscles and joints. It works on your cardiovascular system to make your heart healthy. Some studies even show that cycling can slow down the process of aging in both men and women. We have a dedicated blog on the benefits of exercise bikes. Read through to know its advantages.

Are Exercise Bikes for Seniors Worth?

Yes, indoor cycles are suitable for seniors. Regular cycling has shown a slower decline in muscle and bone density. It also works to keep your immunity intact. Our thymus gland, which produces immune cells, shrinks as we age. Exercising regularly can help maintain the gland. Workout equipment like exercise bikes and treadmills allows you to increase your fitness regime. Cycling can improve strength, cholesterol, testosterone, and fat levels.

How Long is it Suitable to Ride Exercise Bikes for Seniors?

A daily session of 20 minutes is sufficient for the elderly and seniors. As per WHO, the elderly should exercise on an indoor bike for at least 150 minutes per week. They can switch between low, medium, and high intensity. The intensity depends on factors like bone health, knee condition, and leg pain.

Tips for Cycling on Exercise Bikes for Seniors

A medical condition like arthritis will limit your mobility as you age. Exercising on a cycling bike will regulate your heart rate and keep you fit. Read the tips below for maximum safety and results.

Protect Your Knees

You should ensure your form is correct when exercising on a bike. Keep your knees stable and sit back. You will experience discomfort when pedaling if you sit too close to the handlebars. Recumbent exercise bikes offer the best protection for your legs.

Keep Your Exercise Bikes in Good Shape

Saving money is a good idea, but if you have a bike that has been idle for a long, invest in a new exercise bike. You ought to have a professional examine the old one if you feel it will work. Safety should be prioritized due to the possibility of equipment malfunctions causing accidents.

Try Electric Exercise Bikes for Seniors

Consider an electric bike if you feel your body will not support your exercise routine. It will assist you in pedaling, relieving joint aches.

Take it Easy

It would help if you did not push yourself when exercising on an indoor bike. Improve your skills and endurance as per your body, and never ignore the pain. Make sure you visit a doctor and get advice on if cycling is suitable. It is important to introduce the machine to our bodies gradually so that they can adjust to it.

Maintaining the Balance

Go for an exercise bike like Pooboo Magnetic Exercise that comes with a sturdy body and comfortable seat. It will take the load off from your back and hands while offering stability.

Fuel Your Body

Consume some carbohydrates like a mashed potato before you step up on the exercise bike. Drink sufficient water before you exercise to avoid dehydration. Make sure you keep a water bottle handy or wear a hydration pack. You can also have something to munch on, like snack bars if you feel weak or dizzy.

How to Choose an Exercise Bike for Seniors

Prioritize Easy Mounting and Support

The bike should be simple to mount. It should be comfortable to ride for longer workout sessions. The bike should provide back support and improve your posture too. Good exercise bikes keep the feet firmly planted on the pedals for better grip while pedaling.

Focus on Seat Comfort

The seat should be spacious and comfortable. It should not be hard on your back and should offer better posture and support. Many models also come with padded seats for better comfort.

Check for a Smooth Ride

The smoothness of the ride is essential for maximum comfort. A clumsy ride is challenging on the knees and can result in injury. It is necessary to test the bike in the store to see how it works for you. You should look for products that come with returns on purchases if you are buying online.

Don’t Forget Safety

Heart rate monitors are essential for senior exercisers. They have pre-programmed workouts that are simple to follow and progress at a safe pace. Choose a console display that’s easy to use for navigation convenience.

Most Comfortable Exercise Bike for Seniors

3G Cardio Elite RB Exercise Bike

The reviews of the 3G Cardio Elite RB Exercise Bike show that this bike is an excellent solution for office workers, students, and seniors. It can help to improve circulation in your legs and remove stiffness and soreness. You can reduce the swelling in your legs and feet by exercising on this bike. This bike uses magnetic resistance and can withstand a total weight of up to 350 pounds.

Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike

Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike is designed for the comfort of people of all ages. This exercise bike is a great way to shed pounds and maintain a healthy weight for children, adults, senior citizens, and everyone. It features 16 levels of magnetic resistance and an LED monitor to showcase your workout variables. Reviews suggest that this bike is ideal workout equipment for different fitness goals.

Pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike

The Pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike offers multi-level adjustable magnetic resistance. It is an ideal exercise bike for seniors. This is an affordable bike that is easy to assemble and set up. It has a heavy-duty steel frame with a stable and safe design. This bike uses a belt drive mechanism for smooth and quiet workouts. The maximum weight handling capacity of this model is 20 pounds.

DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle

The reviews of DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle suggest it be a top-ranking compact under-desk design bike. This bike can help you achieve your fitness goals with ease, comfort, and efficiency. You can slide this bike under desks as low as 27inches. It features 8 calibrated resistance settings that let you adjust your workout intensity. The 6-function removable LCD display shows the time, speed, distance, and calories burned.

Conclusion

Exercise and age sometimes do not correlate with each other, and as you age, safety becomes a primary concern. A stationary exercise bike will offer you a safe option to work on yourself regardless of the time or the weather outside. Buying an exercise bike can be confusing. It is important to know what things to consider while buying an exercise bike.

Exercise bikes can also help you lose body weight and get back into shape. Read our blog to find the best exercise bikes to lose weight.

BestViewsReviews rates and reviews hundreds of stationary bikes based on build quality, ease of use, and durability.

The Absolute Chainsaw Chains Guide

chainsaw chains

The chain is the crucial element of a chainsaw device. This part demands special attention and regular maintenance to function well. The chainsaw chain varies on the basis of its size, type, and various other factors. You can find different chains like full chisel, semi-chisel, and low profile chains that solve different purposes. The specifications of the product can change with the varying usage. Measuring the chain and finding the best replacement might seem like an easy task, but the process of measurement isn’t that straightforward. You should consider a few pointers while replacing your chainsaw chain.

Features to Look for While Replacing Your Chainsaw Chains

Carbide Chain

This robust and durable material helps your chainsaw accomplish intensive tasks easily. Chains engineered from carbide can endure harsher environments. They do not wear out easily and are usually on the higher end of its cost. Workplaces that have a rougher environment should prefer carbide chainsaws.

Built-in Lubrication

Some chainsaws are designed in a way where they remain lubricated throughout the process. The grooves in the chain ensure that the lubricant stays on the teeth and ensures smooth operations. We suggest you take a look at the information guide of the Chainsaws if you are on the lookout for the best chainsaw.

Self-Sharpening Chainsaw Chain

Chain sharpening is a time-consuming process but one that has to be regularly done. Some chainsaws maintain their sharpness over prolonged usage with the help of their self-sharp mechanism. Understanding the parts of the Chainsaw and knowing how to reset the chainsaw chain will help in maintaining the chain and troubleshooting minor problems that might arise due to continuous use.

Low Vibration Chainsaw Chain

More vibrations account for more discomfort as intense vibrations may tire the sawyer easily. Complications like pain, numbness, and sensations may occur in the hands if your chain vibrates frequently. You can lessen the vibrations by introducing some space between the guide bar and the chain. It is good to prefer low-vibration chains while choosing the right chainsaw chain.

The reviews of Oregon S40 AdvanceCut suggest it as one of the best-selling chainsaw accessories in the market. It has a 3/8 inch low-profile pitch and offers smooth and fast operation with minimum kickback.

Parameters to Consider While Measuring Chainsaw Chains

Gauge

The main use of a gauge is to measure the thickness of the drive links. Drive links are the parts where the chainsaw enters the guide bars. Matching the right thickness will help it fit perfectly on the guide bar. The gauge value is usually mentioned on the guide bar.

Pitch

This parameter is the measure of how close the links are in a chain. You get the value of the pitch when you divide the distance between three rivets by two. This value is also mentioned on the guide bar.

The Oregon Poulan D70 has got good reviews for its easy compatibility with other models like Homelite, McCulloch, Poul, Echo – CS-452, CS-550EVL, and others.

Length

The number of drive links on your chainsaw is its length. You will have to count the number of links manually to obtain the value of the length. You can go with chains like BLACK+DECKER RC800 if you want a chain to fit perfectly with the 8 inches chainsaw.

Are There Different Grades of Chainsaw Chains?

Chainsaw chains like the high-quality Oregon R34 Advance come in different types based on cutter type and chain sequence. The cutters are mainly of three types; semi-chisel, chisel, and low-profile cutters. Chain sequence is the spacing provided between the cutters on the chain. The sequence can be standard, semi-skip, or fully skip. You can go with a full skip chain sequence to obtain clean and efficient cuts.

Does the Number of Links in a Chainsaw Chains Matter?

The answer is Yes. The higher number of links will result in more tension of chain during the operation. You can look for a fewer number of links to prevent excessive stretching. The bar length and chain type can help you know the number of links on your chain. A bar measuring 16″ in length may require 66 drive links. Reviews of Husqvarna 531300439 show that this model has the high-build quality and 72 links.

How Long Should Chainsaw Chains Last Before Sharpening?

A chainsaw chain often comes with high durability and can easily last for 5 to 7 years. Your chainsaw chain can also last for up to a decade or more if you are using it occasionally and with proper maintenance. You should consider replacing your chain once you reach the sharpening limit.

How Often Should You Sharpen Chainsaw Chains?

You should consider sharpening your chainsaw chain after several uses, but it depends on your usage too. The thumb rule is to sharpen your chains whenever they go dull while cutting. Some chains require sharpening after 8 to 10 uses while others work great for the complete season.

Conclusion

It is imperative to use the right chain whether you are looking for an electric or gas-powered chainsaw or other outdoor tools like leaf blowers. A wrong size chain may derail from the guide bar or may result in frequent kickbacks. This might be injurious to you. Using the right kind of chain will ensure that your chainsaw is in good condition. You can go through our blog to know all about chainsaw chains.

BestViewsReviews rates and reviews hundreds of chainsaw accessories on the basis of quality, durability, and convenience.

External Hard Drives: All Your Questions Answered

external hard drive

External hard drives are external storage devices that can transfer and store files, documents, and various data from laptops and keep them safe. It is an effective backup device and comes with storage capacities ranging from 500 GB to 1 TB or more. The problem of overloading laptops or computers is way too common. A hands-on solution to this is an external hard drive. It also allows you to create extra storage for computers that are short on storage capacities. External hard drives also allow you to share information between systems easily. You can read through our blog External Hard Drive for Mac if you are a mac user and want to know more mac specific information.

Benefits of Having an External Hard Drive

Storage Capacity

External hard drives offer a large capacity making it convenient to store heavy files and data much effectively as compared to flash drives. You can easily get hard drives with a storage capacity of up to 10 TB or even more for professional use.

Backup Drive

An external hard drive offers you a convenient way of backing up your data. You can keep your large files safely in these drives. External drives provide secure and one-stop backup to all the crucial data which might be at risk due to windows malfunctioning or cybercrimes.

Improved Performance

External drives offer a good speed while transferring data. They are quite easy to use and do not require any special software to start functioning. These devices are flexible and are compatible with all kinds of operating systems without any difficulty.

Portability

External hard drives are compact devices that can be carried around conveniently. This means that you can carry your important files and crucial data to your meetings or presentation easily. Many hard drives are designed to slip in your pockets with ease.

Longer Life

External hard drives have higher durability and longer life than other storage devices. These storage units can easily last for up to 5 years. The average lifespan of most hard drives is a minimum of 3 years. This allows you to keep your data in the same drive for a long time. External hard drives are also quite affordable as compared to the amount of storage they provide for your crucial data.

Can I Download Software Into my Computer Using an External Hard Drive?

You can download and install software using an external hard drive. This can only be done once the software has been downloaded and you are about to run it. You can go to download and change the storage location of the software and place it in the external folder. Downloading and installing any software through one external drive might not allow you to use that software on a different workstation. You may require other special software for that.

Can I Download Games into an External Hard Drive?

Yes, you can download and install the games into an external hard drive but there are certain limitations to it.

  • The games will load slower than usual if the speed of the external hard drive is lesser than the internal drive speed.
  • You won’t be able to play the game whenever the external hard drive containing the game is not connected to your laptop
  • If the external hard drive is damaged, then you will have to install the games again
  • The game will crash and you will have to start all over again if the external drive gets disconnected in between the play mode.

How Long Does an External Hard Drive Last?

An external hard drive like Toshiba Canvio Advance lasts for around 3-5 years. This durability depends on many factors like the quality of the hard drive, make, and model. Brands also play an important role in durability. It is important to keep your drives protected from physical damage. We recommend you replace the hard drives every couple of years to protect the data.

What If the External Hard Drive Fails?

An external hard drive fails because of many factors. There could be read/write failures or internal defects. In such cases, the hard drive needs to be repaired before any data transfer is attempted.

Can I Use a USB Stick as an External Hard Drive?

The answer is Yes. You can use a USB stick as an external hard drive, provided the USB is connected to the laptop. The USB stick helps you can perform all functions that an external hard drive does like saving, downloading, and deleting. Read our blog to know everything about photosticks.

What is the Difference Between a Flash Drive and an External Hard Drive?

Mechanism

External hard drives use electro-mechanical data that makes them sustainable to damage, unlike flash drives that are non-volatile memory and prone to damage.

Storage Capacity

External hard drives have a larger storage capacity as compared to flash drives. External hard drives come in capacity between 500 GB and 10 TB or more, whereas flash drives are available in capacities of between 2 GB and 56 GB or more. The reviews of WD Elements Portable External Hard Drive show that it comes with a massive capacity of 2TB.

Portability

A flash drive is a tiny device that can fit in any compact space, making them convenient, portable, and ergonomic. External hard drives also offer the same except they are a bit heavier and bigger than flash drives.

What is the Best External Hard Drive?

An external hard drive that is secure, speedy, efficient, sturdy, and ergonomic is the best. Reviews of WD 10TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive suggest it as one of the best external hard drives. This drive comes with a massive memory of 10 TB with exceptional compatibility and a secure backup mechanism. You can transfer your data quickly in this hard drive model.

You can also look for other options like the top-ranking WD 4TB Gaming Drive that is compatible with PS4 devices to offer you a seamless gaming experience. This model has got good reviews for 4 TB storage capacity and lightweight design weighing just 0.57 pounds. It is a must-have storage device for you, especially if you are a gamer.

The other high-quality drive is Toshiba HDTB410XK3AA that has got excellent reviews for its sleek profile design with a matte. This drive has 1 TB of storage capacity that is ideal for personal, gaming, and business use. It uses USB 2.0 for quick data transfer and requires no external AC power cord for its setup.

Conclusion

It is important to have a good hard drive as most of the professional and personal lives revolve around digital and electronic media. These drives can store massive data keeping them safe and secure. You can carry these storage units everywhere with you. The versatile features and ergonomic design make external hard drives one of the best back-ups to go for as far as data is concerned.

BestViewsReviews rates and reviews hundreds of top-selling photosticks and high-quality internal hard drives on the basis of durability, performance, and quality.