If you're the type to not want to go to the gym (anxiety, or it's too far), I've had immense benefits from cycling, both indoors and outdoors. I can think more clearly about programming when I'm chilling on the bike, so many ideas and bug fixes have come while just pedalling along.
Do you have any recommendations for indoor bikes/trainer that you've used?
I agree that it is extremely beneficial. Though my cycling is only done to and from work. I've thought about getting a cycling machine with a reading/laptop platform for indoor use, but it's hard to identify what I'm actually looking for since they're a bit different from bikes and I've never used one.
I hook it up to a bike computer (Garmin Edge 520) and an app called TrainerRoad (https://www.trainerroad.com/platforms). It's a bit of an investment, but I find that having numbers/instrumentation makes things exciting especially when tracking your progress.
My bike and my bike trainer are in my top ten best purchases ever in terms of the value they've given (increased energy, increased fitness).
Instead of spending lot of money on cycling machine, look for "Magnet Steel Bike Bicycle Indoor Exercise Trainer" on amazon. Decent stand to use your bike indoors for $50-$60
Thanks for the recommendation. I've looked at trainers like that and some look solid. I might just have to go for one. It's just hard to gauge quality versus something like a Kickr Snap.
If you have the cash there are some great electronic resistance direct drive indoor trainers you attach a real bike to. Search Google for zwift enabled trainers (brands like tacx)
Seconding the recommendations for a cheap trainer + Zwift. Also, if the weather is good, find a local club to ride with outside. Although indoor training is great, nothing releases endorphins like an outdoor ride with some friends.
