Indoor cycling offers many potential advantages over other forms of cardiovascular exercise. In addition to the health benefits that are common to all aerobic activities, riding an exercise bike (also called a stationary cycle or static bike) is one of the most convenient ways to fit an exercise routine into a wide variety of lifestyles and schedules.
Benefits of Low-Impact Cycling
According to the Arthritis Foundation (AF), a stationary cycle offers an effective "way to get a cardiovascular workout without stressing weight-bearing joints." The fact that the body's weight is carried by the bicycle seat makes stationary cycling the most appropriate type of leg exercise for people who are rehabilitating knee injuries, recovering from knee replacements or simply careful with their weight-bearing joints. Since the rider does not need to worry about turning or uneven road surfaces, stationary cycling is also a safe way to exercise for persons with balance problems. The AF notes that stationary cycles have advantages for patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, who may develop balance problems due to inactivity.
Safety and Convenience
Anyone who has frequently ridden a bicycle outdoors is familiar with road potholes, wind, sudden storms, sunburn, stoplights, reckless motorists, biting dogs and getting caught by darkness. Exercise bikes offer a safe way of enjoying cycling for many people who would never otherwise ride a bicycle. Stationary cycling saves time, keeps leg motion uniform and allows you to forget about the exertion by reading a book or watching a video (often leading to longer exercise duration). According to gastroenterologist Dick Rafoth's Cycling Performance Tips website, "an hour on the trainer is worth two on the road," since the rider is always moving the pedals instead of resting on downhill stretches.
Advantages for Apartment Dwellers
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, indoor cycles "are generally quiet in operation, and are efficient with their use of space." Ideal for those who live in a tightly-packed urban environment with few safe bike routes, they can be stored in closets when not in use and do not soil carpet or tile floors with muddy tires after a spring ride. Music, movies or other entertainment can be enjoyed with headphones instead of speakers, as necessary.
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