Dr. Allan Horowitz, published newspaper article, The Liberal, Copyright November 18, 1987

Last week I began discussing the various benefits and disadvantages of using a stationary bicycle to improve fitness. This week I will discuss what features one should look for when purchasing this machine.

Stationary bikes sell for anywhere from $100 to $6,000. I would like to tell everybody to purchase the machine for $6,000, but I’m afraid we all don’t make a large enough salary to be able to afford one these and also feed our kids.

The fancy bikes have computerized readouts which tell you your heart rate, calories burned, work load, and elapsed time. They also can have built-in television and radio, so that the picture and-or sound will fade out whenever you slow down your work, and increase again when you pick up the pace.

Personally, I don’t want to have a heart attack just so I can watch the local news. These machines are gim­micky, and are only advisable for the wealthy who have already tried a more inexpensive bike and decided that cycling is the sport for them.

The cheaper bikes are also not recommended. They wobble, break, make too much noise, give you seat rot (see last week’s column for a description of this term), and are usually more trouble than they are worth.

Remember, this is supposed to bean enjoyable way to get fit, not something that will give you lots of excuses to avoid the workout.

Buy a machine that feels good to sit on, doesn’t jump around the floor when you peddle quickly, and has just the gadgets on it that you really feel you need.

You should at least get some in­strumentation so that you will be motivated into working harder or longer. This includes at least a timer and ergometer.

One expert estimates that only 10 to 20 per cent of all home fitness equipment will be used regularly one year after it is originally purchased. Where do the rest of them end up? In basements, garages, closets and in the ‘for sale’ classified ads in the newspapers.

This means that the best place to purchase an exercise bike is from the newspaper. The best time to look is inFebruary or March. The reason is simple. People get these things as Christmas presents, and begin a New Years resolution to improve their fitness level.

This usually lasts a month or two. Then they get tired of looking at the bike sitting there collecting cob webs, so they put it up for sale. Then so­meone new comes along with a spring resolution to get fit so they can wear the latest style string bikini, and they buy the bike with the best of inten­tions.

One lesson is to be learned from this. Any exercise routine will work if it is done regularly. Nothing works like magic, and nothing is easy. Hard work and dedication will make that string bikini fit like a glove, and nothing else (except maybe a shoe horn).

In next week’s column I will discuss some of the pros and cons of rowing machines. If you thought sta­tionary bicycles were great, wait until you read next week’s column.

Allan Horowitz, D.C., is a chiropractor and writes this public ser­vice column.He will attempt to answer readers’ questions on a variety of topics in­cluding back pain, headaches, nutri­tion, sport injuries and preventive medicine.

Address your questions to Allan Horowitz, care of The Liberal, Box 390. Richmond Hill, L4C4Y6.