Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 Review
The Marcy recumbent ME-709 exercise bike is one of the best static bikes that I have ever tried. And while I can argument against static bikes in terms of how they compare to bodyweight exercises, I cannot but notice their utility when it comes to low-impact workouts. These types of workouts promote injury prevention and cardiovascular improvement, which is super hard without the proper equipment. I’ve taught several classes with low-impact routines, and most were focused on strength rather than cardio. Exercise bikes, therefore, are unique in this regard. So let’s see what we have here, shall we?
Smart design
The Marcy recumbent ME-709 exercise bike features a step-through design that makes its mounting and dismounting extremely easy. Compared to other bikes which you have to climb, here you just walk through and sit down, which puts less pressure on the knees and back making it ideal for senior users. The workouts are low-impact, preventing therefore a series of possible injuries which people usually get from running and other cardio activities.
But there’s more to the design of The Marcy ME-709. It is made of heavy-duty steel tubing with a powder coated finish that promises a long-lasting durability. I tried to perform a series of jerky movements and add pressure, but the bike was sturdy enough to not even move an inch. I cannot vouch for the inside mechanism, but the movement feels smoother than most of the other exercise bikes that I’ve tried in the past – and I had my fair share of exercise bikes!
Eight resistance levels
Variety of resistance settings is an efficient way to improve your fitness. The Marcy recumbent ME-709 exercise bike features a magnetic resistance system with eight levels of resistance which allow you to practice interval training and give you an opportunity to push yourself as you get stronger. When one level stops feeling like a challenge, just turn the knob and scale it up.
To switch between one and the other is super easy, and I encourage you to lower the intensity and then hit it back up for super-efficient interval sessions. If, on the other hand, you want to train till failure, just move one level of resistance at a time, preferably until you are comfortable with each for about 20 minutes of straight cycling.
LCD Computer Screen
The stats displayed on the computer screen can help you get motivated and push harder as you exercise. The Marcy recumbent exercise bike with resistance ME-709 helps you keep track of your time, speed, distance, and calories burnt on a sharp panel display in large numbers which are extra easy to read. The placement of the screen is also convenient, and it will keep you motivated to hit that goal.
Padded seat
The Marcy recumbent exercise bike with resistance ME-709 features an ergonomic padded seat with comfortable high density foam designed to adapt to your body. The seat is completed with foam-covered handles for additional support of the back and arms which help maintain proper form. At first I was rather concerned about the angular position of the paddles and the seat, but it took me less than a minute to feel how natural the body position is once you take a seat.
Counterbalanced pedals
While it is true that many bikes make you feel like you don’t have sufficient control over your pedals, The Marcy ME-709 features counterbalanced pedals that are perfectly weighted to give your feet extra support and leave you in control.
The bike is also equipped with adjustable foot straps to ensure perfect fit and prevent any injuries. Most of these features are not that important for the average first time user of an exercise bike, but they all add up to make your cycling experience much more comfortable. Eventually, this is one of the main reasons why people stick with their workouts or quit after a week or two.
In a nutshell
The Marcy recumbent exercise bike with resistance ME-709 is a well-built bike that is excellent for people recovering from injuries, seniors or anyone who want an enjoyable workout. If you up the resistance you can definitely develop some crazy shredded legs as well! The last level is something I really struggled with, and I’m the type of person who enjoys leg day. All in all, the Marcy ME-709 is a great piece of home-gym equipment as it comes with easy to follow assembly instructions and is not too heavy or space-consuming (it measures 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches and weighs 61 pounds).
It is also extremely quiet – a feature that goes perfectly hand in hand with the bike’s design – you can put your favorite show on the TV and start burning calories. For what is offered here I believe that the price is super affordable. This is a bargain deal considering how durable, well-built and efficient piece of equipment this exercise bike is. I highly recommend it for your home gym, or as a standalone fitness machine for your living room!
