Ergometer / Exercise bike

Exercise bikes and ergometers are among the most popular fitness equipment and are suitable for all body sizes, weights and ages. Cycling is a very efficient and enjoyable way to exercise. The upper body is supported by the saddle and thus relieved, while the pedalling movement is even and gentle on the joints. Cycling is an effective endurance sport and trains the cardiovascular system and strengthens the leg muscles. It can burn fat and improve fitness and mobility. Training on an ergometer is also ideal for rehabilitation and as a warm-up.

Exercise bikes and ergometers are the very first home sports equipment and have hardly lost any of their popularity to this day. Exercising within your own four walls is convenient, possible at any time and independent of the weather. Cycling is a very effective and enjoyable way to exercise. The upper body is supported by the saddle and thus relieved, while the pedalling movement is even and easy on the joints.

Cycling is an effective endurance sport and trains the cardiovascular system and strengthens the leg muscles. It burns fat and improves mobility. Cycling is also ideal for rehabilitation and as a warm-up.

Ergometers are technically more complex and often more expensive than exercise bikes. The ergometer displays your training performance in watts, whereas exercise bikes only indicate a level of exertion. Unlike exercise bikes, ergometers are electronically adjusted and are also characterised by precise load control and a high level of display accuracy. Ergometers are therefore often suitable for therapeutic use.

The magnetic brake used in ergometers is usually an electronically controlled eddy current brake. As it has no moving parts, unlike a mechanically or motorised adjustable magnetic brake, these brake systems are very durable.

On speed-dependent ergometers, the current pedalling power is displayed in watts. With speed-independent ergometers, the wattage can be set. If the user pedals faster, the pedalling resistance is reduced. If the cadence is too low, the pedalling resistance is increased. In this way, the user always remains at the preset power level (watts). With a speed-independent ergometer, the user trains at the exact power level specified by him or her or by the doctor. This is why speed-independent ergometers are also suitable for therapy and rehabilitation or for top-class sport.

Ergometers are equipped with training computers that offer a variety of programmes. Pre-programmed load profiles, watt and pulse-controlled programmes, interval programmes and user-defined training programmes are all available. On many ergometer models, the programmes can be programmed via a computer using a PC interface. The training data can also be recorded and analysed using special training software. User-friendly displays show comprehensive training statistics such as time, distance, watts, heart rate, bike revolutions etc..

Heart rate-controlled programmes, such as the Circle Fitness B8 or Tunturi E60, automatically control the target heart rate after entering the desired training heart rate (for fat-burning or endurance training) by lowering or increasing the pedalling resistance. Pre-programmed training profiles, as is usual with most ergometers, increase motivation through varied training.

Training on an ergometer offers a variety of benefits and is well suited to different fitness goals and needs:

Improving cardiovascular health: exercising on an ergometer, such as a cycle ergometer or rowing ergometer, raises the heart rate and improves cardiovascular endurance. Regular exercise on an ergometer can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall heart health.
Increasing endurance: Exercising on an ergometer improves aerobic endurance. This means that you increase your ability to be active for longer periods of time without tiring. This can have an impact on everyday activities, sporting performance and general physical resilience.
Calorie burning and weight loss: Exercising on an ergometer can effectively help to burn calories and thus contribute to weight loss or weight control. Depending on the intensity and duration of the workout, training on an ergometer can provide a high energy burn.
Joint-friendly training: Training on an ergometer, especially on equipment such as a cycle ergometer or a cross trainer, is easier on the joints compared to other high-impact exercises such as jogging. This is beneficial for people with joint problems or injuries who still want to do effective endurance training.
Individual customisation options: Ergometers usually offer various resistance settings, training programmes and tracking functions that allow training to be adapted to individual needs and fitness goals. This enables a controlled and targeted training load.
Weather-independent training: Training on an ergometer makes it possible to train regardless of the weather conditions. You can train both indoors and outdoors and therefore enjoy consistent training opportunities.