Armchair Pedalling
Circulation and stamina without leaving the room
- Position
- Seated
- Takes
- 10 minutes
- How much
- 10 minutes, as often as you like
Why this one
The only thing here that does not require deciding to exercise. It sits under the chair you already sit in, and the ten minutes happen during something else. Low friction beats high intention, every time.
How to do it
Set the pedals about a foot in front of your chair and push the base against something solid.
Start with the tension knob at its lowest setting.
Pedal forward for five minutes, then backward for five — backward uses different muscles.
Keep it easy enough to hold a conversation.
Watch for
The unit walking away from you across the floor. If it slides, it is too far forward — bring it closer so you are pushing down more than out.
Make it easier
Five minutes, lowest tension, forward only.
Make it harder
Raise the tension one notch, or go to twenty minutes.
More for strengthening
Heel and Toe Raises
Steadier footing on uneven ground and curbs
Nothing to buy
How to do it
Seated Row
Pulling a door open, and standing straighter doing it
Uses Figure-8 band with handles
How to do it