When I started planning to outfit a home gym with a main piece of exercise equipment, I did some checking into different types. I didn’t want to have a regret after such a costly investment. I researched treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines and stairmasters. They’re all very pricey. I listed the pros and cons of the various types of machines and read all sorts of client reviews. After tons of debate, I decided on a stationary bike. One of the main reasons was that this type of device is more compact than most of the other options. Plus, it is a simple yet effective process of burning calories and trimming body fat. Pedaling a bike works to strengthen the heart, lungs and muscles. Since I frequently have issues with aching knees and sore feet, I am happy that the stationary bike avoids jarring impact and places less strain on the joints. I can easily elevate my heartrate and get a high intensity aerobic workout. I can adjust the resistance level to increase the demands of the workout. Cycling has been proven to increase the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. Just like with any of the different exercise machines, I need to motivate myself to get the most out of my time. I often use the bike for a cardiovascular workout. It is a great way to lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels and encourage a stronger immune system. I’ve seen that it also helps with stress. Working out on the bike with music blasting and sweat dripping down my face is the perfect time to clear my head. After riding for an hour, I am fatigued yet feel totally refreshed and healthy. I’ve seen that I am more productive all day and in a happier mood. I chose the stationary bike because I was hoping to lose a few pounds. The bike includes a calorie counter, and when I work hard for an hour, I burn approximately 600 calories.