The first part of that answer is the new technologies that have been incorporated into the exercise bike which makes them true exercise equipment instead of bicycles with the rear wheel removed. The new generations of stationary bikes have a build in display to help you keep an accurate measure of your progress. The readouts will give you distance traveled, average speed, heart and pulse rate and calories burned. These readouts give users a great deal of flexibility in the exercise programs they are able to use. They usually include several different pre programmed exercise programs which change resistance levels to simulate different grades.

These great pieces of exercise equipment are great for many different things. It does not matter if you want to lose weight, build and tone muscle or get your cardiovascular system in top shape there is a set program for you. You can also design you own program because there are usually several customizable programs ready for your use. Exercise bikes are also much lighter than most treadmills so are much better for people who live in apartments or have flooring that cannot stand a lot of weight.

If you have an exercise bike in your home you know the value of having one in a climate controlled area, the comfort of your own home, without having to travel. On the other side of the coin you will have no more excuses about getting your daily exercise. The bike is right there looking at you. The good thing is that you will not have to be bored. Some of these bikes come with a small TV and even if you do not have one of those models you can always move the bike to the front of your home big screen and enjoy the morning news or a movie while you get your body and heart in great shape. There is no doubt that if you are serious about getting into shape and improving your general health, purchasing a stationary bike is a great decision.

You can also get an indoor rower, which offer an unrivaled workout but are brutally tough and again the machines will cost you a big whack if you want something like the concept 2 which will last you a lifetime.

My advice is to go for a cheap treadmill. These machines are available for a really good price these days, you can pick one up for about $400. So if you are looking for an economical way to get fit at home you could do a lot worse than to buy a treadmills and to get to work.