So you have decided to go for it, you’re going to buy the exercise bike of your dreams but where to start and what does all the jargon mean?

The first thing to consider is space. Where are you going to put it and how are you going to use it? Are you after an exercise peddler that is small, compact and can be used while sitting on the couch or would you like something more substantial, a permanent fixture that is going to be placed in a room somewhere that doesn’t need to be moved. Maybe instead of an exercise pedlar that is probably going to be the most portable option, you would like an exercise bike that can be folded up and easily moved to different places in the house. Not everyone wants an exercise bike on display 24/7 do you want to store your exercise bike or peddler in a cupboard away from the wandering eyes of visitors.

The next consideration is weight. If you are going to move your bike, you want something that can be easily moved. As we age our strength may not be what it used to be so the last thing you want to do is buy an exercise bike thinking you’re going to move it and find yourself constantly having to wrestle with it each time you want to drag it out of that cupboard or move it to a different room. Maybe instead of a movable bike, you want something that feels more sturdy and solid, something that can be assembled and left in the one place. This is probably a good option if you have the space and feel a little nervous about the idea of being on an exercise bike. Having the flexibility to move a bike is great but maybe you are concerned a movable bike won’t feel as sturdy as a bike that is going to stay put in the one place.

That brings me to my next point Stability. How confident do you feel about getting on an exercised bike? If the idea of getting on an upright exercise bike sends chills down your spine you might want to consider a recumbent exercise bike that might take up a little more space but will give you that peace of mind and the support of a sturdy seat and backrest. Of course, if getting on any exercise bike is a concern for you or you’re limited in your mobility the exercise peddler is going to be the best choice for you as this is something you can use sitting on the couch or a familiar chair and you still get the benefits of that peddling action. All exercise bikes are built to be stable it just depends on your own sense of balance and what feels most comfortable for you.

Another consideration is the workout. What kind of workout do you want to get from your exercises bike? Do you want a bike that will give you the best possible workout, are you looking to up your current fitness level or are you just looking for something that will keep you mobile and active, something that will maintain your current fitness level. If you’re really into fitness and want a bike that is going to get your heart rate pumping in the shortest amount of time possible the upright exercise bike is going to be the best choice for you. Recumbent exercise bikes still give you a good work out but it’s going to take longer to get the same results that you would get on an upright exercises bike that allows you to push yourself that little bit harder and get the maximum benefits in the shortest time.

And last but not least assembly. How easy is it going to be to assemble the exercise bike? Does it come ready assembled or will you have to assemble it? If you are going to have to assemble it, you want to consider how long it is going to take, do you have the required tools and is it something you can do on your own or will you need to ask for assistance. Maybe you might like to hire someone to put it together for you if you don’t think you’re going to be able to safely assemble it yourself.