You’ve seen them advertised in healthcare catalogs like Carol Wright Gifts and Dr. Leonard’s. You’ve seen them on drug store displays too. Since you lead a busy lifestyle, maybe you’ve even considered buying one to help you get some exercise. But, do pedal exercisers really work? Can they really help whip your flabby body into shape? Do they really help burn calories? Or, are they just another scam?
Description of a Pedal Exerciser
If you’re not sure what I’m referring to, a pedal exerciser is a pair of pedals on a floor mount. You set the device in front of you and place your feet in the stirrups. Then, you pedal! Some of the most basic models, which sell for around ten bucks, don’t have adjustment knobs to control the tension. The higher-priced ones do. With a tension control, you can make the pedals easier or harder to turn. Some pedal exercisers require assembly, while others come put together and are ready to go.
Advantages of a Pedal Exerciser
Assuming they really do work, there are several advantages of buying a pedal exerciser over a full-size piece of equipment:
1. Pedal exercisers are inexpensive. As I said, you can get one for as little as ten bucks.
2. Pedal exercisers are easy to store and can be placed in a closet, or even slid under your bed, when they’re not in use.
3. This device can be used while you’re watching television, working on your computer, reading, or almost anytime you’re sitting down.
4. You can use a pedal exerciser one of two ways. You can either pedal it with your legs, or turn the pedals with your arms.
5. You don’t have to worry about having enough room to use your pedal exerciser in. All you need is enough space to place the device on, and room to pedal it with your feet or hands.
Do Pedal Exercisers Really Work?
The answer to this question is, “Yes!” A pedal exerciser can’t give you a full-body workout, but it can help improve your health in a number of ways. First, cycling is beneficial for your heart and cardiovascular system. Second, using a pedal exerciser can help lower your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure. Third, pedaling can help strengthen your arms, legs, neck and shoulder muscles. It will also improve the circulation in your legs and arms. This is especially important for Couch Potatoes and for people who have Diabetes.
If you don’t have the time to ride an actual bicycle, the cost of one isn’t in your budget, or you haven’t got the space to store a bicycle, a pedal exerciser is a good substitute. Just be sure to choose one that has a tension adjuster. This way, you can adjust the how hard or easy it is to turn the pedals. If you haven’t exercised for awhile, you can start out at a low tension. Then, once you get started exercising, you can increase the tension and get better-suited work outs as your fitness level improves and your muscle tone improves.
