Picture the scene. You’re at the gym, patiently waiting for an exercise bike to become free. Finally, there’s a vacancy! You run over, climb on, and start your workout, only to immediately find yourself under the constant gaze of the next person waiting to use it.
This can really pull your focus away from your workout and, before you know it, you’ve succumbed the pressure of the ever-growing queue way before you want to and end up dismounting, having only achieved half the workout you’re capable of.
Even if this isn’t a regular problem at your gym, finding the time to go in the first place can be a real challenge too. We’re all busier than ever and, between balancing work, your home life, and your social life, scheduling in a trip to smash out a cardio session on a bike can often end up falling quite low in our list of priorities.
It’s for these reasons that home workouts are becoming more and more popular. And one of the most popular forms of at-home exercise is riding an exercise bike, and the Marcy Recumbent ME-709 Exercise Bike is amongst the most popular out there. By why is it so good?
In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into all of the features this fantastic bike has to offer, helping give you a clearer idea of what it’s capable of and helping you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
PRODUCT REVIEW
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709 Review
Overview
If you’re in a hurry and want a general overview of the features and specifications the Marcy Recumbent ME-709 Exercise Bike can offer you, take a quick look at this quick summary below:
- Step-through design that makes it easy to mount and dismount
- Constructed using heavy-duty, quality materials for extreme durability
- Seat height and pedal-distance are fully adjustable
- Has 8 resistance levels that are perfect for HIIT workouts or gentler pedaling
- An easy-to-use knob makes switching between resistance levels quick and easy
- Has an LCD display screen that allows you to keep track of your stats
- Displayed stats include; speed, distance, time, and calories burned
- Stats are displayed in large, easy-to-read numbers
- Counterbalanced pedals help keep your feet supported whilst you work out
- Each pedal features an adjustable strap to keep your foot securely in place
- Operates with a reduced noise level
- Easy to assemble and has clear instructions
Design
Let’s start by looking at the overall design of the bike. It has a step-through design, which means there are no crossbars or anything else in the way. You can simply walk through and take a seat without any risk of injuring yourself or tripping as you mount and dismount.
This design also makes it a great choice for seniors looking for a way to get some low-impact cardiovascular exercise into their daily routine, or for anybody that might have difficulty mounting and dismounting from an exercise bike.
It’s also constructed using materials and heavy-duty parts that are built to last. These include 14-gauge steel tubing, PVC, and rubber. The seat is also super comfortable and features contoured handles that allow for an easy and comfortable grip whilst you work out.
Both the height of the seat and the distance from the pedals are adjustable, so you’ll be able to find the most comfortable position to work out in too. This also dramatically reduces the risk of any strains or other injuries occurring, helping to keep you in a natural, ergonomic position whilst you exercise.
If there is one downside to the design it’s that this exercise bike is only able to support a weight of up to 300lbs.
Resistance Levels
If you enjoy interval training or want to push yourself to a certain limit, then you’ll also be pleased to learn that the Marcy Recumbent ME-709 Exercise Bike features eight resistance levels.
This allows you to pedal intensely for a period of time before quickly and easily switching back to a more manageable pace which is ideal if you’re using your bike to perform HIIT. Or, if you’re not feeling particularly energetic and would prefer a gentler workout, you’ve got the option to choose a lower resistance level.
Switching between each of the eight resistance levels is super easy too. All you need to do is turn the knob located at the front of the bike to your preferred choice and it will automatically adjust the level of resistance for you.
Screen
It’s always nice to be able to keep an eye on your progress and stats when you’re training, and this is really easy to do with the built-in LCD computer screen. Whether you want to keep an eye on your speed, the distance you’ve covered, the amount of time you’ve been working out, or even the number of calories you’ve burned, you’ll be able to easily view an accurate record of each.
The screen displays your statistics in large numbers too which makes it easier to read and means that you won’t have to stop pedaling or risk losing your pace to check your progress. These large numbers also add to its appeal as a great exercise bike for older people.
Pedals
Unlike a lot of exercise bikes, the Marcy Recumbent ME-709 features counterbalanced pedals. This means that you’ll feel as though the bike is working with you whilst you train, supporting your feet as you pedal, and taking away that off-putting, weightless feeling some other bikes have.
Each pedal also features an adjustable foot strap that helps hold your foot securely in place whilst you’re working out. This allows you to keep a steady pace without worrying about slipping or losing your footing as you pedal.
Noise
Another really appealing aspect of this exercise bike is that it operates with a reduced noise level. This gives you the opportunity to work out whilst watching your favorite television program or listening to your training playlist without worrying about the noise of the bike overpowering anything else.
Assembly
This exercise does not arrive at your door fully built and as such will require some self-assembly. It’s pretty easy to put together though and comes with really easy-to-read instructions.
It does recommend two people for assembly, and we’d definitely recommend that you don’t try and put it together by yourself as you won’t be able to support the larger components on your own as you attach certain parts together.
Price
The Marcy Recumbent ME-709 Exercise Bike is a great option for anybody on a budget as well and is a lot less expensive than some other bikes available. This makes it a great choice for anybody who wants to get into stationary-cycling too and is looking to try it out without having to spend a fortune on an exercise bike.
In fact, you’ll find it difficult to find an exercise bike that has as many features as the Marcy Recumbent ME-709 within the same price range, so it’s also a great option for any serious gym-enthusiast on a lower budget.
Why is an exercise bike a good choice for an at-home workout?
As you can see, there’s no denying that the Marcy Recumbent ME-709 is a fantastic bike. But let’s take a look at exactly why it is that riding an exercise bike is one of the most popular forms of at-home workouts.
First of all, it’s a fantastic way to improve your cardiovascular health which, in turn, is an effective method of losing weight and keeping it off.
Training on an exercise bike can also improve your blood circulation too, as well as increase your muscle mass and help build better bone density. It’s also a low impact alternative to other cardiovascular exercises such as running and doesn’t shock the knees or other joints as you workout.
Final Verdict
The Marcy Recumbent ME-709 Exercise Bike makes a fantastic choice for people who are new to exercise, those that are regular gym-bunnies, and even seniors looking to fit a little more exercise into their daily routine. Basically, it’s suitable for absolutely anybody that would like to start working out at home.
A choice of resistance levels gives you more variety over the power you exercise with and is perfect for interval training, gentle cycling, or for gradually increasing your progress over time.
You can even keep an eye on how you’re progressing throughout your workout with the easy-to-read LCD display screen, and you’ll feel safe and secure on the bike whilst you train thanks to the counterbalanced pedals with adjustable straps.
It’s comfortable to exercise on as well and has a padded seat which you can adjust the height of as well as the distance from the pedals. It’s built to last too and is constructed using high quality, durable materials such as steel tubing, PVC, and rubber.
This exercise bike does require some assembly, for which you’ll need two people, but the instructions are clear and this is a small price to pay for such a well-designed piece of gym equipment.
Another top development in home exercise equipment
A huge development that has happened in 2020 and 2021 is the rise of the home office + gym. As office workers are now stuck working from home, they are looking for ways to keep fit while continuing to put in the hours at their desk. For people who have standing desks, a great option is to get an under desk treadmill, which lets you get lightweight cardio while you check your email, take easy Zoom video sessions and more. Our favorite right now is the Mobvio – affordable, sleek, easy to move and store. Read our Mobvio treadmill review now to see if it’s a the right fit for your home office.
