Indoor bike and more

We gave in and got an indoor bike for exercising. The problem is, winter in Canada lasts practically six months. You need to have options to work out at home. As a consequence I started paying attention to my health and exercising more this year. I’m really happy with the results. It has improved my health, my mood, and my general disposition. But I wouldn’t be doing this so often if it wasn’t fun. Just sitting in a bike without any entertainment isn’t inviting. So, I have been taking the classes that our fitness app suggests. It truly helps!

Virtual classes

I will admit that the modern world is helping me getting more things done in less time. If it depended only on me, I would probably lack the discipline to exercise every day. I need someone to push me. And I never had a personal trainer, but I understand why we need them. It is easier to finish the exercise if you have someone giving you commands. They might even tease you or say encouraging words. An upbeat playlist definitely helps. I still don’t have a personal trainer, but the instructor in the virtual class does that job very well. By now I know the instructors I like the most. Occasionally, I try someone new. I do this just to see what I might be missing.

Reading a book

When I’m more introspective, I read a book during my bike hour. I’m almost finishing now The Secret History by Donna Tart. While exercising I listen to the audiobook and read the e-book at the same time on the bike’s screen. I try to do the intervals alternating cadence and resistance that I learned on the classes. It’s not bad.

Adding variety

I started only with the bike and stretching, and was initially satisfied with it. Then I started adding other light exercises like yoga, Pilates and meditation. The next step was to lift some light weights. I focused on the upper body one day. I concentrated on the lower body the next day. Finally, I targeted the full body on yet another day. It’s like food, you don’t want to eat the same thing everyday, so adding variety helps get me going.

Getting the indoor bike was a good investment. It helps me exercise while having fun.