Recumbent Bikes

A cynic might take one look at the laid-back design of a stationary recumbent bike and say, "Only Americans could think up a way to get their exercise in a recliner."

But despite costing $200 to $300 more, recumbents outsell their upright counterparts today because they provide a real service: more comfort for your back, safety and ease of use for all ages, loads of user-friendly electronics and the same killer workout as an upright — albeit with more emphasis on the glutes. And if you want to kick back after your workout and read the newspaper, they're pretty good for that too.