Remember that song by Talking Heads? My adaptation goes something like this:
I’m on a ride to nowhere
Ridin’ inside
Peddlin’ my bike to nowhere
I’ll take that ride
The inspiration for my version is this stationary bike:
This Body Flex-X Bike-XRB 100 came into my life late last year. At the time I was still mourning the loss of it’s predecessor, a bike of a similar design by a different manufacturer. I loved my former bike, I used it all the time. Unfortunately, that bike broke. It went from being quiet and smooth to screechy and almost impossible to pedal. I did not want to get rid of it, but I believe my husband was about to call the cops on me because I was disturbing his peace when trying to watch TV. He seems to think watching TV in peace after a long day is his constitutional right.
For a couple of months, I didn’t get much exercise and I was bummed. Exercise helps keep me sane. It’s something that I do that is just for me and when I don’t get that “me” time I feel it physically, mentally, and spiritually. I told my husband that I was going to have to find a way to get a replacement bike, I didn’t want the same exact model because I didn’t want it to die the same loud screechy death, but I knew I wanted something with a similar design. Apparently, the Universe was listening and sent an opportunity my way. The good folks at Wayfair (formerly CSN Stores) offered me an opportunity to review a product. They carry just about everything under the sun, so I figured I’d look for a stationary bike.
Why am I so found of stationary bikes? My life is such that exercise needs to be easy for me to do or I won’t get a chance to do it. Having a stationary bike makes it easy to hop on and off when the kids are sleeping. This particular type of bike is compact and has a folding “X” frame so it can be stored unobtrusively in a corner of my living room when not in use. It is the only type of stationary bike that I have room for and for some reason this ingenious design is not easy to come by, but Wayfair had one so I had to try it.
Pros of the bike:
- Compact, lightweight, easy to move.
- Very quiet.
- Various tension speeds.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- When folded, I don’t trust it not to fall over so I have to place it against a wall just in case.
- The calorie counter on the console is not accurate.
All in all I love the bike and am so happy to have an easy exercise option available to me daily. I find myself riding it while watching TV with my husband because it is quiet enough not to be disturbing. If I’m not watching TV, I can read while I’m on it which is great because if I’m reading something really good I tend to stay on it longer. I recommend it to anyone that doesn’t have much space to spare, but wants to exercise at home regularly or as a backup when they can’t go to the gym or outdoors.
How do you work out? Do you go to a gym or do you prefer to work out at home?
Disclosure: I received credit toward the purchase of this bike from Wayfair to facilitate this review. All statements and opinions are mine.
Walking is my exercise of choice. Second choice are DVDs on yoga, and some aerobic ones.
I do like that this bike is compact. So many things are gigantic and not something that would fit in my little place. Now you have me thinking about getting one of these.
I used to belong to LA Fitness, but it always seemed to be a hassle to drive the 15 minutes to get there. I liked their equipment (when I went). Exercise does make you feel better. I better get my butt moving!
I used to work out with my Wii fit and then I stopped. But I need to start again. I love that bike – it’s perfect for apartment life. Hmmm…maybe I’ll put some thought out in the universe and see what happens.
Honestly, it is the only way I get any exercise. I used to jog or work out with vidoes, but now it just doesn’t happen.
you can ride to nowhere on that type of bike. I guess you can wear your fur pajamas while riding and enjoy the wild wild life.
Happy you found a bike that works for you. I take a class three times a week….occasionally work out at home on our treadmill. Have a wonderful ride!
Oh Honey, when I’m not chasin’ or bein’ chased by wild~eyed cattle. I do yoga for an hour every mornin’. I spend an hour outside everyday doin’ chores. I don Farm Boy’s seven pound manure stompin’ boots to do ’em in. I carry in the firewood and do curls with it. I know, it’s a sight to behold but the critters don’t care!
Me….I don’t need no stinkin’ gym! Heeeheheheh!!!
You go girl…bike on sister.
God bless and have a fun-filled day! :o)
No, you do not need no stinkin’ gym.
I was just thinking to myself today (and yesterday, and every day since about late november or so) that I need to get back to my yoga lessons…
I have a “Ride to nowhere” but sadly, have relegated it to my garage in the basement (I live on the second floor) because I just couldn’t get it repaired and it became too hard to pedal.
I prefer to walk because even when I don’t go out to the playground, I can just run up the staircase to the terrace. Our apartment has only three floors so after the third, it is the terrace. One of the wide flat apartments – so plenty of space on the terrace to get a decent walk. Bigger advantage is the clean air. My favorite time is around 5.30 in the evening, which is about half an hour before the sunset and I just love being there at that time.Funny thing, my (shapely) butt always felt a little uncomfortable on the exer-cycle seat :-D. Oh well.
Love the idea of a bike…but my choice is walking outside or on the treadmill listening to a book on tape. X
I’ve listened to hundreds of great books!
My Inner Chick
http://myinnerchick.com
Glad you’ve found a good exercise option. I used to do yoga until it screwed my back and am still finding an option that suits me.
I have a LifeCycle bike in the basement with a half-inch felt of lint on it. I haven’t worked out in years. But I walk everywhere I want to go, even if it’s ten miles away. If I’m pedaling I want to get somewhere.
I totally need to get my butt in gear and start excercising again.
I used to have an exercise bike before Daddy Doo moved out so I havent exercised in about 9 months. By the tightness of my trousers right now I can really feel the difference. I love doing Pilates DVDs or low impact (Knee injury) jogging on a trampet etc for cardio. Need to get my butt in gear (literally) and start working out again. I’ll just finish this bag of pretzels first 😉 xx
I have a lot of gym equipment at home, including an exercycle, treadmill, crosstrainer, weights, weight bench press etc. I like having it all at home, but do like going to a gym too for the peer support etc. I don’t go to a gym right now… cos I’m too darn fat!
I’m glad you got a new bike, they are great eh?
I love mine. I know a lot of people don’t like them or they don’t use them, but I use mine all the time and it is so easy to hop on and off throughout the day.