It’s 6:00 p.m. on a Friday and you’ve already been at work for eleven hours. You were hoping to get to the gym for a quick spin on the stationary bike before going out with friends tonight, but it looks like you don’t have time. You sigh in frustration as you walk to your car and think to yourself, “this is why I need a stationary bike at home!” It’s true.
Stationary bikes are a popular piece of workout equipment both in the gym and in peoples’ homes for good reason. They’re convenient, don’t take up an enormous amount of space, and are an easy way to get a quick heart-pumping workout in before the weekend hits. Let’s explore a few of the main reasons why you should add a stationary bike to your workout routine.
Stationary Bikes Build Muscle
Let’s be real, here. We all want to build muscle as efficiently as possible. Stationary bikes are a great way to do this. They primarily work the muscles from your core to your calves but your entire body is engaged, including your arms. After a period of regular workouts, you’ll notice toning all over while muscle on your lower half begins to build.
Stationary bikes provide an awesome workout for your hamstrings and quadricep muscles. These are the muscles that are fully engaged when you are pedaling up and down, propelling yourself forward on the bike.
Your calf muscles also get a great workout on a stationary bike. Try pointing your toes downward as you pedal upward or standing for periods of time to give your calves an extra challenge.
If you’re hoping to get a good core workout on a bike, it’s important to make sure you have the correct posture. Engaging the muscles in your core is key to reaping the benefits. Focus on keeping your back straight and your abs tight. This might be easier said than done but I guarantee you’ll feel the difference at the end of your workout. Avoid slouching or allowing your shoulders to hunch over as this will develop bad technique.
A Stationary Bike Reduces Stress
You’ve heard it said many times that exercise keeps your stress levels down, and that statement is no less true today. Forms of cardio exercise are an ideal way to burn extra energy and work out any frustrations that you have from the day. Are you annoyed you had to work an 11-hour day on a Friday? Take it out on a stationary bike! I guarantee you’ll feel better and more relaxed after a long pedal session.
Riding a bike on a regular basis will also help you with managing stress throughout your day-to-day life. The fast-
paced exercise will help to balance the chemicals in your brain, keeping your energized at work. Cardio promotes blood flow to your brain which will cause you to feel happier and clear-headed. You’ll be able to work efficiently and thoroughly.
A Stationary Bike Is Easy on Your Joints
Do you love to run but the doctor told you your knees can’t handle it anymore? Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to achieve that same “runner’s high” while taking the stress off of your knees. Using a stationary bike allows you to get the cardio activity your body craves even though you’re sitting down.
You might be tempted to set your bike into a hard gear so that you really get a tough workout on your legs. This isn’t a good idea, especially if you’re trying to take it easy on your joints. Extremely difficult settings will put unnecessary stress on your joints. You can easily achieve the same workout with speed and a little extra time spent on the bike while avoiding injury.
If you’ve recently received a diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, don’t take this as an excuse or reason to become sedentary. Stationary bikes are designed to keep the stress off of your joints and give you an outlet for physical exercise to maintain your activity level and continue to live a comfortable and healthy life.
Stationary Bikes Are Good for Your Heart
Riding a stationary bike counts as cardio, which means it’s awesome for the health of your heart. Engaging in this type of exercise on a regular basis will can help to lower your blood pressure levels and regulate your blood sugar. It also improves your heart’s ability to pump blood through the rest of your body.
If you’re trying to make a difference in your health, I recommend trying to ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes 3-5 days a week. Be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning any sort of intensive workout plan.
Stationary Bikes Are Convenient
One of the best things about stationary bikes is pure convenience! There’s always a plethora of bikes to ride at the gym, but if that’s not really your scene, you can easily purchase one for home use. Stationary bikes don’t take up an enormous amount of room and it’s easy to find one that is affordable for nearly every budget.
If you’re still not convinced, there are many more reasons why you should ride a stationary bike. There’s no excuse for not hopping on for even a quick spin. All you need is 30 minutes and a little determination to make a difference in your health, happiness and overall quality of life. Take the time to invest in you and your health. You’ll be glad you did!
This very good article. It also a helpful content for us. Doing well, keep it up.
I agree, cycling is really a great way to build stamina and fitness! Not to mention relieving stress!