When shopping for exercise bikes, choose from recumbents or upright bikes

One of the most popular pieces of equipment at the gym are the exercise bikes. They come in a variety of styles including upright models as well as recumbent bikes. Recumbent exercise bikes are designed so that you sit with your back support and you almost pedal out in front.

These too are very popular. Upright exercise bikes are perfect for home gyms because of the great workout they can give you but also because they take up so little room. Recumbent bikes take up slightly more room, but again they are perfect for someone who still wants to workout, but doesn't want the pounding of a treadmill.

Because of the selection of exercise bikes on the market, it can be a bit tricky on which bike to buy for your home gym. If you are shopping for a recumbent exercise bike, a favorite is the Nautilus NR 2000. Features include:

10 pre-programmed workouts
16 resistance levels
Heart rate control that automatically increases or decreases the intensity level to keep you in your targeted heart rate zone
Weight capacity of 300lbs
Sells for less than $1,500

Now if you want an upright exercise bike, it has to be the Lifecycle. The C3-5 model is an awesome choice for beginners and pros because of the great features:

Lifetime frame warranty and 3 years on parts and labor
20 levels of resistance
10 pre-programmed workouts
Polar heart rate monitor along with a wireless chest strap
400lbs capacity
Priced just over $1,500

If you are just starting out and want an inexpensive exercise bike, check out the lower end models by Schwinn. Schwinn has been making bikes forever and you can find a very good model for less than $600. And you know with Schwinn, you are getting a quality exercise bike no matter how much you pay. Schwinn also makes top end models if you ever decide to trade up.

Other pieces for your home gym that will compliment your exercise bike include includes treadmills, elliptical trainers, rowing machines and even a Bowflex for resistant training. It is important to keep both your lungs and muscles in shape. There is no better weight workout than with a Bowflex. Specially designed rods produce over 250lbs of resistance making the Bowflex one of the most popular pieces of gym equipment.

If you are in the market for an exercise bike, a recumbent bike or any other workout equipment, keep in mind a number of very good retailers sell used equipment if you don't want to pay full price. This equipment is often refurbished making it perform like new. So before you buy new, check out used equipment for great prices.