Last updated on July 1st, 2021
Having access to an exercise bike at home is one of the absolute best ways to stay in shape. It’s something that has grown in popularity hugely over the years, as people come to realize how amazing it is to be able to work out and stay in shape from the comfort of your own home.
Being able to work out as soon as the urge strikes is also a powerful way to stay motivated and capitalizes on our impulses and short bursts of motivation, which can be converted into immediate action. Many people find getting ready and actually leaving the house the hardest part of working out, whether it involves heading to the gym, for a run, or on a bike ride.
The ability to workout without having to face actually going outside or getting ready is one of the key reasons why home exercise bikes have become so popular.
The one drawback is that it can sometimes be hard to find the right place to position your exercise bike. This can be difficult because exercise bikes do require a little bit of space to be used safely, so not everyone is able to fully take advantage of them.
However not all is lost, and with a little ingenuity, you’ll be surprised how much space you have, whether it involves rearranging your furniture or getting rid of some clutter. Even for those who do have space for an exercise bike, this often comes with a new problem, where to place it?
This can be more of a challenge than simply making space, as it involves trying to work out the optimal position in your home both in terms of space and several other factors.
In this article we’re going to look at the key things to keep in mind when setting up your exercise bike, to ensure you are able to use it safely and efficiently, getting the most out of your exercise, and improving your health and quality of life.
Space
The first thing to consider is how much space you need. Different exercise bikes come in various shapes and sizes, from massive recumbent bikes to very simple upright bikes and various others.
Once you know the size of the bike you have you’ll be better able to find a spot that it will fit in.
When looking at potential locations you need to consider several factors to ensure you have enough room to use the bike properly. You need to allow space to get on and off as well as room to get into different riding positions.
You don’t want to be getting up out of the saddle for a big sprint to hit your head on the ceiling. This is a sure way to end your session early, with a bang and a whimper.
Airflow
Another important thing to consider is airflow. Ideally, your bike should be positioned relatively near to a window to give yourself plenty of ventilation, both to keep you cool and to wick your sweat. While not essential for those who really want to crank up the heat and get a sweat on, good ventilation will make it easier to keep your room cool and comfortable while you work out.
Platform
A solid platform is recommended both to keep you stable while you ride and ensure efficient energy transfer as you work out. Carpets are ok but solid floors or mats are best. Some people worry about using exercise bikes upstairs, but most houses are well built enough to easily manage an exercise bike and a rider.
Power Outlet
This isn’t necessary for bikes that are fully manual, but some bikes require electricity, and so making sure you’re near an outlet is essential if you want to be able to use your bike at all.
Entertainment
Another thing to consider is whether or not you want access to entertainment while you work out. Some people like to watch TV or look out of a window while they cycle to distract themselves from their exertion or stay motivated. While not essential this can help people and is definitely something to consider.
Noise
The final thing to consider is how loud your exercise bike is. If you’re someone who likes to use the bike a lot, you may start to annoy other members of your household if the bike is placed in a distracting location. Ideally, you want to be able to work out in peace, and don’t want to disturb anyone else while doing so (particularly if you enjoy working out early in the morning or late at night)
Locations!
One commonplace people set up their exercise equipment, including exercise bikes, is in the garage. This is a great place to set up as they are usually secure, have a solid surface, and have access to power. They are also separated in such a way as to prevent disturbing your family or friends.
The drawback is that some garages can get both very hot and very cold, so maintaining a well-balanced temperature for working out can be difficult.
Those lucky enough to have a spacious spare room will be able to position their bike in there, providing there’s enough space.
This is great and has many benefits that the garage has while also being far easier to regulate the temperature.
Another option is to position it in your living space or reception room, where there’s often plenty of space, plenty of power outlets, and plenty of entertainment. This may interfere with the decor, so you can always store the bike elsewhere and simply use it in this room.
If you don’t have anywhere ideal to place it, place it wherever you can! As long as it’s safe, has enough space to ride and dismount safely, and has a solid surface you shouldn’t let a lack of space prevent you from getting the most out of your exercise bike!
