4 Helpful Tips for Parking Your New Stationary Bike

You have finally gone and done it. You've invested in your own stationary bike so as to continue indoor cycling between regular classes. Now you have to figure out where to set it up. Where are you going to park your new piece of exercise equipment? The answer might not be as easy as it seems.

Believe it or not, the location of your bike can influence how frequently you exercise. The right spot can create the perfect environment for some of the best rides you have ever had. The wrong spot can make indoor cycling more of a chore than a pleasure.

1. Consider Your Personality

The key to finding the right spot is figuring out who you are as a person. Not to get too heavy on you, but we all have different personalities that show through in everything we do – even indoor cycling! To get the most out of your new stationary bike, you want to set it up in place that matches your personality.

Perhaps you love the great outdoors. Try parking your stationary bike in front a window that looks out over the backyard. The views will motivate you to ride. Or maybe you prefer to keep your exercise private. A spare bedroom or den is the perfect place for your bike.

2. Limit the Distractions

Distraction can be a big problem when you are trying to exercise. It is not such a big deal when you're riding outdoors, but you really have to be careful about distractions indoors. We recommend finding a place that limits the distractions as much as possible. If you had to choose between an empty spot in the basement and the family room right next to the kitchen, the basement might be a better choice. The kitchen is too busy to make for a distraction-free environment.

3. Make the Space Comfortable

Indoor cycling is not necessarily comfortable, but that doesn't mean the space can't be. We encourage people to make their exercise space comfortable enough to actually be inviting. How you define comfort is up to you. You might find comfort in certain color schemes or decorative styles. You might be more comfortable parking your bike on top of an area rug rather than a wood floor. Whatever it takes.

4. Make the Bike Accessible

Our final tip might be difficult if you live in an apartment or smaller house: make your bike accessible. In other words, set it up in a space that you can get to easily. Otherwise, you risk giving yourself an excuse to give up a few weeks after you start.

For example, you might be tempted to ride your bike in the living room but hide it behind the couch when not in use. Hiding it keeps it out of view, but it also makes the bike hard to get to. It probably won't be long before your bike is relegated to collecting dust.

The garage is another example. You might decide to park your bike out there because you don't want to take up space in the house. But if you have to move the car to exercise, what are the chances that you will still be taking daily rides six months from now?

Making your bike accessible is as important as limiting distractions and making your exercise space comfortable. Regardless of the location you eventually settle on, be open to changing it if necessary. The main priority is that you continue indoor cycling once you start. The location of your bike may very well play a role in that.

Now that you have your bike set up in the right spot, it’s time to get spinning. Take a look at our virtual spin classes, and let’s get you enjoying your bike!