I just spent 40 minutes on a stationary bike. I cycled about 12.2 km in that time - so I wasn’t really pushing myself. Actually, I alternated between talking to a friend and reading a magazine. So it was rather laidback. However, it still burns calories! And I was aching when I got off! I was thinking of all the benefits of cycling and came up with a few good reasons.
#1 - If you have a stationary bike, you can cycle at any time of the day, in any weather, and in any item of clothing. It can be terrible sometimes when you really feel like getting some exercise - say going for a run - and its dark out. I’m not a morning person at all, and going for a run in the early morning dark is the biggest turn-off to exercise possible. And then at night, its just not the best idea to go cycling because you are the least visible to cars. I often feel like going for a run or some other form of exercise - but either it is way too hot or too cold, or its raining or there is a storm. Its not fair and not wise to go out in extreme weather. I find one of the worst things to stop you exercising is not having the right gear. Running requires decent shoes and cycling requires decent wind-resistant clothing. Well, with a stationary bike, you can use it at any time and not have to worry about weather or correct gear.
#2 - You can multi-task! For example today I was talking with a friend, and then reading a magazine. Some things are not such a good idea to do while pumping the pedals, but if you’re game, you could try knitting, or crocheting - or some other sort of craft. Watching tv is another good one, or listening to your favorite music. If you’re really handy, you can set up a laptop and get some work done or emails sent. That way you get your work/play and exercise done at the same time.
#3 - It is safe. You don’t have to worry about being knocked off your bike, or ambushed by some random. The stress on your joints is a lot less than running, and if you cramp up, you won’t be stranded in the middle of nowhere. You’ll have a bathroom nearby, running water, heat and light - it is very safe!
So… they are just three of the many reasons why indoor cycling is good for you. If you have a digital doo-wacky on the machine, you can race with yourself and beat previous scores - and keep and eye on your heartrate. If I had a bike, I would use it more often than not probably. If its safe, easily accessible and flexible, then why not?
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