4 Main Benefits Of Having An Exercise Bike At Home
One of the prized moments in our life as a kid is when we were able to make that first bicycle ride without having to use training wheels. Before we turned 16 years old, the bicycle was the source of independence and pride because we couldn’t drive a car – becoming even more excited for the day we could legally drive as we got older.
However, as roads become more congested and people learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, we as adults are returning to our bikes because we know they are environmentally friendly and tremendously good for our physical, mental, and emotional health.
But how do we bike when the weather is bad? Also, when do we find the time to get outside when it’s still daylight after working a full day?
The answer to these vexing problems is adding an exercise bike to your home gym. And while stationary, an exercise bike gives you all the benefits that a simple treadmill can provide and more.
1. Weight Loss
In addition to the treadmill, cycling is a great way to lose weight. According to Better Health, cycling raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle, and burns body fat, then combining with a healthy meal plan can lead to weight loss. Research shows combining regular exercise with a healthy diet leads to losing weight and keeping it off.
2. Gentle On The Joints
This is where the exercise bike gains the upper hand over the treadmill. While running is a high impact workout, cycling is not and is therefore, the go-to for those who are prone to knee injury. Prepping for a race during the winter? Having an exercise bike can be great for cross-training when you need something easy on the joints.
3. Accessibility
Even if winter hasn’t come yet, there can be a host of other reasons to discourage you from going outside: fog, wind, rain, or uneven terrain. There can be a baby to keep an eye on or a game to watch. At times like these, a quality workout can be as simple as staying in your living room and accessing your home exercise bike.
4. Effective workout
With a ProForm exercise bike, there are many options to choose from and features abound. You can choose from an upright or hybrid model. Adjusting the incline and accessing the different resistance levels can intensify your workout, so you get the most effective workout possible every single time you use it. In addition, you can access your iFit® account and workout all over the world at the touch of a button on your exercise bike – aiming to keep you motivated during each and every workout.
Yes, it is possible to fulfill your passion for cycling all year round – continue your journey of fitness with the contraption that started it all!
Author: Jacob Olson, Utah State University
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. ProForm assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
Sources:
https://www.proform.com/exercise-bikes
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits
https://www.nature.com/articles/0803015
https://www.proform.com/exercise-bikes/140ex