Check out the transcript of a message board discussion with Weather Expert, Ingrid Amberger. Dr. Jeffrey Masters, Director of Meteorology for the Weather Underground Web site, answered student weather and winter storm questions in the winter of 2001. Dr. Masters received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Meteorology from the University of Michigan.
It is easier on the joints than running. It is non-impact and therefore safer and easier on the joints. Biking is an exercise that you can do even at an older age. It is a great aerobic exercise for losing weight and increasing cardio endurance.
One of the primary functions of an exercise bike is to help you burn calories, but all that pedaling is also going to help you tone some of your muscles. Among the muscles that will get a workout are the quadriceps of your thighs, the hamstrings at the back of your upper legs, your calf muscles and your abdominals. On an upright bike, you tend to use more of your upper-body muscles than on a recumbent. With an upright position, your legs' weight helps you move the pedals, making less work for your legs but more work for your trunk, which has to stabilize your body.