2. • One of the old favourites of the home gym is back with a bang- the
exercise bike. The exercise bike made way for other glitzy, high tech
exercise gadgets in the gym and the home. Most people relegated
the exercise bike to the attic. It’s time to dust it off and bring it into
the gym again.
The key to a successful exercise program is to find something that
you enjoy and that is easy to do. The stationary bike is an excellent
choice for a novice as well as for exercisers with a bad back, knee,
or joint problems that make running or walking difficult. Exercise
bikes are easy to use when compared with treadmills & elliptical
machines.
Another major plus point is that it beats all your excuses not to
exercise - heat, cold, or rain and all types of inclement weather. And
it doesn’t matter if you are not a member of a gym because you now
have one at home. You can exercise while watching television, at
night, in the dark, when it’s raining or cold. It’s a great way to burn
calories and stores of fat and gives you an excellent oxygen boost.
It’s also a great option for beginners as it doesn’t let you work too
hard and allows you to entertain yourself too.
3. • In case you are looking to buy a bike, here are some pointers. You
have the option of an upright bike or a recumbent exercise bike.
This one allows you to pedal from a reclined position. Exercise bikes
come in basically two options- manual and electronically
programmable. Look around for second hand options as well and
finally your budget, of course, sky is the limit you can spend.
Your first decision will be to determine the role you the exercise bike
will have in your daily exercise routine. Will it be your main source of
exercise or one of your several routines? Then decide on your
budget. Check also the space requirements, maintenance
schedules with retailers. Before you make your purchase get the
opinion of trainers or friends who are regulars at the gym. Check out
online reviews and polls.
• Keeping all these factors in mind make a well informed decision.