Get a stationary bicycle this Christmas

BY NOW, many of us have probably bought or have decided what we would like for Christmas. But if you are still wondering what to get for yourself or give someone, there is a wide variety of exercise equipment or gadgets.

Buy what will work best for your needs based on what you hope to achieve in the long term. This is a good time to start your own home-exercise gym or add another piece of equipment. The ergometer or stationary bicycle is the most popular home-exercise equipment and it will make an excellent Christmas gift.

This piece of equipment is available in a wide variety from the reasonably priced to the very expensive. It is an excellent exercise modality for people at all fitness levels, from beginners, who just need a simple workout to those who need to perform a high-fidelity clinical exercise assessment.

Exercises arms and legs

The ergometer measures the amount of work or exercise done. It can exercise our arms and legs individually or collectively while in a stationary position. Here are a few of the benefits of a workout on the ergometer:

It improves and maintains the efficiency of heart and lung function.

It improves strength, flexibi-lity, mobility, and coordination.

It improves the structure and strength of bones.

The risks of high blood pressure and the build-up of cholesterol are also reduced.

Some ergometers target the development of the upper body, others are specifically for the lower extremities, while the dual-extremity machine provides upper and lower extremity workout simultaneously. This can also be utilised where the upper extremities are at work and the lower extremities are stabilised by support boots and are moving passively at the same ratio. Some ergometers have been developed for use with a regular chair, a wheelchair or against a wall for upper-extremity use.

Simulates swimming strokes

The simultaneous use of our arms and leg on the ergometer simulates the swimming routine which provides the opportunity to practise swimming strokes without getting in the water.

Riding the ergometer is a low-impact, non-weight-bearing activity. It provides an excellent cushion that reduces pressure on the joints, reduces the chance of impact injury even for those who are high risk. It is a good exercise modality for persons with lower body or lower back injuries.

The ergometer allows us to customise workouts to fit needs. We can monitor exactly where our energy level needs to be improved and achieve the most definitive results possible. Riding the ergometer can be performed at any time with little or no restrictions. It is good for those who can't walk or jog, and riding the ergometer does not require any special skills.

Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

KennethGardner, fitness club