Listen, nothing against spin classes or military-style boot camp, but sometimes you just want to get your heart pumping in the comfort of your own home—and without anybody watching. Folding exercise bikes have come a long way; the newest models have LCD displays and can be adjusted to ride upright or recumbent. The best part is that you can do whatever you want while you ride, like read or watch TV, and then just fold up your bike and stick it in the closet when you’re done. Let’s roll!
Just because a bike is foldable doesn’t mean it has to be old-school or pared down. Hand-pulse sensors, adjustable magnetic tension, a high-torque crank system and Bluetooth capability are common on compact models these days.
Think about the accessories you use while cycling and whether you need a phone, tablet or water bottle holder. Some bikes come with them standard, others don’t. Also check the weight limit to make sure you’ve picked a bicycle that’s right for you.
Another perk to cycling: It’s low-impact! If you’ve got arthritis, plantar fasciitis or any other condition that makes running and other high-impact exercises painful, biking is a good workout option. And when you’re doing it indoors and in place, you don’t need to wear a hairstyle-wrecking helmet. Win-win!
