Even the most casual visitor to our blogs probably knows about our obsession with getting outside; it’s good for the mind and body. Getting outdoors helps you relax, changes your mindset and helps you get exercise. But, in the winter months, it can sometimes be hard to get outdoors. The cold weather can be a turn-off. And, in some areas, paths can be dangerous to walk — unplowed or icy.
When the weather outside is frightful, exercising indoors can be delightful! You can go to a gym, but sometimes your best option is staying home. Today, we’re looking at exercise bikes as an excellent option as biking on the road is treacherous when ice is on the ground!
“Compared with other types of cardio workouts, cycling doesn’t put stress on your joints yet still builds strength and endurance, so it’s a great low impact option,” said spinning instructor and menopause coach Kate Rowe-Ham.
“Exercise bikes are good for weight loss because they are a really efficient and effective way to burn calories, and cycling is a cardiovascular aerobic activity that has added benefits such as strengthening your heart, lungs and muscles,” she said.
A 155-pound person can burn around 260 calories in 30 minutes of biking. Eating protein after exercise helps your body rebuild muscles that may have been damaged during your workout. It also prevents soreness and helps build additional muscle without adding fat. Pairing your biking with a healthy, protein-rich diet will yield the best results. It will also help you sleep, which is key to feeling great, losing weight and getting stronger.
One thing that might make you hold back from buying an exercise bike is the perceived cost. While Pelotons cost $1,495, have a monthly fee and require special shoes, that’s not normal. Tons of excellent stationary bikes don’t cost an arm and a leg! You can buy a good exercise bike for under $200. And, unlike a Peloton, they won’t take up a massive amount of space — a Peloton is enormous. Many are much more compact or fold up when you aren’t using them. For those of us who aren’t hardcore fitness buffs who stay up to date with the latest trend, a Peloton or similar bike simply isn’t necessary.
Winter weather can make you feel like your exercise goals are dead in the water. But, just because going out is off the table, it doesn’t mean your goals are unachievable. If you’re not going to the gym, a home bike can be precisely what you need to help you sustain your fitness this winter, inside where it’s warm!
