Buying an indoor cycling bike was expensive

ટ્ Getty Images / Grace Carry
Buying an indoor cycling bike was expensive – but my knees are forever grateful

Getty Images
Buying an indoor cycling bike was expensive – but my knees are forever grateful

When I finally started listening to my body during workouts, I realized it was booming over me – in the form of regular aches and pains in my knees – to re-evaluate my cardio routine.

After the gym and fitness center closed in March, I had no access to low-impact resources that rotated regularly, like a pool or indoor cycling class for solid sweat. And because my neighbors below don’t appreciate knee-high knees and jumping jacks at 6am (can you blame them?), Running became my only option for going and high-intensity cardio.

Going overboard with running – especially without changing things or following a proper recovery routine – always irritates my knees, and surprisingly, it happened. My joint-friendly cardio practices have been somewhat lost, I have decided to budget for an indoor cycling bike – justifying the price that I have no intention of returning to my gym.

Basically no cardio after a few weeks, it appeared on my doorstep – and I was clipped a few hours later. The paddling was a great relief from the pavement, and I was thrilled later that night when I had to pack my ice pack. I’ve had my bike for about two weeks now, and I’ve never sweated so much Without Pain.

I always knew that cycling is a less effective workout, but I was not so familiar with the mechanisms of this activity, so I checked with Dr. Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS for specifications.

“Spinning is a less effective workout because your whole body weight doesn’t pass through your legs when you’re walking or running,” says Dr. Marcus. “You’re sitting in the seat, but you can still get a great cardiovascular workout. This means less pressure on your ankle joints, which can be great if you’re in pain.”

Cycling will be especially helpful for many people with knee pain, Dr. Marks also mentioned that cycling is not always good for people with knee pain – others may experience pain during the activity. “Some people with knee pain, such as people with IT band syndrome, may find that repeated motion conditions in biking are more irritating,” explains Dr. Marcus. “Obviously if you’re sad enough to have to change your activity, you should seek treatment.”

When I’m so excited that I have a new cardio outlet, I’m careful not to overdo it – Dr. Mar. Marcus mentions that if you work too fast in any activity, you can injure yourself.

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