Pedal exercisers are not complex pieces of conditioning equipment. Typical designs consist of a pedal crank that's attached to a metal main frame. Perpendicular stabilizer arms attach to each end of the main frame and elevate the exerciser above the floor so the pedals rotate freely. Rubber or hard plastic end caps fit on the stabilizer arms to keep the exerciser stationary. Attaching a pedal exerciser to a metal bed frame would require welding a mounting plate to the frame and drilling for attachment bolts. A pedal exerciser is attached to the foot board of a wood bed frame using standard hardware and a few basic hand tools.
Step 1
Remove the mattress and box spring from the bed to expose the inside surface of the wood foot board and side rails of the bed frame. Use a circular saw or table saw to cut a piece of 5/8-inch plywood 12 inches wide and a length that's equal to the overall width of the bed frame from outside to outside.
Step 2
Place the plywood piece atop the side rails, butt it to the foot board and flush the ends with the outside edges of the side rails. Use an electric drill with a 1/4-inch countersink bit to make countersinks along each end of the plywood. The countersinks should be 3 inches apart and align with the center of each rail. Use a screwdriver or electric drill with a screw tip and attach the plywood to the rails with 1 1/2-inch wood screws into each countersink.
Step 3
Remove the end caps from the rear stabilizer arm of the pedal exerciser. This is the arm that's closest to the person using the exerciser. Press the release button or remove the attachment screws on the front stabilizer arm and remove the arm from the main frame of the exerciser.
Step 4
Position the pedal exerciser vertical with the rear stabilizer arm resting on the plywood base and the main frame resting against the foot board of the bed. Drill 1/4-inch holes near each end of the stabilizer arm for 3/8-inch carriage bolts that attach the stabilizer to the plywood base. Make sure the holes are drilled perpendicular to the plywood base. Use a center punch to make starter holes before drilling the metal stabilizer arm.
Step 5
Mark the plywood at the locations of the carriage bolts and drill 1/4-inch holes at each location. Insert 3/8-inch carriage bolts through the stabilizer arm and plywood and put washers and nuts on the underside ends of the bolts. Use a utility knife to cut a piece of carpet or fabric padding as an insulator and place it between the main frame of the exerciser and the top of the foot board. Tighten the carriage bolt nuts with a hex wrench and replace the box spring and mattress on the bed.
Tips and Warnings
- The box spring may fit tightly or require a minor modification.
Things You'll Need
- 5/8-inch plywood
- Circular saw or table saw
- Electric drill
- 1/4-inch countersink bit
- 1 1/2-inch wood screws
- Screwdriver or screw tip
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- Center punch
- 3/8-inch carriage bolts with washers and nuts
- Carpet or fabric padding
- Utility knife
- Hex wrench
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