DISCLAIMER: This article is not intended to give medical advice or counsel.
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This review was written independently and is not sponsored or paid for by YOSUDA.
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It was 2020. The Year of Being at Home.
I was bored.
My husband and I pushed ourselves through a daily 30 minute at-home workout. Step-ups, crunches, cardio, weights. It was a grind, but we'd watch the news, power through our workout, and eat dinner. Day after day, the same routine. I really do think it kept us sane, motivated, and frankly, together throughout the nightmare of a year that was 2020.
And yet, I was bored.
Don't get me wrong, repetitive weightlifting and uncomfortable core exercises CAN be really beneficial, and they really were working for us. We kept each other accountable throughout quarantine, and we had muscle tone to show for it.
But I wasn't getting any endorphin rush from it, you know? I'll admit, I'm more of a cardio person. Roller skating, bike riding, (I went through a pretty intense dance-dance-revolution phase...) What I'm trying to say is, if I'm going to break a sweat, I'd prefer to be having a good time.
This was not the first exercise bike I owned. In fact, I was pretty sure I'd be sending it back within the 30-day return window. A while back, I had purchased a bare bones under-the-desk bike from a local thrift shop, thinking I'd be able to use it under my table at work. I had high hopes, but it just didn't feel like riding a bike. There was no resistance. It didn't flow the way a real bicycle does, and it just wasn't comfortable.
But the YOSUDA Bike was Different.
It just felt better. The magnetic tension resistance was smooth, quiet, and had a nice range of adjustability. I'll admit, I had to work my way up from the lowest resistance level. Evidently, I had been skipping leg days. In any case, one thing was for sure: I now had my hands free to do whatever I felt like doing. (For the most part, I just played Spyro the Dragon on my Switch and watched TikToks. I also got a LOT of knitting done. It was thrilling.)
Tips for a Better Ride
(If You Know What I Mean)
However, I did have one lingering problem.
Finding a comfortable place to ride in our small house was a challenge. Our low-to the ground desks didn't allow enough knee room to ride and reach my laptop without hunching my back, and the couch was too deep to give decent back support. I do my best to keep good form, but inevitably, I'd start slumping and have to constantly re-adjust.
Turns out, lying flat on your back and engaging your core feels INCREDIBLE. With or without a bike. Seriously, you should try it. Here's an example and detailed explanation of this position, generally known as the "constructive rest position."
Getting into a recumbent bike position was the answer. I could close my eyes, put on my headphones, and zone out while I pedaled and my back and knees felt completely fine, no matter how fast or slow I moved. The daily workout I used to dread became the half-hour of daily "me" time that I had been missing. Occasionally, I'd take a break from playing video games to lift weights while I pedaled, but for the most part, I spent the summer riding my bike and playing Spyro, virtually re-living my childhood. It was bliss.
Weigh Your Options
PROS:
-Easy to assemble and use
-Low noise, low impact machine
-More affordable than a full-sized exercise bike
-Low energy consumption (All you need are batteries for the LCD display)
-Compact & portable
-Adjustable resistance level allows for easy riding or strength building
-Can also be used as an arm workout. I'd suggest sitting it on a table at eye-level.
After two years of nearly daily use, this thing still works as well as if it had been unboxed yesterday. It's quiet, sturdy, and compact, and the battery-operated LCD display tracks your miles, calories burned, time, and speed. I haven't had to change the batteries since I put the bike together, so that's another plus.
Yes, you can burn calories on this bike, and after a few months, I really did start to see a physical change. My core literally feels stronger, and I have visible abdominal muscles for the first time in my life. It's done wonders for my confidence, and since I spend more time on the floor than the couch these days, I find that I rarely go to bed with a sore back.
Honestly, if this bike broke down tomorrow, I'd order another one to replace it immediately. It's earned its place in my home (and in my heart) as one of the best toys I've ever bought for myself. 10/10.
CONS:
-22lb machine may be difficult to move for some people
-The pedal height isn't adjustable, so it may not fit comfortably under a short desk
-It's not cheap (but it still costs less than a traditional bicycles or exercise machine)
-Doesn't come with detailed instructions other than an assembly guide
-Not a total replacement for all physical activity
I'll admit, it's not perfect. No bike is. Weighing it at 22lbs, anyone with mobility restrictions or back injuries may have a difficult time lifting the bike, and while it's compact, it can still pose a tripping hazard, so as with any exercise equipment, use it with caution. I love how sturdy the YOSUDA bike is, and the built-in handle does make a little bit it easier to haul around.
Additionally, this is not the least expensive exercise bike out there. If you don't have the budget for this particular bike, there are more budget friendly options out there like the AGM Mini Bike or the Sunny Health Pedal Exerciser. I haven't tried either of these models myself, but it's great to know that there are a range of options out there. Keep an eye out for online sales, as well as used exercise equipment. Yard sales and thrift shops aren't guaranteed to have what you're looking for, but it's a good place to start if you're on a tight budget.
The Final Score
It's been tempting to abandon my old workout routine in lieu of my daily ride, but I still do my best to throw other types of physical activity into the mix. Still, if you're unable to walk, stretch, or lift weights for any reason, an under-the-desk bike is one of the easiest ways to get yourself moving.
After two years, I'm still in love with my YOSUDA bike. I've loaned it to neighbors who weren't able to get out of the house during the snow storm. My father-in-law even bought one for himself. Who knows, maybe we'll start a stationary bike gang.
I hope this article was helpful. Be kind, love yourself, and have a fantastic day.
:)
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