Stationary bikes are a common sight in gyms and health clubs all around the country, and are also popular for home use. Modern stationary bikes calculate the distance you've traveled, calories you've burned and provide you with different programs to simulate hills and other conditions.
Convenience
Whether you are at a health club or at home, a stationary bike is easy to use and is a convenient way to exercise. You can watch television, catch up on reading or listen to music without worrying about getting hit by a car. You can ride your bike in any season and through any type of weather, and you don't have to worry about having to make the long ride back home if you've ventured a little too far.
Low Impact
Bike riding in general is a low-impact form of exercise and stationary biking is no different. While riding a stationary bike, you also get the added benefit of not having to shift your weight for turns, which may make it easier on your hips over time.
Leg Strength
Riding a stationary bike builds strength in your legs, especially if you utilize different hill programs and levels of resistance. You can even create stationary bike workouts that include a lot of resistance, for the sole purpose of strengthening your leg muscles.
Cardiovascular Fitness
By using your stationary bike's programs, and by increasing the intensity and duration that you pedal, you will receive an effective cardiovascular workout. Your quadriceps are a large muscle group, and require a lot of oxygen to keep you pedaling, which means your heart must beat faster to provide it.
Weight Loss
Riding a stationary bike burns calories, and burning more calories than you take in will result in weight loss. For a 155-lb. person, riding a stationary bike vigorously for one hour will burn more than 700 calories, according to the Nutri Strategy website.
No Distractions
Exercising on a stationary bike provides you with a safe way to exercise, free from distraction, according to Cycling Performance Tips. With a stationary bike, you can focus solely on the workout and not worry about cars, kids or other distractions that may take your mind off what you are trying to accomplish.
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