While losing weight is about diet, creating a calorie deficit, and following a workout routine, other lifestyle factors affect fat loss results. Sunil shared his ‘easiest way to lose fat faster’ and improve your success when trying to lose weight in a post, writing:

1. Create a calorie deficit

◉ What it means: Burn more calories than you consume.

◉ How to do it: Track your food intake using apps, eat smaller portions and avoid overeating.

◉ Tip: Start with a 500-calorie deficit per day for sustainable fat loss.

2. Don’t drink liquid calories

◉ Why it matters: Drinks like soda, juices and fancy coffees are calorie-dense but don’t fill you up.

◉ What to drink instead: Water, green tea, black coffee or herbal tea.

◉ Tip: Add lemon, mint or cucumber to water for flavour without extra calories.

3. Exercise at least 3 times per week

◉ Why: Strength training builds muscle, while cardio burns calories.

◉ What to do: Combine weight lifting with 20-30 minutes.

◉ Tip: Focus on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts and push-ups for maximum impact.

4. Eat protein at every meal

◉ Why: Protein keeps you full, preserves muscle and boosts metabolism.

◉ What to eat: Eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, lentils or Greek yoghurt.

◉ Tip: Aim for 20-30 g of protein per day.

5. Fill up on veggies

◉ Why: Low on calories and high in fibre, veggies keep you satisfied.

◉ What to eat: Spinach, broccoli, carrots, zucchini and bell peppers.

◉ Tip: Fill half your plate with veggies to avoid overeating.

6. Sleep 7-9 hours per night

◉ Why: Poor sleep increases hunger hormones and reduces fat loss.

◉ How to improve: Stick to a bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed and create a dark, quiet sleep environment.

◉ Tip: Quality sleep accelerates recovery and reduces cravings.

7. Increase your daily steps

◉ Why: Walking burns calories and improves overall activity levels.

◉ How to start: Aim for at least 10,000 steps daily.

◉ Tip: Take short walks after meals and use stairs instead of elevators.

8. Be consistent and enjoy the process

◉ Why: Fat loss takes time, consistency beats perfection.

◉ How to do it: Track your progress, reward small wins and focus on building long-term habits.

◉ Tip: Find workouts and meals you enjoy to make the journey sustainable.

Get better sleep with these tips

Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to lose weight because it increases your hunger hormones, which increases your cravings and makes you eat more the next day. Are you facing trouble getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep every night? Check out these simple tricks recommended by sleep experts.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Like treadmills and ellipticals, stationary bikes are a home gym staple that can inspire you to get up and move, especially in the age of exercise giants like Peloton and Soul Cycle. But Peloton — which has past issues with equipment safety recalls — isn’t your only option.

To help narrow down your search, we vetted exercise bikes under $2,000 and talked to experts about important considerations to invest in the best bike for your needs.

SKIP AHEAD Best exercise bikes to shop | How to buy the best stationary bike for you | What about Peloton? | Why trust NBC Select?

How we picked the best stationary bikes

To find a bike that fits your needs, here are a few key factors our experts recommend keeping in mind as you shop:

• Weight: Exercise bikes typically have a weight limit for users — our options can hold at least 270 pounds.
• Price: A basic indoor bike will easily run you a few hundred dollars or more.
• Adjustability: All of the bikes we recommend have either adjustable handlebars, seats (or a combination of the two) and resistance knobs. Keep in mind that unlike most of the higher-end models, budget stationary bikes don’t typically list how many resistance levels they have.
• Subscriptions and connectivity: Smart bikes may require monthly subscriptions, especially when it comes to on-demand training and cycling classes. They also include metric consoles and the capability to link your workouts to apps and social media.
• Warranty: For higher-end exercise bikes, our experts recommend looking for at least a one-year warranty. Although many affordable bikes don’t come with warranties at their price point, we’re highlighting those that do.

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The best exercise bikes to shop in 2024

Listed below are highly rated and expert-recommended exercise bikes at various price points that align with our experts’ guidance.

Budget-friendly stationary bikes

Best overall budget bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike

The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike has an LCD monitor to help you track your progress, as well as an iPad holder. It comes with a three-month warranty for the overall bike and offers free replacement parts within a year of buying it. The bike has a 4.4-star average rating from 22,100 customer reviews on Amazon, many of which say that they love how easy the bike is to assemble and adjust, and that it provides great value for money. Reviewers also like how quiet the bike is while in use.

Maximum weight: 270 pounds | Digital monitor: yes | Warranty: 3 months

Best portable budget bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Exercise Bike

What we like

• Access to free SunnyFit app
• Easy to transport

Although it doesn’t come with a digital monitor or an iPad holder, this option from Sunny Health & Fitness is good for anyone looking for a basic, adjustable exercise bike. The bike is mounted on wheels to make it easier to transport. It has a 4.4-star average rating across 6,458 customer reviews on Amazon, and it comes with a three-month warranty for its parts and a one-year warranty for the bike’s frame, according to the brand.

Maximum weight: 275 pounds | Digital monitor: no | Warranty: 3 months (parts); 1 year (frame)

Best adjustable budget bike: Pooboo Magnetic Resistance Indoor Cycling Bike

Something to note

• Monitor batteries not included

This indoor cycling bike has an LCD digital monitor that tracks your time, speed and distance, among other metrics. If you want to give the Pooboo a boost, it offers a tablet stand where you can place your iPad or water bottle. Though the bike doesn’t come with a warranty, shoppers can get free replacement parts within a year of buying the bike, according to the brand. It comes with a 4.7-star average rating from 512 customer reviews on Walmart.

Maximum weight: 330 pounds | Digital monitor: yes | Warranty: None

Best versatile budget bike: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike

What we like

• High weight limit
• Versatile pedals
• Water bottle holder

“There is a touch of nostalgia to a Schwinn, and they are consistent and reliable machines,” says Chicago-based certified personal trainer Eric Ridings. “The IC3 serves the purpose of being a quality bike with great features at a lower price.” Schwinn’s IC3 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike has dual pedals that allow for different types of footwear, meaning you can wear regular sneakers or higher-end clip-in shoes. It also comes with a digital LCD monitor as well as a water bottle or tablet holder. It can hold around 300 pounds — more than most of the bikes here — and its warranty will cover the frame for five years, among other things, according to the brand.

Maximum weight: 300 pounds | Digital monitor: yes | Warranty: 5 years (frame); 2 years (mechanical); 2 years (electrical); 1 year (labor)

Best lightweight budget bike: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

What we like

• Adjustable seat
• Recumbent design
• LCD extra features

This recumbent bike from Schwinn is the best option for those with limited mobility or those who need a back rest while riding, says Zach Moxham, a certified personal trainer at Physical Equilibrium in New York City.

This bike works with cycling apps like Explore the World and Zwift (both of which require separate subscriptions) that let you keep track of your fitness goals and compete with other users. Though its handlebars are static due to its recumbent design (which makes it easier for entry and exit), it does have an adjustable, contoured seat that can move both backwards and forwards. It also offers 16 magnetic resistance levels, 13 workout programs, a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor and a 5.5-inch LCD display that can show programs, goal tracking and more.

Maximum weight: 300 pounds | Digital monitor: yes | Warranty: 10 years (frame); 2 years (parts); 1 year (electrical); 90 days (labor)

Best adjustable bike: Echelon Connect Bike EX-15

What we like

• Adjustable seat
• Recumbent design

The Echelon is about as close to the Peloton as you can get, with the major differences being that the Echelon has only 32 resistance levels compared to Peloton’s 100. Both offer an interactive experience with a wide range of on-demand classes (subscription sold separately), but the Echelon doesn’t require special cycling cleats. According to the brand, its racing-style seat is fully adjustable, and its bullhorn handlebars have a built-in device mount as well. The toe cages are also fully adjustable.

“Echelon also makes rowers and treadmills, so it’s great if you want to expand your home gym,” Ridings says. “They also have their own brand of trainers. If you have good instructors and the riders connect with them, it’s a valuable service.”

Maximum weight: 300 pounds | Digital monitor: no | Warranty: 1 year limited parts and labor

High-end stationary bikes

If you’re looking for a smart, higher-end stationary bike that costs less than Peleton’s options, below are highly rated and quality stationary bikes under $2,000.

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Best overall high-end bike: Bowflex C6 Bike

What we like

• Lots of resistance options
• App membership
• Dumbbells included

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

The Bowflex C6 Bike has a backlit LCD metric console as well as a media holder for your phone or tablet. An upgrade compared to the more affordable exercise bikes, it has two water bottle holders (for those of us who get extra thirsty during a ride) and a knob that allows you to choose between 100 resistance levels.

The bike comes with several additional features, including a two month free trial fitness membership to JRNY, Bowflex’s workout app that comes with trainer-led videos. (Once its trial is up, JRNY costs $20 a month or $149 annually.) It also has dual-sided pedals to slip your toes or clip your cycling shoes into, and comes with a pair of three-pound dumbbells that slide into cradles at the front of the bike and a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor. “The Bowflex has the weights, and people really enjoy the JRNY trail rides,” Ridings says. “It also has a sleek, modern look. People care what it looks like in the room.”

Maximum weight: 330 pounds | Resistance levels: 100 | Membership: 1-year JRNY Membership | Warranty: 10 years (frame); 3 years (mechanical); 3 years (electrical); 1 year (labor)

Best with built-in tablet: Bowflex VeloCore Bike

What we like

• Built-in tablet
• Bluetooth heart monitor
• Bluetooth speakers

If you love Bowflex but you’re looking for a bike that has a built-in tablet, the Bowflex VeloCore Bike is your best bet. It comes with a 16-inch console, and you can swap it out for a 22-inch console if you’re looking for something bigger and don’t mind spending $400 more. Like the Bowflex C6, it has two water bottle holders and a knob that allows you to access 100 resistance levels. It also offers the same one-year JRNY fitness membership, dual-sided pedals, three-pound dumbbells and Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor. The VeloCore has Bluetooth speakers and a media rack, though it does come with a shorter warranty than its brethren: two years for its frame. It has a 4.8-star average rating from 1,027 reviews on Bowflex.

Maximum weight: 325 pounds | Resistance levels: 100 | Membership: 1-year JRNY Membership | Warranty: 2 years (frame); 2 years (mechanical); 1 years (electrical); 1 year (labor)

Largest tablet display: NordicTrack Commercial Studio S22i Cycle

What we like

• Large display
• Long warranty
• Dual-sided pedals

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

NordicTrack stationary bikes are recommended by our experts because they offer similar features to the Peloton, including scenic rides and Bluetooth connectivity. Like the Peloton Bike+, the NordicTrack Commercial Studio S22i Cycle has a large, 22-inch touchscreen display that rotates 360 degrees, so you can use the display off your bike, too (it’s also the most affordable bike here with that capability). It comes with dual water bottle holders, dual-sided pedals and a variety of resistance levels (though it only offers 24 compared to Bowflex’s 100 levels).

The NordicTrack S22i bike comes with a 30-day iFit Family Membership — it costs $15 a month once the trial is up, or $180 for the year — and a pair of three-pound dumbbells. Like the Bowflex, it has a 10-year frame warranty.

Maximum weight: 350 pounds | Resistance levels: 24 | Membership: 30-day iFIT Family Membership | Warranty: 10 years (frame); 2 years (parts); 1 year (labor)

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Highest resistance: Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

What we like

• App syncing
• Lots of resistance
• Heart-rate armband

The IC4 has more features and costs a bit more than the IC3. The exercise bike — which has a 4.7-star average rating from 807 reviews at Best Buy — can be synced with other workout apps like Peloton and Zwift, so you can stream thousands of workout classes. It comes with a 40-pound flywheel, 100 levels of resistance and a set of included three-pound dumbbells that sit in an easy-to-reach cradle, according to the brand. It also has dual water bottle holders and an integrated media rack so it can hold your tablet, and a Bluetooth heart-rate armband is also included.

Maximum weight: 330 pounds | Resistance levels: 100 | Membership: 1-year JRNY membership | Warranty: 3 years (parts); 90 days (labor)

Best fan-type resistance bike: Rogue Echo Bike

What we like

• Adjustable seat
• Fan resistance

This highly rated bike is a good option if you want a good quality bike without the bells and whistles of traditional high-end options: While it doesn’t include a built-in tablet, it does offer a mounted LCD console to monitor distance, calories burned, heart rate and more. And instead of using magnetic resistance settings like many other higher-end bikes, the bike uses a fan to adjust resistance, which means the faster you pedal, the more resistance builds, according to the brand. The padded seat can also adjust to eight different height settings and five front-to-back settings for a more comfortable fit. Keep in mind, however, that the rubber-grip handles are welded directly to the bike’s arms and can’t be adjusted.

Maximum Weight: 350 pounds | Resistance levels: n/a | Warranty: 2 years

How to shop for a stationary bike

The best stationary bike is the one you’re most likely to use, according to Ridings: “Whether that means a realistic price point or the prestige of getting the same gadgets your friends have, it always comes down to the system that fits you best and leads you to more exercise.”

Serious riders should prepare for a hefty price tag (starting at $1,000) if they’re looking for quality equipment, according to Angelina Palermo, a former professional cyclist and spokesperson for USA Cycling — a non-profit group focused on cycling as a sport. That said, you don’t need to spend almost $2,000 on Peloton’s Bike Ultimate Package. “If you know you are going to ride consistently, it makes all the sense in the world to invest in a more expensive bike — and the no-interest financing many of them offer makes some of these expensive bikes more accessible,” Ridings says.

Many of these needs may be met by relatively affordable options. Maybe you want to easily adjust the bike’s resistance, move its handlebars or just need something quiet for nighttime sweats. It’s often when you introduce screens, monitors and trackers — as well as features allowing for social connectedness — that prices climb significantly.

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And don’t overlook sprucing up your current stationary bike with spinning accessories like a padded, adjustable seat and easy-to-grip support handles, if those are the issue. An uncomfortable bike has the potential to affect your performance and form while you bike. “In the long run, this could lead to unnecessary muscle strain and sustained injury,” Ridings says.

What about Peloton?

On May 11, 2023, Peloton announced a recall of about 2.2 million of its popular exercise bikes due to safety concerns over the seat post on its PL-01 models, which were sold from January 2018 through May 2023, according to the brand. Users can contact Peloton for a free replacement seat post that can be self-installed, according to Peloton. In the meantime, Peloton is requesting customers to immediately stop using the recalled bike.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Eric Ridings is a Chicago-based certified personal trainer.
• Zach Moxham is a certified personal trainer at Physical Equilibrium in New York City.
• Angelina Palermo is a former professional cyclist and spokesperson for USA Cycling.

Why trust NBC Select?

Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who has written a variety of stories about fitness equipment, including dumbbells, affordable ellipticals, weighted hula hoops and more. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select reporting on stories including the best thermal underwear and the best sales each week. For this article, Godio spoke to four cycling and fitness experts about how to shop for exercise bikes and researched dozens of options on the market to recommend the best ones to consider.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Regardless of how fond you are of working out, the same old routine can get flat-out boring. Getting to the gym regularly must be something important, but after a while it can become tiresome and monotonous. But before you find another excuse to not work out, you should know there are ways to make exercise fun. And now that winter is in full swing, many will find an excuse to skip working out. If you also come up with excuses to give working out a miss, you need to stop thinking of it as a boring task or one of the household chores. The good news is there are ways to make exercise more fun and we are here to help you figure it all out.

What are the health benefits of exercising?

Before exploring the ways to make exercise more fun, know that there are some health benefits of exercising, including:

• Aids in weight management: “Regular physical activity helps increase calorie burning and improve metabolism,” says fitness and nutrition expert Aman Puri. Exercising improves the body’s metabolic rate, which helps improve body composition by promoting fat burning. This helps shed those extra kilos and manage weight.
• Protects against chronic diseases: Regular exercise like running, and jogging helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Exercising contributes to prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and can improve overall well-being, according to the World Health Organization. “Exercise improves blood circulation, manages blood pressure and enhances aerobic capacity. This protects from diseases such as heart diseases, blood pressure, and diabetes, and improves immunity,” shares the expert.
• Boosts mood and mental health: Exercise improves mood and wards off feelings of depression, and anxiety. Exercising can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance brain health, as per the World Health Organization. “Daily exercise improves the release of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good hormones, promoting relaxation,” says Puri.
• Improves flexibility: Exercise improves flexibility by increasing joint and muscle movements. “Stretching, Yoga, Pilates and other dynamic movements help enhance joint mobility and muscle elasticity,” says the expert.
• May increase life expectancy: Exercise may increase life expectancy by improving cardiac health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, and enhancing mental and overall well-being. During a 2012 analysis published in the Journal Of Aging Research, researchers found that life expectancy was higher in physically active participants. It ranged from 0.43 to 6.9 extra years.

What are the ways to make exercise more fun?

Here are some ways to make exercise more fun, and not boring:

1. Give importance to personality and interests

One of the ways to make exercise more fun is to do something that goes along with your personality and interests. If you are a social person, join a group dance class or start a walking group with your friends, according to the American Heart Association.

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2. Take someone along

Working out alone can sometimes be boring. One of the ways to make exercise more fun is to take a companion along. Exercising with your loved ones can make it a more enjoyable social experience. Take friends or family members with you for a workout to make it more fun. “A friendly competition during a workout session also brings out your best performance and makes working out less mundane and more interesting,” says the expert.

3. Turn on music

Sometimes repeatedly exercising can be boring for some, so distracting yourself with some music may help you workout longer. A 2017 study published in the International Journal Of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology showed that people exercised longer when they listened to music than without. “Playing your favourite playlist while working out also elevates mood,” says Puri.

4. Turn exercise into a game

Bored with lifting weights and running in the park on the treadmill? Team up with your friends for a session of cricket or football match, and turn your exercise routine into a game. This is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. “This may increase your competitive spirit along with burning calories and boosting your health,” says the expert.

5. Reward yourself

Rewarding yourself with your favourite treat after achieving each sub-goal can be one of the ways to make exercise more fun. It is a way of raising the target standards in a fun way. Set a target for yourself by increasing the reps or sets or even weight amount. But don’t go overboard with your favourite treat.

6. Make exercise a social activity

Attending parties or going to concerts are not the only social activities. Add exercise to the list, as it is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. You can take a walk during lunch-time with your colleagues. You can also use family gatherings as a time to engage in outdoor activities or play team sports, according to the US National Institute On Aging.

7. Connect with nature

Connecting with nature is one of the best ways to make exercise more fun. “Exercising outdoors and getting some fresh air can lower stress levels naturally,” says the expert. Hiking can add adventure to your daily routine in a fun way because of the enjoyable view. Those who don’t like working indoors in a gym can exercise outdoors by going on a walk or a long cycling session. “The added benefit of working out outdoors is you get to soak up the sun, which improves Vitamin D levels in the body,” says the expert.

8. Do it for a good cause

Give your exercise a purpose – walk or run to support a noble cause or charity events such as walkathons and marathons. This gives your routine exercise purpose as well as motivation. Participating in these events can be a motivating factor for others apart from being one of the ways to make exercise more fun for yourself.

9. Play with different intensities

Despite your regular routines being beneficial, sometimes experimenting with different intensities of exercise may also prove beneficial. HIIT (High-intensity interval training) can add more fun to your regular exercise besides being a convenient and fast way to achieve your fitness goals.

10. Connect with technology

Using fitness bands, trackers or watches can fuel up the fun, raising the competitive spirit or interest by tracking your fitness levels. Tracking your steps, amount of calories burnt, progress, and heart rate can keep you engaged by tracking your health status, making it one of the ways to make exercise more fun.

11. Treat yourself to new clothing

One of the ways to make exercise more fun is by getting hands on new clothes for workout. Buying activewear for your workout can make you feel good and boost your confidence, motivating you to workout more often. A 2023 study published in Body Image showed that activewear browse time correlated positively with desires to be muscular and athletic.

12. Try virtual options

Going for virtual options is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. If you don’t like working out with a large set of people at the gym, try exercising through apps or virtual online classes and start working out from home. “Watching exercise videos while working out at home is a convenient and easy way to stay motivated,” says the expert.

13. Try different activities while working

Those who do not have time to exercise can engage in activities in their day-to-day work routines like cycling to work, climbing stairs instead of using lifts, parking far away and walking down to the parking area, or using a standing desk at work. Those at home can engage in daily household chores like mopping, cleaning, gardening, and washing their car to burn some extra calories.

Working out does more than just help you manage weight. If you dislike your fitness routine, experiment and try out different ways to make exercise more fun.