So yesterday as I was on a ride when I heard some young kids scream from across the road, “NICE BIKE!”. Okay, I can count on one finger how many times that has happened to me in my lifetime (not that I didn’t always have fine bikes, I just don’t remember this ever happening). The point is step cycles are unique, different, and dare I say… COOL! At first they may look a little dorky or awkward just because people aren’t used to seeing them but as soon as they and you wrap your mind around the concept it transcends the normal cycling experience. Let me start by showing you a recent vine that I made after getting my step cycle and tweaking it a bit with my tools:
https://vine.co/v/bYqzPlp27wz
Now, bear in mind that I did NOT say that I WAS COOL, clearly that is not the case and this video is now documented proof of that. But my step cycle is undeniably cool and here are 5 reasons why I am into step cycling and why I think you should be too:
- Gym Quality Equipment – If you purchase a solid step cycle like the WingFlyer you are essentially getting a gym quality piece of equipment that you know is built to last. The bike is not heavy but it is clearly well put together and feels solid the moment you step onto it for your first ride. I’m sure there are other alternatives and I hope to give more a try in the near future (when and if I do, I’ll be sure to write a review for you).
- Gym Quality Exercise (on the road) – The best part of the step cycle is that you get the same cardio workout that you would get on a elliptical machine or stair stepper in the gym but you have the advantage of being outside and actually going somewhere instead of just exercising in place. There is simply something about physically covering a distance that makes it more pleasurable (at least for me).
- Natural Incline & Resistance – Since you are on the road you get a natural variation of inclines & resistance that comes from going up and down hills (even if the hills are just sidewalks in the local park). If your step cycle has multiple speeds like mine you can actually make it even more difficult and get a workout in a fairly short amount of time (20-30 minutes).
- Natural Conversation Starter – So I haven’t spent a ton of time getting to know people in my extended neighborhood but you would be surprised how many people notice you on a step cycle and come up to you to at least ask about it. So it’s actually a nice conversation starter and lets people at least know that you are in to fitness (which may very well be something you have in common with them).
- IT IS FUN! – I have to admit that I enjoy riding my step cycle. You get to speed up and then enjoy some solid coasting with a nice breeze blowing in your face. It’s like the best bicycle ride you ever remember being on as a kid but you get that feeling every time you ride your step cycle. I think every fitness consultant or trainer worth a darn will tell you that finding exercise you enjoy is the secret to successfully reaching your fitness goals. I would encourage everyone to find multiple exercises you enjoy jogging, lifting weights, and now step cycling happen to be mine.
Let me round out this conversation on step cycling with an obvious point missing from above. Most good bicycles have seats (incredibly uncomfortable ones at that). The beauty behind the step cycle is there is no uncomfortable seat to deal with but it does also mean that you are less likely to go on long rides than you would be on traditional bicycle. Personally, I don’t miss the tiny uncomfortable seat (and I am reasonably skinny so that is not the problem). Also, I generally only have about 30 minutes to exercise between work, supper, and the rest of our nightly activities so step cycling is perfect for me and my routine too. If you are curious, take a trip to a local store that has one and give it a test ride. You never know, you may find you love step cycling as much as I do!