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Recently I’ve been asked about my spin bike workout space in our basement. When I set up my workout space in the basement, we weren’t in a place where we could justify the money on a Peloton, or other super expensive spin bike, but I did want an option for spin workouts. Three years later, I’m happy to report that I’m still pretty happy with my spin bike setup. I’ve even used the Peloton app for spin workouts, and had great workouts, even without the fancy bike. I figured I’d share my more affordable setup with you, since I do enjoy it so much.
Full disclosure, for the past month, we’ve been having construction done in our basement. Therefore, all the furniture from the area where they’re working is piled around the spin bike/workout area. Therefore, I can’t get any good pictures of my spin bike workout, let alone do a workout. I’ve mainly been working out with dumbbells upstairs, and walking. I’ve also moved my yoga board upstairs for the time being, also. (It actually will probably stay there. I’m more likely to do workouts with kids running around if I don’t have to bring everyone down the basement). Turns out, pushing a toddler in a stroller uphill is quite the cardio sprint, especially when you’re 6 months pregnant!
The Equipment
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike: I like it. When I ordered it, I chose to have the professional set it up for me. It has lasted three years so far and gives me all I need in a bike – a seat, and resistance control. If I want to get picky, I could complain that the handle bars are a little too far forward, even when my seat is all the way up and forwards. There is no way to adjust them forwards or backwards. Two thoughts on that. First, I am also trying to adjust to a growing belly due to this (and my previous) pregnancy, so that definitely affects my posture. Second, even some other really expensive bikes I’ve considered seem to be limited in this capacity. Ultimately, it doesn’t make or break my workout.
Bike Seat Cushion: Totally not necessary but I really enjoy having a little more cushion for my tush, especially as I get farther into pregnancy, and postpartum. Just the facts of life!
Cadence Sensor: This puppy is super helpful. Pretty much every spin workout I’ve done will give you an RPM to aim for during different sections. The Sunny doesn’t have a cadence sensor, so this attaches to a pedal and then syncs via bluetooth to an app on your phone. Depending on how you’re streaming your workout, you can leave that app open to monitor your RPM, or sync the Wahoo sensor with the app. I’ve successfully synched it for Peloton workouts, but not all workout apps play nicely with it, just FYI. Make sure to read the product details to see if it works with the platform you choose to use. For example, I’ve used Aaptiv for audio workouts, and I can start the workout and then switch over to view the Wahoo app while I ride. On the other hand, I’ve tried to sync it with the Echelon app when my cousin shared a free trial with me, and Wahoo would not sync with Echelon. The Peloton app was the easiest though – sync and then you can view it right in the streaming of the workout within the Peloton app.
Phone Holder: I use this, mounted to my bike, to hold my phone so that I can view the screen during the workout.
Light Dumbbells: I keep a 5 lb set on a side table next to the bike. I love workouts that also incorporate some upper body work during recovery times.
Furniture Risers: These lift up the little cheap Ikea side table that is next to my bike. That way, I always have my water and weights in reachable distance while riding. Without them, the table is too short and I’m leaning way too far over for comfort during the workout.
Bluetooth Speaker or Headphones: I hate wearing headphones, but I hate being distracted even more. Whenever I use the bluetooth speaker, our dog gets curious about the voices coming from the basement. I usually use headphones to avoid making him anxious, and to help tune everything out. These headphones are pretty decent – they don’t slip out of my ears as much as many do. I prefer the over-the-ear fit, but I’ve never found a pair that last me longer than a couple months without something breaking.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! All the items I’ve piecemealed together over the last few years. They’ve helped me get a more enjoyable spin workout for way less money than the major name brand bikes. As far as workout platforms, the two I’ve enjoyed the most have been Aaptiv and Peloton. They’re both around $100 a year, maybe a little more. I’m not sponsored by either of them or getting any kickbacks, this is just my honest opinion.
I hope this information helps – hopefully (for a lot of reasons) the construction in the basement is completed soon. Then I can start working on digging out and back into the workout space and get some pictures for you! Do you have a workout space you love? What is something that just totally completes the space for you?
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