Pedal Exerciser, Mini Exercise Bike, Portable Exercise Bike, Cardio Workouts

More than two-thirds of middle-aged people are overweight or obese, and more than 5% of children also fit into that category. Many people spend half of their daily waking hours in extended sitting situations. This can lead to not only obesity, but also cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dangerous blood clots in the legs, and other chronic health problems. Recent research has demonstrated that women who spent lots of time sitting still gained weight even though they exercised regularly. This research concludes that people need to break up long periods of sitting by moving in some way.

What are Pedal Exercisers?

Pedal exercisers, also known as mini exercise bikes, are an excellent option for those in a sedentary position for a good part of the day, or when needing an easy workout because of limited mobility. They can be used by people of all ages, weight, and economic status. They are a perfect alternative to traditional stationary bikes because they are easier to use, are portable, and can be a creative approach to exercise for those who have physical limitations.

Pedal exercisers can be used for upper and lower body exercises to tone, build endurance, and improve muscle strength, circulation, coordination, joint range of motion, and weight loss. They work well for most people because the resistance level can be changed for a more challenging or less challenging workout. Pedal exercisers are affordable, convenient, time efficient, and a perfect exercise aid.

Since pedal exercisers are lightweight and compact they can be taken on trips, placed on a table to be used with the hands, easily moved from room to room or outside, and stored in many places. They can be used while watching TV, on the computer, reading a book, talking on the phone, or at the office under the desk. Pedal exercisers can be employed as part of a regular exercise routine, as an alternative to usual exercise equipment, or as part of a rehabilitation program.

How do Pedal Exercisers Help the Upper Body?

Pedal exercisers can strengthen and exercise the upper body muscles. First, place it on a table or countertop. Grab hold of the pedals with the hands and begin pedaling at the zero tension setting. This cycling motion will work the biceps, triceps, shoulders and forearms. To strengthen and build these upper body muscles, increase the tension setting of the exerciser and the length of time exercising.

How do Pedal Exercisers Help the Lower Body?

Pedal exercisers can also strengthen and exercise the lower body muscles. Place it on the floor, place feet on the pedals and begin pedaling at the zero tension setting. The muscles that are worked are similar to those worked when using a bicycle. The gluteals, hip flexors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves are all engaged during the pedaling motion. To strengthen these lower body muscles, the tension setting of the exerciser and the length of time exercising can be increased.

What are the Benefits of Pedal Exercisers?

There are several benefits to be gained from using pedal exercisers for the upper and lower body. They can give an aerobic workout that is low impact and easy on the joints. Pedal exercisers can increase the heart rate and cause a person to break a sweat to help with blood circulation. When used regularly, they can improve a person’s mood, burn calories, and improve cardiovascular system function.

Pedal exercisers can be used as part of an aerobic conditioning program for 30 minutes each day for at least 5 days a week, or aim for 150 minutes per week for optimal benefits. Use the “talk” test to better determine the effectiveness and intensity of the workout. While pedaling, work out to the point of sweating and the beginning of breathlessness, but with the ability to still carry on a conversation or hum a favorite tune. If one is unable to talk and pedal at the same time that is overdoing it. If one is able to sing during a workout that is not working hard enough.

A moderately brisk workout of this nature will help decrease risks of many health concerns, according to the American Heart Association. Pedal exercisers are an inexpensive alternative that saves space when compared to standard exercise bikes.

Pedal exercisers also highlight the benefit of being able to be used by more than one person. Making adjustments are simple and insignificant. Changing the seat height on a standard exercise bike can be difficult for some people. With a pedal exerciser, changing the length to fit a person’s legs is a simple process. Just bend over and move the machine closer to the couch, chair, or whatever the person is sitting on.

The mindset of “no pain, no gain” does not apply to pedal exercisers. Since they do not result in pain, do not assume it is not a good workout. The American Council on Exercise states that moderate intensity exercise is effective. If one needs more of a challenge, the duration of the workout can be increased. As long as the heart rate is being increased, a good workout is being accomplished.

**Be sure to consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.**

Rehabmart is pleased to offer a comprehensive selection of pedal exercisers to our customers from superior quality vendors that include Drive Medical, Fabrication Enterprises, Chattanooga, TFI Healthcare, Therapy Trainer, Carex and Better Motion Group.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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