Fitness
How to get out of your exercise comfort zone
Operating, spinning and different types of endurance cardio are out of my train consolation zone. I’ll fortunately shake as I elevate a heavy barbell, however feeling breathless for lengthy intervals of time feels horrible to me – I don’t benefit from the bodily sensation and I’m embarrassed at how poor I’m at it. Rightly or wrongly, meaning I have a tendency to stay with solely sure types of motion.
I’m not alone in my need to solely practice in a approach I really like; plenty of us choose to remain inside our consolation zone relating to train. Jules Wall, an avid cardio bunny, says: “I all the time signal as much as HIIT lessons, regardless of going to a health club that provides a number of totally different types of sophistication – I similar to figuring out what to anticipate and that I can get sweaty with out desirous about it.”
In the meantime, Elise Bresler has solely been to a health club as soon as – and hated it. “I get embarrassed and really feel like persons are watching me once I’m in a health club surroundings. I do know what I’m doing in yoga lessons and benefit from the slower tempo, so I all the time follow that,” she says.
That’s to not say that we don’t push ourselves. I end most exercises a sweaty mess, feeling achieved and seeing gradual progress over time. Maybe you are feeling the identical if you spin, turning up the resistance dial each week, however are shocked at how uncomfortable you are feeling in a energy class and hate it when your arms shake as you press dumbbells.
The primary query is, does that matter? For private coach Nancy Finest, founding father of Girls Who Crunch, consolation zones are a double-edged sword. “Coaching inside your consolation zone means you’ll be assured in your approach and capable of progress with out compromising on type,” she says.
In addition to security, the psychological well being good thing about feeling good in your exercises is to not be underestimated. Not sufficient individuals train as it’s, and so discovering one thing you like is an excellent approach into seeing motion as joyful moderately than a chore. To not point out, consistency is the best option to progress.
“Too typically health is related to extremes – your physique will thanks for locating consistency and progressive overload with a managed method,” agrees Finest.
However alternatively, “selection in your coaching mode is actually essential for useful health,” she says. “It’s tempting to solely give attention to the kind of coaching you like, however neglecting different types of train could cause repetitive pressure accidents and mobility points.
“You’ll additionally discover enhancements in your efficiency if you diversify your coaching – if you happen to’re a cardio queen, constructing in some resistance coaching and low influence mobility might unlock that further 1%. Equally, if you happen to’re a giant yogi, constructing your muscle mass will assist your stability in crow pose.”
Personally, I do know that cardiovascular health is essential for my well being. And whereas my coronary heart will get labored nicely in my weight coaching periods and I spike it frequently in HIIT coaching, I by no means focus solely on cardio. I wish to get higher at working by that discomfort, however how?
Select when properly
Private coach Kerry Dixon explains that she solely pushes her consolation zone when she’s prepared. “I practice inside my consolation zone when I’m drained, however once I really feel prepared and am actually aiming for development, you need to push it extra,” she says. Do not forget that not each session, week or month goes to be about being higher. Typically, it’s alright to take issues gradual and do the issues you understand. Once you’re prepared, you may push your self more durable.
Put money into experience
“Following skilled teaching is usually a recreation changer that can assist you grasp one thing as a newbie,” says Finest. Crossfitter Alice Porter agrees, replying to my Instagram saying: “I rarely train in my consolation zone as a result of I am going to lessons, the place another person designs the exercise and pushes you thru.” Letting another person information you is perhaps a great way to search out discomfort simple.
Practice collectively
It’s not nearly having somebody information you thru a category, but in addition having somebody within the trenches with you. “Many individuals wrestle to really feel assured after they attempt one thing new by themselves. Exercising with a good friend or discovering a like-minded group can actually enable you to really feel supported,” says Finest. It’s true that operating doesn’t really feel as powerful once I’m with a good friend – is it as a result of I’ve a distraction, I’m attempting to avoid wasting face or I really feel safer with another person, I don’t know. Nevertheless it works.
Go slowly
Build up is all the time a good suggestion – don’t anticipate your self to really feel good in a forty five minute yoga class if you happen to hate stretching. For me, when attempting to construct confidence in endurance sports activities, I discover a stop-start method helpful till I really feel comfy sufficient to take care of the tempo for longer intervals of time. Earlier than I do know it, I can run for half-hour at a time.
Deal with it like relationship
“I say this within the sense that it’s completely pure if not each expertise is mindblowing,” Finest says. “Regardless, be pleased with your self for pushing into that zone, take the learnings, and don’t drive your self to do one thing you’re actually not having fun with.”
Think about your fitness goals, must-have features, and preferred workouts to hone in on the type of bike that’s work for you. “Check out reviews, comparison shop, read the details, and consider test-driving your bike in person—at a shop, a showroom, or a friend’s place—before purchasing,” Schneider suggests. You could also think about the bikes you’ve liked at different studios and gyms, and jot down some pros and cons of each, Natalie Qayed, a NASM-certified personal trainer and master instructor at Cycle Haus Nashville, tells SELF.
Size
“If you’re someone like me who lives in an upstairs dwelling, then size, weight, and ease of moving the bike is important,” Fu tells SELF. “Some bikes have large monitors that can make the bike [heavy and] difficult to move.” And if you’re tight on space, be sure to check the bike’s dimensions before you buy to make sure it’ll fit in your room. Schneider says to account for any moving parts and appendages, such as handlebars, and ensure there’s enough clearance between you and your ceiling (especially if you’re using dumbbells or standing while cycling).
Comfort
There’s nothing worse than splurging on a quality exercise bike, only to realize the seat feels like a wooden plank or the handlebars are stuck in an awkward position. So make sure to consider the bike’s design. Some models offer adjustable handlebars and seats, allowing you to customize the fit for your body and encourage proper form. This feature is particularly beneficial if multiple people will be using the bike.
Noise level
When shopping for an exercise bike, noise level is an important factor to consider, especially if you live in an apartment or share walls with neighbors. According to Schneider, bikes with chains tend to be significantly noisier than ones that use belts to spin the wheels. Bikes with magnetic resistance mechanisms are also quieter to use.
Technology and programming
When choosing a bike, consider features like the type and size of screen (say, an HD touchscreen versus an LED panel), tilt or pivot options that allow you to use the display for off-bike cross-training workouts, and auto-adjusting resistance capabilities during trainer-led classes. Some questions to ask yourself: Do you prefer a bike with built-in programming, or are you fine with streaming workouts through your own device? Do you want to track your metrics, such as heart rate or calories burned, in real time or post workout? These preferences can help narrow down your options.
Accessories
Think about the little things that can make your workouts more enjoyable and efficient, like consoles, tablet holders, and water bottle cages. You might also want to look for features like dumbbells or weight bars (and spots to stow them on the bike) if you plan to incorporate strength training into your cycling practice.
Price and value
You can definitely find a less expensive, no-frills bike that’ll help you get your workouts in, but a bike with a sturdy design or high-end add-ons will likely cost more. “You get what you pay for,” Qayed says. She cautions to be wary of cheaper bikes that appear to have tons of features and tech. “As with most fitness machines, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Types of exercise bikes
Looking for a road-style bike, a low-impact recumbent bike, or an air bike for those HIIT workouts you’ve been wanting to try? If you’re a newbie and that all sounds like gibberish to you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. To help paint a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the different types of exercise bikes.
Indoor cycling bikes (aka spin bikes)
Want that studio-class intensity? “Spin bikes are my go-to for an immersive group fitness experience,” says Hayes. “They’re built for both speed work and choreography.” The handles are out in front, causing you to lean forward as you pedal, similar to the position you’d have on a road bike. Fu says you can usually adjust the bike’s height, seat, and handlebars to fit your frame. And “most spin bikes offer a wide range of resistance to make the ride as easy or difficult as the rider wants,” she says.
“Upright bikes are similar to spin bikes, but are higher from the ground and have wider seat cushioning,” says Fu, noting that they are generally larger and mostly at gyms. The bike is designed in such a way that you essentially sit upright (hence the name) with the pedals directly under you. The handlebars are generally closer to your frame, which keeps you vertical, as opposed to leaning forward. The closer handle position also makes it more compact than other bike options.
With a reclined seat and backrest, recumbent bikes let you pedal in a supportive position that’s easy on your joints and lower back. The seat itself is also lower to the ground, which makes it easier to get in and out of, says Fu. As Dr. Clayborne mentioned above, these bikes are ideal for anyone with past knee or hip injuries, or for older adults looking for a low-impact option.
Air bikes (aka fan bikes)
“Air bikes are the powerhouses of the bunch,” says Hayes. Designed with moving arms and a large fan that creates resistance as you pedal, the bike provides an intense full-body workout. The harder and faster you go, the more challenging the ride will be. “They’re brutal, but effective for conditioning work,” he says.
If you’re short on space, these bikes are designed to fold up for easy storage when not in use. While they might not have all the high-tech features of larger bikes, they still offer “a high quality workout without sacrificing living space,” says Hayes.
How we test exercise bikes
To give you top-notch recommendations, our team of testers put each bike through a series of rigorous tests to see how well they perform and hold up over time. Below are a few categories we focus on, but for the extensive list, check out our full fitness methodology.
When you’re investing in a piece of fitness equipment, you want it to last. Our testers ride these bikes at all different levels, making sure they can handle daily use, different body types, and even some environmental extremes (heat, dust, humidity). Does it wobble or feel solid under pressure? We’ve got the answers to keep your rides steady and worry-free.
This stands for adjustability, customizability and ergonomics—all factors that we consider to make sure the bike fits you, not the other way around. We check things like whether the bike adjusts to accommodate different heights, if the seat is comfortable for long rides, and whether the controls are easy to reach and tweak.
If you’re tight on space, you’ll want to know how much room the bike takes up and how easy it is to move around. We look at dimensions, foldability, and whether it’s portable enough to shift across different floors.
Fancy features hold a lot of weight, but only if they’re easy to use. We test the bike’s tech—like Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen displays, and integrated apps—to see if they enhance your workout or just add frustration. Our goal? To help you focus on your ride, not on troubleshooting your tech.
FAQs
What exercise bike is best?
The answer really depends on your individual needs, such as whether you’re after a low-impact ride (like the NordicTrack R35 Recumbent) or top-tier programming with expert instructors (looking at you, Peloton Bike+) Your height, weight, age, health, and even any past injuries all come into play when choosing a bike, as do your fitness goals (like building muscle, increasing endurance, or just staying active).
Is 30 minutes a day on an exercise bike enough?
“Most heart health guidelines suggest 30 minutes, five times per week to help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, but it also depends on your goals and the style of training,” Dr. Clayborne tells SELF. For example, if you’re hoping to build stamina, you may want to increase your workout time or resistance. Or, if you have health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, you should consult your physician or physical therapist before beginning cycling, he says. “It’s important to gradually work up to 30 minutes if you’re starting from scratch,” he advises.
What type of bike is best for exercise?
Take into account your overall health, what features matter to you the most, and what you’re trying to achieve to help inform what’s right for you. Are you looking for your bike to help with cardio fitness, strength, or recovery? Different bikes suit different needs.
How much do exercise bikes cost?
Exercise bikes can range widely in price, depending on features like tech, build quality, and resistance options. In this roundup alone, you’ll see bikes priced anywhere from $300 to $2,000. The good news? There’s plenty of options that offer great value at a lower price point.
Related:
In the weight room of a gym located in the Moratalaz neighborhood in Madrid, three women and one man, all between 60 and 70 years old, chat while resting between sets of exercise. “We need to start thinking about Christmas dinner. We should start making reservations. We could go to the restaurant we went to last year,” says one of the women. “I can call now if you want and make a reservation,” the man responds, taking out his smartphone from his pocket. “Make a reservation for at least 25 people,” adds another person present.
That same day, in the afternoon, 350 kilometers away, in a municipal gym in a town in the l’Horta Sud region of Valencia, Yedri Martín, 64, attends her pilates and functional training classes. She is accompanied by a group of friends she has made between classes. They call themselves “the warriors”. “At first, we were just acquaintances from the town, but now we are great friends. So much so that we have even included our partners, who are delighted with how much fun we have,” she says. The gym classes have led to many other activities enjoyed together: hiking routes, popular races, meals and dinners, Latin dance classes, trips…
The “warriors”, as the group at Yedri Martin’s gym calls themselves
Juan Luis Muñoz, fitness coordinator at the Body Factory gym in Tres Cantos (Madrid), observes this reality every day during his work. He does so especially in the mornings, the time slot when more seniors attend, “especially in large sports centers, which tend to be quite crowded in the afternoons.” Additionally, during the mornings, as he points out, there are more activities specifically designed for this demographic: classes for a healthy back, maintenance gymnastics, aquafitness…
“I believe that beyond the health goal – aging actively, maintaining muscle mass, flexibility, etc. – among older people there is indeed a significant component of socialization, of interacting not only with people their age but also with younger people. There are older individuals who are very lonely and who find in the gym a way to socialize while doing something they understand is good for them,” reflects Muñoz.
Exercise against loneliness
According to 2021 data from the INE’s Population and Housing Census, in Spain there are more than two million households consisting of a single person over 65 years old. 70% of these households (over 1.4 million) are formed by a woman. And according to the results of the Barometer of Unwanted Loneliness in Spain 2024, 14.5% of the population between 64 and 75 years old experiences unwanted loneliness, a percentage that rises to 20% in the group of people over 75 years old; and is higher in both cases among women.
Unwanted loneliness among this population group, as pointed out by Esther Camacho, coordinator of the Working Group for the Promotion of Good Treatment towards Older People at the Official College of Psychologists of Madrid, is “one of the most significant social challenges” facing Western countries, including the United States, due to the consequences that this involuntary isolation has on the population. Not surprisingly, loneliness is directly linked to an increased risk of emotional, cognitive, and physical deterioration. “An active social life prevents the development of dementia and reduces the risk of depression and anxiety, which are very common issues in this population. Additionally, it also reduces the risk of falling into addictions, both substances and gambling; and of suffering from frailty, sarcopenia, and certain chronic diseases,” she points out.
An active social life prevents the development of dementia and reduces the risk of depression and anxiety”
The psychologist explains that social relationships and sense of belonging are affected by aging, as there is a disruption of roles due to retirement and/or the loss of loved ones. In this sense, Esther Camacho believes that gyms can be a space – as good as dance classes or any other activity involving social interactions – to feel part of something again and connected to the world. “Activities like these allow people to meet others with similar ideas, of the same and different ages; and these relationships create community, a sense of group, increase overall well-being, and help maintain the person’s identity and combat unwanted loneliness,” she explains.
This idea is shared by Dr. Ángel Durántez, a pioneer at the national level in promoting Proactive Preventive Medicine and Medicine for Healthy Aging. In his opinion, social relationships are as necessary for healthy aging as physical activity, so being able to develop both aspects in the same place is ideal. “It’s not the same to socialize at the bingo hall as it is at the gym. And it’s also not the same to go hiking alone as it is in a group,” asserts the expert, highlighting that socialization and sports positively reinforce each other: “Socializing at the gym improves adherence to physical activity, and we also know that exercising enhances the desire to communicate with others.”
Socializing at the gym improves adherence to physical activity”
A reflection seconded by Esther Camacho, who believes that socialization is a “strong motivator” for maintaining a commitment to exercise. “Many older people who might not feel motivated to exercise on their own find in these activities that community and that support that motivates them to continue even if it rains or snows. That sense of belonging is crucial for human beings, and the emotional support you get in these groups creates a virtuous circle that encourages exercise,” she argues.
Yedri Martin confirms this from experience, acknowledging that what motivates her the most to go to the gym every day is knowing that she will meet her group of friends. “Once there, I forget about any problems I may have and just focus on having a good time: we talk, laugh, and, of course, exercise, which helps us stay in good physical shape,” she concludes.
Oct 31, 2024 12:26 PM IST
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