If you live in a place where the weather isn't always on your side, purchasing an upright or recumbent bike is a nice addition to any home gym. These bikes provide all the same benefits as a treadmill or traditional bicycle, but if you choose an upright or recumbent bike with moving arms you'll get an upper-body workout as well. Exercising all your muscle groups at once can help you achieve your fitness or weight loss goals.
When considering which brand makes the best exercise bike with moving arms, you may be wondering about the difference between Schwinn and Assault Fitness among others. Thankfully, the Active Reviews Team knows how valuable your time is, so we've done a thorough investigation and come up with our top six choices to give you the lowdown on the best exercise bikes with moving arms.
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The Best Exercise Bike With Moving Arms - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Exercise Bike With Moving Arms: Rogue Echo Bike
- Best Budget Exercise Bike With Moving Arms: Sunny Health Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Air Bike With Moving Arms: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite
- Best Compact Exercise Bike With Moving Arms: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic
- Best Exercise Bike With Moving Arms for Beginners: Schwinn Airdyne AD7
- Best Exercise Bike With Moving Arms for Upper-Body Workouts: Sunny Health Arm Exerciser Magnetic Recumbent Bike
Best Overall Exercise Bike With Moving Arms - Rogue Echo Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 58.87"L x 29.87"W x 52.75"H
- Weight: 127 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
We chose the Rogue Echo Bike as the best overall exercise bike with moving arms because it provides everything you need to work up a sweat. There's a reason that the Echo Bike is purchased frequently for gyms and other facilities, it's made with a range of durable steel tubing and finished with a textured black powder coat making it commercial-grade. The reinforced steel and rubber leveling feet help keep your ride smooth even if you decide to go all out.
On the LCD console, you can choose from different modes that include interval training or you can choose a target distance or calories to follow along with your favorite indoor cycling app. It can also track your heart rate, however, a heart rate transmitter is not included and is an additional cost. One callout we have is that you have to purchase the wind guard separately if you don't want the air from the fan blowing in your face while you work out. On the other hand, you may enjoy it since the air can keep you cool.
What We Like
- Simple assembly, no additional tools needed
- Self-propelling system won't move unless you do, making for a challenging workout
- Different modes give you options for workouts
- Seat is comfortable and adjustable
- Wheels give you the ability to move it
What We Don't Like
- No adjustable resistance available
- Heart rate monitor and fan cover cost additional money
- No foot strap
BUY: Rogue Echo Bike
Best Budget Exercise Bike With Moving Arms - Sunny Health Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 51"L x 25"W x 52.5"H
- Weight: 91.1 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
The Sunny Health Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is a versatile and budget-friendly option. The large seat is comfortable and offers a plush back cushion for back support. The inseam is adjustable making it easy for all different body types to get on and off the machine. It comes with a monitor with a simplistic display that tracks your time, count, total count, calories, and count per minute.
The handlebars have dual-position hand grips so you can choose a comfortable position to target the muscle groups in your upper body. With a simple knob twist, you can increase or decrease the resistance of your arm exercisers. This is a great option if you're a beginner and want a lower level of resistance or if you're looking for something more challenging.
What We Like
- Comes with pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate
- Seat can be adjusted while sitting
- Free on-demand workouts in the SunnyFit app
- 8 resistance levels
What We Don't Like
- Interval training mode not available
- Seat height cannot be adjusted
BUY: Sunny Health Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Best Air Bike With Moving Arms - Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite
SPECS
- Dimensions: 55.08"L x 26.26"W x 55"H
- Weight: 138.89 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
If you're looking for upper and lower body isolation, the Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite has a professional-grade design and is built for intense training. The upgraded system intensifies your resistance as you increase speed, challenging you further. That being said, it's an optimal bike if you want to work on interval training since high speeds and resistance levels typically can't be maintained for a long period.
The frame is made of steel and has four leveling feet to keep it from wobbling, even during the most intense sprint. The pedals and crank are reinforced and every pivot has sealed cartridge bearings to keep everything securely in place. The screen is Bluetooth compatible and displays your watts, RPMs (revolutions per minute), calories, heart rate, distance, time, odometer, and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) programs.
What We Like
- Comes equipped with a fan cover
- Resistance increases as you increase speed
- Rubber-coated handles make gripping easy
- Screen offers interval training options
What We Don't Like
- Seat does not have a back cushion
- Not being able to control the resistance may not be ideal for beginners
BUY: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite
Best Compact Exercise Bike With Moving Arms - Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic
SPECS
- Dimensions: 50.95"L x 23.34"W x 50"H
- Weight: 95.64 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
The Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic is an excellent option if you're limited on space and it comes with built-in wheels so you can easily move all 95 pounds around as you need to. Much like the Elite version, this model also automatically increases resistance as you push, pull, and pedal with greater force. The LCD screen has plenty of options for workouts from Tabata to calorie or distance goals. If one of the seven programs doesn't work for you, you can design your workouts based on calories, distance, time, or heart rate (monitor not included) goals.
The seat is comfortable and can be adjusted easily using the pop-pin lock and it has leveling feet to keep the bike stable. The steel frame keeps it from moving from side to side as the 27-inch steel fan, propelled by you, moves faster and faster. Since this bike is more compact, it's important to note that the max user weight of 300 pounds is slightly lower than others on this list.
What We Like
- There are 7 programs to choose from or you can create a custom workout
- Powder-coated steel is durable
- Reinforced pedals and crank
What We Don't Like
- Not being able to control the resistance may not be ideal for beginners
- Max user weight of 300 lbs. is slightly lower than other bikes
BUY: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic
Best Exercise Bike With Moving Arms for Beginners - Schwinn Airdyne AD7
SPECS
- Dimensions: 53"L x 26.5"W x 53"H
- Weight: 113 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is an upright bike with moving arms that can help beginners develop their cardio and strength. The multiple-position hand grips give you a variety of workout options and you can use the LCD console to track your progress. It comes with nine preloaded programs or you can create a custom program to fit your needs.
The belt drive makes each pedal stroke smooth and quiet, and it responds to the rider's effort providing an appropriate amount of resistance to match the strength. If you don't like to feel the breeze, there is a small air diverter to block the rush of air. It has a powder-coated steel frame, so if you have it in a place with no temperature control you're protected from the elements.
What We Like
- Multiple handlebar grips add variety
- Textured step area to help you get on and off safely
- FlyWheel has 26 air blades for maximum power
- Wide, comfortable seat
What We Don't Like
- Seat does not have a back cushion
- No pedal straps
BUY: Schwinn Airdyne AD7
Best Exercise Bike With Moving Arms for Upper-Body Workouts - Sunny Health Arm Exerciser Magnetic Recumbent Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 60"L x 25.5"W x 34.6"H
- Weight: 95.8 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
Making sure your upper body gets the attention it deserves during your workout is easy thanks to the Sunny Health Arm Exerciser Magnetic Recumbent Bike. The handlebars move back and forth while you pedal working your arms, back, and shoulders. The magnetic tension system allows you to adjust your resistance between all eight levels to increase the intensity as you need to.
During your workout, you can keep an eye on your heart rate as it's tracked by the pulse sensor. The screen has a simplistic display that tracks your speed, time, distance, calories, and total distance, however, you can use the built-in device holder to follow along with a workout on your phone or tablet.
What We Like
- Pulse sensor tracks your heart rate
- Wide cushioned seat with back support
- Pedal straps
- Seat can be adjusted while sitting
What We Don't Like
- Warranty is limited in comparison to other brands
- Seat height cannot be adjusted
BUY: Sunny Health Arm Exerciser Magnetic Recumbent Bike
What to Look for in an Exercise Bike With Moving Arms
Dimensions
When considering the dimensions of an exercise bike with moving arms, keep in mind that these bikes are generally taller due to the handles being longer. It's important to measure the space you have for your bike and to also give yourself enough space so you can move your arms to move back and forth comfortably.
Weight
The weight of your exercise bike varies depending on the brand and model, but typically they stay around 90 pounds to 125 pounds. A bike that's on the heavier side may be more sturdy and able to handle a higher weight capacity than a lighter bike. That being said, more weight can make it more difficult to move or assemble. A lighter bike is easier to move but may feel less sturdy than a heavier bike.
Weight Capacity
When considering what weight capacity you'll need, we recommend choosing a bike that has a capacity of 10 to 20% more than your body weight. That ensures your bike will be sturdy while you ride it no matter how fast you're going and function properly. If you plan on sharing your bike, choose one with a capacity of 10 to 20% more than the heaviest user.
Features
While these bikes do have an LCD screen, some show very simple metrics while others offer programs for you to choose from. If you are a beginner or want some guidance on what to do for a workout, it's probably best to choose a bike that comes with programs for you to follow.
During your workout, a resistance system can increase the intensity and help build cardiovascular strength and muscular endurance. Fan-based resistance happens when you pedal. The air moves against the blades making it increasingly more difficult to pedal the faster you go, which is great for interval training. Magnetic resistance uses magnetic force to make biking more challenging and is controlled using an adjustment system, such as a knob. This is an ideal option if you want to have more control over the resistance level.
Another feature you may want to consider is the ability to adjust the handlebar and the seat so you can reach everything comfortably. You may also want to think about whether or not you need pedal straps to help keep your feet in place. Some bikes also have a step-through frame which makes it easier to get on and off since you won't have to lift your leg high off the ground. With all this in mind, the specific features of an exercise bike with moving arms that are important to you depend on your needs and goals.
Types
There are two different types of exercise bikes with moving arms: recumbent and upright. An upright bike puts the rider in a position that is similar to riding standard road bicycles, where the pedals are directly under the user. A recumbent bike has a wider seat that usually has a back seat cushion and the pedals are located in the front of the machine. While these tend to be more comfortable and easy to get on and off, they are also bigger than upright bikes.
Benefits of Exercise Bikes with Moving Arms
A huge advantage to getting an exercise bike with moving arms is that you're able to work more muscle groups. While you ride, the moving handles help you develop strength in your arms, shoulders, and core while also building your cardio endurance.
These bikes are also easier on your joints in comparison to running and other impact cardio. Plus, you have the ability to focus on just your upper body if you'd like to since you can use the handlebars to propel yourself while resting your feet on the pedals.
FAQs About Exercise Bikes with Moving Arms
Does biking help lose arm fat?
Biking helps you burn fat throughout your entire body which can reduce arm fat over time.
Does an exercise bike tone your arms?
Yes, an exercise bike with moving arms can eventually help tone your arms since you're exercising those muscle groups.
How do you use an exercise bike with moving arms?
Pedal like normal and place your hands on the handlebars wherever you feel comfortable, keeping your arms slightly bent and your elbows pointed. From there you can practice using your arms and legs to propel yourself.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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