Schwinn 231 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Save money on monthly gym fees and get yourself in shape with the compact, comfortable Schwinn 231 recumbent exercise bike. The 231 boasts all the high-quality features of the Schwinn 213, but adds several extras, including a nicer, easier-to-read instrument panel with a three-position angle adjustment, a better cooling fan, a slightly lower pedal height that produces a more comfortable riding position, and an easy step-through frame. And that doesn't even account for all the essentials, which range from 16 resistance levels to handlebars with an integrated heart rate monitor built into the grip. The handiest feature, however, is unquestionably the anatomically designed recumbent seat, which not only offers a dual-position lumbar support for added comfort, but also a padded base that adjusts in the for/aft positions to accommodate a variety of body types and sizes.

Specifications:

• 16 resistance levels
• 10 preset programs and 10 profile courses
• Programs include calorie goal, time trial, fitness test, BMI measurement, recovery test, results mode, quick start, and manual mode
• Backlit LCD monitor with BioConnect feedback display
• Workout stats include time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, and resistance
• Extra-wide comfort seat with dual-position lumbar support and slide bolsters
• Premium BioFit pedals
• Handlebars with integrated heart rate grips
• Onboard storage behind seat for easy access to magazines, towels, and other accessories
• Adjustable cooling fan
• Transport wheels for easy movement

About Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out.

The term recumbent literally means "lying down." Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full ergonomic back support, without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulders, all of which can be common effects of using an upright bicycle. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.

Customer Review: Good but smelly
Schwinn has made a good product at a decent price, but it's not perfect. First the good points. This bike is solid and quiet. It really feels sturdy when you're peddling away due to the wide base. It has a great back-lit screen that is clear and easy to read. And of course like all recumbent workout bikes this is great for watching TV, reading, or even playing Xbox games while working out. There are some features I would have liked. This unit has no memory to save the results of your previous workouts like the more costly units. It would be nice to see a few progress charts of your progress, and have the computer suggest programs and set target speeds based on your previous results. They really need to take advantage of the computer by adding a guided exercise program. The water bottle holder is adequate but since the bottle is on its side you need to make sure to close your bottle or else it will leak. The unit is very tall and long, so it doesn't pack away into a corner very well. Also the computer monitor stand does not raise or lower (it only tilts) so it can get in the way of the TV. And finally, the rubber seat material smells terrible. There is a strong, musky odor that hasn't gone away after a week. I called Nautilus for support and they suggested spraying it with Armor All Protectant to seal it up so hopefully that will do the trick. Overall I am very happy with this purchase and can feel my health improving already. It's a great way to combat laziness while watching TV.
Customer Review: Schwinn 231 Best Recumbent Bike I've Ever Owned.
Pros: I have tried two other makes of recumbent bikes and I got to say that this is the best one out there especially for this price. The bike is built solid, like you'd find in a gym and if you didn't already know it's really made by Nautilus for Schwinn. The bike's magnetic resistance makes workouts completely silent, so watching a movie/tv or reading is a real joy. I find that if I lose myself in something else I'll forget I'm working out and can go a lot longer. The bike is loaded with a lot of different profiles for all different types of workouts and if you don't like any you can program your own, that feature was not available on the other two bikes I tried. The bike was not that hard to put together, just patience and following the directions and it goes together really nice. Cons: I would like to be able to adjust the angle or tilt on the back rest, but the lumbar support makes up for that short coming. The integrated fan that is built into the 231's control panel is not really that useful, but the control unit/display it's self has a lot more functions and is easier to see than the Schwinn 230 model, so to me it was worth the little bit extra for the added features and visibility. I was a little scared about ordering something so big and heavy through the mail, that it would arrive damaged, but I'm happy to say like most people in the reviews "it arrive in perfect condition and in only 7 days from ordering it". I purchase the bike during February fitness month when it was $ dollars off plus free shipping, that was a steal, Thanks Amazon.com.

I am hoping that you are as full of the joys of spring as I am. There is nothing like the spring time; the abundance of hedgerow flowers, the beauty of the bluebell wood, the creamy froth of the cow-parsley in the lanes, the birdsong and the sunshine. After the muted beauty of the winter landscape, the piercing greenness of the new leaves is enough to take your breath away. There is no excuse; you simply must get out in the fresh air at this time of year; walking, cycling, running, riding or simply ambling.

And dont think that the rampant excesses of spring are confined to the countryside; urban dwellers will be surrounded by hidden places to explore within the city or town; cycle paths, tow-paths, walks and rides around docks, parks, nature reserves or even the local allotments.

You will discover a wealth of interesting places bursting with birdsong and wild life just a short distance from where you live; for some ideas and inspiration visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/getinvolved/

You may choose to venture further afield and tackle a longer walk; there are many footpaths throughout the countryside ranging in length and gradient, so that you can pick one which challenges you, or build yourself up slowly. Take a look at the ramblers Association website which lists challenging and easy walks (the website also lists local walking groups and holidays) http://www.ramblers.org.uk or http://www.go4awalk.com/walks/

Once again, the urbanites will not miss-out, as there is a collection of walks through towns and cities: http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/urbanwalks.html (For walks in the US and Canada try http://walking.about.com/od/trails/Walking_Trails_and_Destinations.htm or http://www.trails.com/activities.asp?area=14949 )

According to the cycle network Sustrans 75% of people in the UK live within 2 miles of a National Cycle Route, so you can make the most of the improved weather and get on your bike. Invite family and friends and meet at a pub or stop for a picnic. You can find lots of information or buy cycle maps at http://www.sustrans.org.uk for further free cycle routes try http://www.cycle-routes.org/ncn.htm

If you have children you can still encourage them to walk several miles by inviting other families with kids to join you; you will find that they walk faster, further and with less whining when their friends are around and there is an orange juice at the pub afterwards. Babies and toddlers can be transported in backpacks and slings, and there is a huge range of child seats, trailers and tow along bikes for all ages so that the whole family can get out cycling. If a pleasant cycle is not exciting enough for you, hose down your mountain bike and get muddy http://mbruk.co.uk/ If you want a new challenge, and are not scared of horses (or very tight trousers), why not try horse riding or pony trekking; another great way of experiencing the countryside. And if that simply is not your cup of tea, you can still walk the bridleways http://www.bridleways.co.uk/ (For the US and Canada, also try http://www.cyclecanada.com/ http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/ for walking, running cycling and riding trails visit http://www.trails.com/trails.asp )

Now is a perfect time to spring-clean your lifestyle and make it more healthy; take a look for times when you can get out and about, see if it could be possible to cycle or walk to work even if it isnt every day (I have saved hundreds of pounds in motoring and parking costs over the last ten months, and am more likely to get somewhere on time). Dust off your bikes, shake the spiders out of you walking boots, and plan where you are going to go, who you are going to invite, and put it in your diary. Take 5 minutes today to Google local information sites such as your local council website, and you will come up with a wealth of free information on cycle ways, bridle paths, local walks, maps, and local schemes to encourage you to get out and about. This Spring you can take some small steps to change your lifestyle in a big way; you simply cannot stay gloomy after a walk drenched in sunshine and birdsong, you cannot stay stressed if you take your working lunch in a peaceful old churchyard tucked among the office blocks, you cannot have bored kids if you get out on safe cycle ways for a family ride. You do not need an expensive gym membership when there is a world of opportunity on your doorstep; the great outdoors is yours to use to your advantage, and it costs nothing. Getting outside will help you shape up, stay active, burn calories, release stress, stay younger, spend time with family and friends and become happier. Go on then, what are you waiting for?

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser, GP Referred Trainer and runs successful Community and Corporate Exercise classes and events. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters. Vikki believes passionately that everyone can make small changes to their lifestyle to ensure that they live happier, longer and healthier lives. She lives in Bristol in the U.K. with her partner Jeremy and two young children Apple and Honey. For enquiries for nutritional advice, personal training, corporate wellness and general enquiries visit http://www.getfitter.net

Exercise Equipment Bikes