So you're considering joining the cycling revolution.
Whether you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur, you probably aren't getting up early to hit the gym or the road. You might not even have the time to work out at home or join a local gym. But that doesn't mean you can't start a new indoor cycling hobby in the space where you spend most of your day.
But before you can start pedalling, you need to have the perfect spot for your new hobby. That's where indoor bikes come in – they provide just the right amount of exercise, while blending perfectly into your office or living space. In this guide, we show you how to choose an indoor bike that meets all your needs and provides an ergonomic experience.
What You'll Need
Before you get to decide on your perfect bike, you need to make sure your workspace is ready. To do that, we recommend getting yourself an adjustable standing desk or desk converter. You'll also want a good ergonomic chair to support you whilst off the bike. The idea is that you'll be able to multitask and alternate between sitting and standing with minimum hassle.
You'll also want to think about how much room you'll need for your bike. The wider the space, the better – you want to be able to pedal freely even though you're in a small space.
Choosing Your Bike
As for the bike itself, think about the features you need. You'll want something that you can hold on to for stability, but also something that's comfortable to pedal on. Most of the time, an indoor bike can be adjusted to fit your body type and height. When you're in the market for a new bike, pay attention to how stable you feel on the pedals.
Consider going for a recumbent bike instead of a traditional stationary bike if you're looking for more comfort. Recumbent bikes have a reclined seat, so your body isn't straight down. You'll also easily be able to see the direction of your pedal movement and make adjustments if you find yourself riding backward.
Recumbent bikes put less stress on your back and neck, and let you work out comfortably for longer periods of time. Be sure to check out special features like heart rate monitors as well – they will help you track your progress and monitor your physical condition.
Adjusting Your Bike
If you're a beginner, you will want to adjust the bike according to your height. That way, you'll be able to put all of your effort into pedalling, instead of having to stretch or twist your body. Don't let your desk bike spook you! Most indoor bikes have a great range of adjustments and allow users to dial in the perfect fit for their height, body type, and foot size.
Be sure to check out the height and adjust so you feel comfortable sitting on the seat. As for pedals, choose ones that are adjustable as well – this will allow you to find a perfect fit for your feet.
If you find your new bike too easy to pedal, try installing a more robust spinning wheel if there isn't enough resistance at its maximum setting. This will help you get the most out of your workout, and will also keep you from getting bored with one particular activity.
Besides adjusting the bike so it feels comfortable for you, be sure to wear good-quality cycling shoes while pedalling. You can also wear cycling shorts if they're made with mesh fabric so that they're durable but breathable.
Get Ready for Your Workout!
Once you've set up your workplace and you've adjusted your new bike so it's ready for use, all that's left is to get ready for your workout!
While your bike doesn't need any special preparation, your body does. Make sure you stretch for at least 5 minutes before riding. This will help your muscles warm up and prevent injury.
Now you've got the basics covered, it's time to get to pedalling! Here’s a basic indoor cycling workout to get you started:
- Warm up: Start with an easy warm up ride. You can choose from a specific program or just set your tempo on the lowest setting and continue pedalling easily.
- Biking Time: Once warmed up, increase your intensity and focus on quick pedalling movements.
- Cool Down: Finally, cool down with a slower pace to relax your muscles.
When you're done, you can dismount and enjoy the satisfaction of a good workout!
An alternative option - consider a desk bike
If you're thinking this sounds too complicated and you'd rather save your time and just focus on your work, there are other perks to cycling at work too! We have a great selection of desk bikes that will help you get into your new cycling habit effortlessly. They allow you to simply sit down, start pedalling and focus on your work without having to worry. And the best part is that a desk bike can help you get fit and trim while still allowing you to spend most of your day seated.
Cycling while sitting down has several benefits. It can help you improve your health, which gives you more energy and attention throughout the day. If you spend long hours at your desk, it also helps with back pain – many an office worker has had to take time off from work because of back pain!
A desk bike also helps with stress relief and can boost productivity. All that exercise leads to more oxygen and nutrients being supplied to your brain, so you'll feel more alert, focused and find it easier to concentrate on what's in front of you!
