How Effective are those Fancy Exercise Machines? Part 2

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Sep 2008 09:00 PM

Continuing my series that looks into whether or not expensive exercise equipment advertised on TV is really worth going into debt over I'm turning my attention to the RealRyder.

It looks like an indoor bike, but this is no ordinary stationary cycle. The RealRyder allows you to steer and move from side to side in your own home.

Here's what the company claims in its commercial:

"After 20 years, the indoor cycling bike finally gets moving! ... It tilts, turns, and banks like an outdoor bike - works out the core, upper body, legs, cardio, and improves balance the way other indoor cycling bikes can't ... More moves. More complete workouts."

All that for the low, low, price of... $2,395! That's right, more than two grand for this revolutionary techno-bike.

So, is it worth putting a dent into your wallet?

Fitness experts, who experimented with the new bike are split about its worth. Some raved that the RealRyder is "true-to-life" and would especially appeal to avid mountain bike riders. Conversely, some experts were not sold on the fancy set of wheels saying that while the shape of the bike is sleek and modern its features wouldn't necessitate a more advanced workout. The reason, according to fitness experts is that is that on a bike that doesn't tilt the way the RealRyder does you are required to balance more and thereby expend more calories. Experts also point out that the benefits with the RealRyder are limited because when you do bank and turn on it you are forced to hold a leaning position, which turns your attention away from pedaling.

Fitness experts concluded that if you were bored of spinning on a traditional stationary bike then it wouldn't hurt to give the RealRyder a try. However, you won't be expending any more calories than you would on an ordinary bike unless the novelty of the product drives you to spend more time on it.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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