Pedal Exercisers

Are you often stuck at your desk and have no time to exercise? Are you also stuck for cash when it comes to setting up your own home or office gym?

When it comes to cheap exercise equipment that you can incorporate into your daily work routine, pedal exercisers such as the Stamina 15-0120 InStride Cycle XL shown here are hard to beat. Regular stationary bikes are fine if you work at home, but they can be fairly expensive. Plus, their flimsy magazine racks make it practically impossible to have within easy reach all the materials you need to do your job, whether they are books, a computer, or a lamp. With most stationary bikes, you are pretty much limited to listening to music, reading magazines, and watching TV.

Since a pedal exerciser is small enough to fit under your desk, it solves all these problems, and at a price that is quite affordable. All you need are a comfortable chair, a table or desk for your work, and a little discipline - and your handy pedal exerciser does the rest. Or, you can sit on a couch or in your favorite chair with your pedal exerciser in front of you and put a small worktable on your lap. Whatever feels right.

No matter how busy you are, with a pedal exerciser, you can always make time for some light exercise throughout the day. Once you develop a daily rhythm, it can provide you with a fairly substantial amount of low-impact aerobic exercise for those times when you are strapped to your desk. Working out while you're at work may take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it will become second nature. If you don't want to dedicate one large block of time to your under-the-desk workout, taking 15 minutes here and there throughout the day can really add up to a lot. While pedal exercisers are not a perfect substitute for your higher-intensity workouts and you probably won't break a sweat, several short sessions per day on one of these machines is far better than doing nothing and can help you maintain your level of fitness for when you cannot carry out your normal workout routine due to either a lack of time, bad weather, or an injury.

If you are normally sedentary, then a pedal exerciser can also provide a great way to ease into a regular workout routine. (Of course, if it has been awhile since you last exercised, you should always check with your doctor first!) Put it on a table and you can also exercise your arms, a viable alternative if you are recovering from a knee injury or are looking for some variety in your daily exercise routine.

Pedal exercisers range in price from around $25 to over $100. There are many different models, and if you are just trying one out for the first time and want to stick to the under-$50 price range, the two band names that caught my eye were Stamina and Direct Medical. Pedal exercisers by these two manufacturers consistently rank high as Best Sellers on amazon.com both within the Pedal Exercisers and Exercise Bikes categories, and they generally get the best reviews.

My top picks for low-cost pedal exercisers are as follows:

• Stamina 15-0120 InStride Cycle XL


• Stamina 15-0125 InStride Folding Cycle


• Drive Medical Pedal Exerciser with Attractive Silver Vein Finish


• Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Exercise Peddler with Electronic Display

When it comes to pedal exercisers, reviews are generally positive but somewhat mixed, even for the most expensive models. While these machines are not perfect, they do offer good value for the money. If you can accept (or work around) their limitations, they can solve your problem of being able to get some aerobic exercise while you work at your desk.

Pros:

• Pedal exercisers are low-cost, compact, and light weight.


• They are generally easy on the knees (since you're not using them in a standing position).


• They enable you to get a light aerobic workout while you work at your desk.


• They are great if you have a bony butt and hate those little rock-hard bicycle seats on most non-recumbent stationary bikes.


• They can also be used as arm exercisers.

Cons:

• Pedal exercisers are generally not as rugged or stable as most stationary bikes.


• They do not have as many bells and whistles as stationary bikes and other fancier gym equipment.


• You may not be able to peddle as fast as you'd like.


• Despite non-skid rubber feet, some users complain that they slip around on the floor while in use.


• Some users complain of overheating and squeeking noises if used for too long. (However, one amazon.com customer claims these problems can be solved easily by applying liquid graphite, which can be purchased from a hobby store.)

A pedal exerciser won't turn you into an Arnold Schwarzenegger, but regular use may increase your level of fitness (especially if you are normally sedentary), or help you maintain your current level.

• Start with one 15 minute session per day and work up gradually. Once you get used to peddling without having it disrupt your work, increase your total time by adding more 15 minute sessions throughout the day.


• Increase the resistance gradually.


• Make sure your desk or work table has plenty of room underneath to move your legs, especially if you are tall or long-legged.


• If you find that your pedal exerciser slips when peddling vigorously, place a rubber pad underneath.


• Last and not least: the moment you feel any pain anywhere, STOP. If in doubt, ask your trainer or doctor.

• They provide good value for the money and cost far less than most gym equipment.


• More than just a poor man's stationary bike, they enable you to get a light aerobic workout without your having to leave your desk.


• They are compact and portable.


• They are ideal for those who cannot set aside contiguous 1-2 hour blocks each day for a full workout but can spare several 15 minute chunks here and there.


• They provide a good pick-me-up whenever you need a short break.