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Schwinn 205P Recumbent Exercise Bike
Schwinn, best-known for its road bikes, also produces a complete line of fitness equipment, including ellipticals, treadmills, upright and recumbent bikes. The 205P is a recumbent bike designed for residential use. This is an older model recumbent bike that you can no longer purchase new. Used and refurbished machines are available online.
Design
The 205P is a full recumbent bike. The pedals are slightly higher than your seat, elevating your legs. According to the American Council on Exercise, a non-profit fitness organization, recumbent bikes put less stress on your joints than other cardio equipment, such as treadmills and elliptical machines. The organization notes that recumbent bikes add support for your back, making them a good choice if you have back problems or chronic back pain.
Specifications
The 205P has a heavy, 31 lb. fly wheel. Heavier fly wheels provide more inertia, resulting in a smooth, fluid pedal motion. The bike is 64 inches long, 18 inches wide and 29 inches tall. It weighs 117 lbs. and can support users up to 300 lbs. the 205P has transport wheels on the front leg. Lift the back of the machine to roll it to a different room or workout area.
Features
The seat on the 205P can be adjusted forward or back to accommodate most users. Rear stabilizers keep the bike steady for a smooth ride. The 205P offers both micro and macro pedal resistance adjustment. The macro adjustment allows you to release all the pedal resistance or to add greater pedal resistance than the preset factory settings. The micro adjustment allows you to increase or decrease the pedal resistance in small increments. The macro adjustment you set before your workout; the micro adjustment setting you can change during your workout.
Computer
The 205P comes with a mounted computer that provides information about your workout. The LCD displays your speed, distance, accumulated miles, calories and elapsed time. You can set a time or distance goal for your workout and the computer will count down this setting as you progress. The console will display your pulse, but you must have the optional pulse receiver module installed.
Explore In Depth
References
- American Council on Exercise: What's the Best Piece of Cardio Equipment to Use?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much phsyical activity do adults need? Updated January 9, 2020.
- Lee C-W, Cho G-H, Effect of stationary cycle exercise on gait and balance of elderly women. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014;26(3):431-433. doi:10.1589/jpts.26.431
- Lopes AD, Alouche SR, Hakansson N, Cohen M. Electromyography during pedaling on upright and recumbent ergometer. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2014;9(1):76–81.
- Albarrati A. Effect of body posture on cardiovascular performance and recovery during cycling exercise. Phys Med Rehab Kuror. 2017;27(1):53-57. doi:10.1055/s-0042-122145
- Peterson NE, Osterloh KD, Graff MN. Exercises for older adults with knee and hip pain. J Nurse Pract. 2019;15(4):263-267. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2018.12.029
- Kim SD, Lee SH, Lee HH, Jeong IG. Effects of recumbent bicycle exercise on cardiac autonomic responses and hemodynamics variables in patients with atrial fibrillation. Korean J Health Promot. 2019;19(4):248-254. doi:10.15384/kjhp.2019.19.4.248
- Bouillon L, Baker R, Gibson C, Kearney A, Busemeyer T. Comparison of trunk and lower extremity muscle activity among four stationary equipment devices: Upright bike, recumbent bike, treadmill, and elliptigo. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2016;11(2):190-200.
Writer Bio
Based in Austin, Texas, Jolie Johnson has been in the fitness industry for over 12 years and has been writing fitness-related articles since 2008 for various websites. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and philosophy from the University of Illinois.