Having to take care of poor weather, traffic, or, well, other people is usually a major deterrent to biking outdoors—even for essentially the most dedicated cyclist. In case you can relate to those woes, it is likely to be time to take a position in an indoor exercise bike.
Along with providing an ideal low-impact cardio workout, stationary bikes include numerous other pluses. They make it easier to trace your activity and fitness goals through metric display screens or a Bluetooth connection to your fitness apps. And you possibly can enjoy your music or compensate for a favourite show whilst you pedal—without having to fret about where you’re going. Some even offer the flexibility to take a virtual class, so you possibly can follow together with an instructor-curated workout. If it’s your first time purchasing for a stationary bike, listed below are a number of specifics value considering.
The right way to select the precise exercise bike for you
The most effective strategy to start shopping is to think in regards to the bikes you’ve liked at different studios and gymnasiums, and jot down some pros and cons of every, Natalie Qayed, a NASM-certified personal trainer and master instructor at Cycle Haus Nashville, tells SELF. Then consider which features are necessary to you and your fitness goals, like a console that makes it easy to read your distance, time, and heart rate, or a bigger video display for following guided workouts. To that last point, a motorcycle that comes with a workout app or class membership might be an ideal strategy to boost your energy and motivation, Emily Collins, a Los Angeles–based indoor cycling instructor at Verve Studios, tells SELF.
It’s best to also think in regards to the bike’s design. Some models have adjustable handlebars, seats, or each, which may enable you to find the precise fit on your body—and so they’re also great in case you share your equipment with other people. In case your bike of selection isn’t adjustable in any respect, be sure its measurements shall be comfortable for you. There are other nice-to-have features to look out for too: Possibly you would like one with a padded seat or ergonomic handles for added comfort, storage for dumbbells, or Wi-Fi connectivity to sync as much as your playlists.
Finally, consider your budget. You possibly can definitely discover a inexpensive, no-frills bike that’ll enable you to get your workouts in, but a motorcycle with a sturdy design or high-end add-ons (i.e., an HD touchscreen) will likely cost more. “You get what you pay for,” Qayed says, alluding to cheaper bikes that appear to return with tons of features, but don’t perform or ride in addition to they promise. “As with most fitness machines, if the worth seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
In case you’re undecided where to begin, we asked indoor cycling instructors about one of the best exercise bikes to make use of for home workouts, and added a few of our favourite SELF staffer-approved models too.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Stages Precor SC2, $2,425
- Best Budget: Sunny Health & Fitness Pro II Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike, $300
- Best for Beginners: Echelon Connect Sport Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike, $497
- Best for Added Features: SoulCycle At-Home Bike, $2,500
- Best for Classes: Peloton Bike, $1,445