Helen Vanderburg for the Calgary Herald
Reprinted with permission
The stationary bike was the first piece of cardiovascular fitness equipment to hit the market and it is still the most-used equipment in fitness clubs and home gyms. For years, people have endured the tediousness of stationary cycling for hours because it is an efficient and effective way to train. The Expresso Bike is the newest stationary bike in the market; it combines an interactive “virtual reality” experience with cardiovascular training known as exergaming.
What is it?
Expresso Bikes are interactive, commercial-grade bikes that incorporate virtual reality course, letting you steer and shift gears like a road bike.
The bike, networked through the Internet, allows you to track your rides or compete against other riders. You can also ride scenic routes and compete in races. There are three styles: upright, recumbent and youth. Each has more than 30 fantasy, interactive road tours, which are rated basic to extreme or off-road.
The ability to shift gears and move the handle bars like an outdoor bike makes the time fly by.
Who would like it?
People who like to play interactive games will love this bike. On expresso.net, riders can personalize their experience, track fitness results and celebrate accomplishments with virtual awards. Even if you don’t like working out, you will like riding the Expresso Bike. It’s so much fun, you’ll forget you are working out.
The sweat factor
Feeling ambitious, I set my intensity level to black diamond, representing an advanced-but not the most challenging-level. But my scenic ride through the Alps tough terrain; the pedal resistance automatically increased, and I had to steer carefully avoid riding off the cliff. It was fun and intense.
The virtual reality helps to distract you from the fact that you are working, which allows you to work harder and longer.
The klutz factor
One reason the stationary bike is so popular is that it is easy to use. The Expresso Bike has a range of settings and programs; you can ride by yourself down a country road or you can race against others.
The more advanced rides require concentration. You can’t read a magazine and become distracted from your workout. This bike forces you to continually react to the changing terrain. I even found talking to my neighbours difficult while riding the mountain course.
Gear needed
Wear comfortable fitness clothes. A good pair of bike shorts always makes riding more comfortable. Cycling shoes are not required.
Where to get it?
You can check out the bike at Expresso.com. In Canada, the Expresso Bikes are sold through Fitness Depot Commercial.
How much does it cost?
The Expresso Bike is built for health clubs as well as home gym use. The price starts at $7,000.
Bottom line
The Expresso Bike is a revolutionary stationary cycling experience. The interactive gaming combined with the ability to track workout progression and virtual awards make it the bike of the future.
To learn more about Expresso Bikes and Virtual Reality Fitness, speak to a Fitness Depot Commercial Representative today!
