Many people have tried to stay away from gyms and social distance because of Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped exercising - in fact, home exercise has taken off like never this year, including the use of exercise bikes.
“It’s amazing how many people haven’t stopped exercising,” says Colleen Conlon, a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Equinox in New York City. “I started doing Zoom classes the week after the lockdown began.”
One form of home exercise that has really seen an enormous increase in sales and numbers is indoor cycling. According to National Public Radio, sales of indoor stationary exercise bikes - both spin bikes and recumbent bikes - were up 31 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.
“I think many people realized they couldn’t be runners a few months after the pandemic started and invested in an indoor bike,” says Roxie Jones, a personal trainer in New York. “It’s an easy way to stay engaged and accountable with so many digital cycling platforms. I think that may be a good thing, considering we don’t know what’s going to happen this winter. It’s important for us to stay moving and active, for physical and mental health, so home fitness is a lifeline.” (Here’s the best exercise equipment for home workouts).
How do you choose the best exercise bike for home use?
With so many indoor exercise bikes on the market, it’s important to know what to consider when choosing one. “Quality matters most,” says Joey Foley, owner and founder of Punch Pedal cycling and boxing studio in Brooklyn, New York. “Also pay attention to the company’s customer service, because the bike will have problems, and you need to get help to troubleshoot it.”
If you want to get the most out of your bike, it needs to work well. “Make sure you get a bike that is stable enough to last a long time,” Jones says.
Next, you need to be clear about your goals and what you’re looking to get out of an indoor bike. “Make sure you know what you value before you spend money, because they create not all bikes equal,” Conlon says. “Do you want to measure power and distance? Can anyone in your house hear you training if your bike is loud? Do you want someone on the other side teaching you?”
Determine if you want a movement based on pace, power, or if you are just looking to train for a race or ride. Once you know what you’re looking for, it will help you narrow the field. And don’t miss these spinning shoes for indoor cycling that you’ll want to pair with your new bike.
Exercise Bikes and On-Demand Training Platforms
Many exercise bikes come with on-demand class platforms or are compatible with different apps and on-demand class platforms. “I would try as many platforms and courses as possible,” Foley suggests, “and then commit to a platform I like best.”
Most apps and platforms have free trials, so try a few before deciding. And most are very affordable. “You’re paying for an experience and knowledge, not to mention staying connected to a community,” Jones says. “It’s worth it if the user enjoys it and can commit to it.”
“Finally, look for a bike that fits your budget and style,” Foley says. But speaking of budget, it’s important to keep in mind that sometimes cost equals quality. “I would invest in the best quality, even if some of it looks expensive,” Jones says. “I know some people see the high prices and assume it’s too much, but you are investing in an experience and your health. People who buy less expensive options only use them a few times before they collect dust. Make the most of it with these exercise bike products that help you stay healthy.
With all that in mind, here are five of the best indoor exercise bikes to help you stay fit all year long.
1. Exerpeutic folding magnetic upright exercise bike with pulse
With over 11,000 reviews and an average rating of four and a half stars out of five on Amazon, there’s no denying that this Exerpeutic bike is a great indoor option. The bike has a wider seat for a more comfortable experience, eight levels of magnetic resistance, and an LCD screen to track your distance, calories burned, time, speed, and pulse (which you can get from hand sensors in the handlebars).
Apartments with limited space are ideal for those who live there. When not in use, the bike folds easily to cut its size in half. (Try these exercises at home to strengthen your core).
Buy: Exerpeutic folding magnetic upright exercise bike with pulse
2. JEEKEE - Recumbent Exercise Bike
If you prefer to sit down and have a support behind you when cycling, consider this recumbent bike from JEEKEE. It offers a workout without joint pain, with a high backrest, large soft cushion on an adjustable seat, and a comfortable, ergonomic design. It also has 8 levels of magnetic resistance to allow you to adjust the intensity of your workout, which means this bike is suitable for everyone, whether you’re in physical therapy and need light movement, or looking to improve your endurance and build muscle.
It’s also suitable for all ages and sizes; a 5-star review from James says, “I’m 68. A recumbent bike is much easier for me to get a decent cardio workout, as I can sit back instead of leaning forward. This bike is a great fit for me, at a reasonable price. There is a small footprint, and it was relatively easy to assemble. As well as having rear wheels for simple movement, the end can be used to store the item. It’s not as big as the recumbent bikes you find in gyms, but for its size, I feel like it’s pretty solid - and I’m not exactly a lightweight!”
Buy: JEEKEE - Recumbent Exercise Bike
3. Sunny Health & Fitness indoor stationary bike with digital monitor
Cycle to the sound of your own external music device or while watching TV on this Sunny Health & Fitness indoor bike. It’s ergonomically designed for a comfortable ride, with an adjustable padded seat and foam-padded handlebars. A twist of the resistance knob will make pedaling easier or harder, depending on what you’re looking for. The built-in monitor lets you track your time, speed, distance and calories burned.
Buy: Sunny Health & Fitness indoor stationary bike with digital monitor
4. DMASUN - Indoor Bike
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, try this bike from DMASUN. It has a heavy-duty steel frame and a heavier flywheel, so you’ll feel stable while riding. It also has a digital display that lets you track your time, speed, distance, pulse and calories burned.
In his 5-star review, Mark S. also praised the ease of assembly, writing, “The packaging was excellent. I laid out the parts and my wife read the assembly instructions. It took me about half an hour from start to finish. The tools were in the box. Assembling it myself was easy. It works great! It is silent and has a stable feel. I am 5’10,” and 100 lbs. I like the adjustable tension. If you are looking for a good stationary bike at a good price, you have found it."
Buy: DMASUN - Indoor Bike
5. Cyclace Stationary Exercise Bike
First, adjust your seat and handlebars for a unique and comfortable fit, then turn up the resistance to challenge yourself by pedaling this Cyclace exercise bike. The flywheel and belt system are quieter than some chain-driven models, which can be ideal at home (especially if you’re cycling while others are sleeping, working or studying). The comfortable seat cushion will allow you to ride longer, and track your time, speed, distance, calories burned and odometer as you progress.
You can also place a phone or tablet on the built-in stand to ride with other videos or access other cycling subscriptions or apps you have access to. “A more experienced cyclist doesn’t need to be in a classroom and can train on a bike by themselves, but it's helpful to have the option of letting someone verbally guide you through a ride,” Conlon says. “I think for experienced cyclists, using audio apps is just as powerful, too.” (If you’re using weights, avoid those weightlifting mistakes).
Buy: Cyclace Stationary Exercise Bike
