stationary bike

Heading into the new year, a lot of folks are going to want to try and get back in shape. I know this because every year for the past two decades I've made that resolution myself.

I ask whoever is in my life at the moment to buy me the latest exercise gadget for Christmas and have every intention of using the darn thing... and I do use it, usually as a place to hang my clothes on or to unnecessarily take up precious space in my garage.

This year I decided to start early and try a new piece of equipment so I would not use up one of my gifts that may just end up collecting dust somewhere. I decided on one of those little mini-exercise stationary bike things.

I thought it was pretty cool because you just put it on the floor while watching television and pedal away from the comfort of your easy chair. Or, you could set it on a table and tone those flabby wings of your...uh, mine I mean.

I was originally going to get one of those $20 models because I'm cheap like that, but reading the reviews cured me of that. after that it was between getting a cheaper version or this one. I am so very glad I spent the extra money.

Having kids in the house and a job to do, I get any measurable amount of organized exercise late at night when everyone but me is asleep. Now, I'd like to keep the little ones in the land of slumber so it was important the only noise coming form any exercising going on was from me grunting... or whining as it may be.

Thankfully, you can barely hear the bike as you pedal along. All you need is enough clearance for your knees and you will start pedaling throughout the day. I even like it better than my gazelle walker and that is saying alot.

I was worried about the amount of tension that I could get from the magnetrainer but it appears to give me exactly the amount of tension I want. I am sure for people who are cyclists full time find it to have less tension than they want, but for a couch potato like me, I get quite a workout. I expect that this unit will help me get back into some shape other than "round".

For those that pedal hard enough to make it slide away even on carpet, the manufacturer offers to send you a free set of straps that you can attach to the legs of your chair. I opted for the straps and find them VERY effective in keeping the bike right where I want it.

I've been using this amazing little exercise machine for a few weeks now and I have to admit, I have more energy and I have brought my blood pressure down quite a bit.

If you have limited space or don't want to spend tons of money on exercise equipment you will never use, then I would definitely think about in investing in one of these mini exercise bikes.