Virtual Video Bike Ride - Indoor Cardio Without The Boredom

 Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

Bicycle Trainers, namely stationary bicycles, indoor bikes or recumbent bikes are among the most popular choices for home fitness equipment. Not only are exercise bikes great for burning calories, but they also increase your heart rate, develop aerobic capability, and shape your thighs. And using an exercise bike is forgiving to your knees and leg joints. 

We all know that boredom is the "angel of death" to an effective exercise routine. Defeating boredom is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome in achieving a successful home exercise program. Watching TV or reading a magazine while working out will work for some, but many others require a bit more.

Bring in the fun and excitement of an outdoor bike ride. 

Don't let bad weather can't keep you from enjoying that exciting bike riding adventure. Just bring the adventure indoors. If you're looking for that virtual bike riding experience that is budget friendly, consider the wide array of virtual bike riding websites. These sites offer filmed footage to inspire you on your indoor rides. Just go to one of these websites and experience an outdoor ride at home right in front of your PC.

Or maybe you would prefer watching a virtual bike riding DVD. With the use of a bicycle trainer or exercise bike accompanied with an exciting virtual scenery DVD you can experience exotic locations as you take in the advantages of an actual bike ride. 

 An example of a Bike-O-Vision DVD.
 This is called California Wine Country.
Click image for details.

Among the top sellers on Amazon are these DVD's by Bike-O-Vision  which have a good chunk of the top 20 most popular videos. Just read this review: All that's missing is the smell of the sea and the cry of the gulls. This bike video is a treat. Starts with a smooth crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge and then takes to the coast. Choose a direction or a preferred coastline: Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Big Sur, etc. and enjoy the view while pedalling at your own pace without worrying about what's coming around the bend or rushing up behind you. My bike sessions are longer and I have much more fun. I love it!  

For a more authentic virtual bike riding experience, there are stationary bikes with a built-in screen right in front of the handlebars. Numerous scenarios offer the user the chance to visit foreign lands, experience bike trails, join or race other bicyclists, or go mountain biking through scenic mountain ranges. 

When riding one of these exercise bikes, you don't have to deal with a separate remote and screen in addition to the bike itself. Just get on the bike and experience the world right at your fingertips. 

Due to the current high prices of these upper end models (well into the $1000's), they may be primarily available at gyms and health clubs. But as these virtual video wonders continue to expand into the hearts and lives of more fitness seekers, they are sure to become available as a budget friendly addition to the homes of many riders.

Google Bike Hack Project

If you are technically inclined you can connect your exercise bike to Google Maps and create your own virtual reality adventure! See details in video below.