Stamina Elite is just their brand name for their bike. Recumbent is a type with a magnetic resestance that is adjustable and has a normal seat with a back. You are peddling in front of you actual body instead of below it. It is beneficial for people who have back or leg problems by reducing the amount of strain on these joints. As a sidenote it also is nice for larger people due the the fact that normal bikes tend to hurt the rearend. These are much more comfortable, which increases the likelihood of use.