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I’ve been in survival mode for almost a year. I’ve been working from home since last March, raising my two boys, and swaying on the edge of reason. But there are a few things I rely on to prevent burnout (if only temporarily): keeping my home organized, taking much-needed mental health breaks, and prioritizing workouts.
I found the latter to be the most challenging. Exercising at home with no class or instructor was something I could do before the pandemic, but I just didn’t have the mental capacity to motivate myself during the quarantine. When I got the chance to try the MYX fitness bike (Buy It, $ 1,299, myxfitness.com), I didn’t hesitate and hoped this would be the motivational boost I needed to get back into the exercise routine.
Stationary bikes have been all the rage since the OG Peloton exercise bike hit the market a few years ago. And I admit, I’ve wanted to try for just as long, but I couldn’t bring myself to spend that kind of money. (As it turns out, many others are also looking for affordable options – several Peloton-alternative exercise bikes have recently popped up.)
When I first got the MYX bike, I was excited to learn that it was pretty much like a peloton in a way that I knew I would enjoy: both have big screens, offer on-demand classes and have foot pedals with a clip. However, the biggest bonus for me was that I could do so much more than just ride a bike.
Like its more expensive counterpart, my MYX bike has a 360-degree swivel digital screen to make it easy to take other classes, including weight training or cardio dancing. Participating in these off-bike workouts has fundamentally changed my training and mental health. I can stretch and meditate with the MYX instructors if I need something slower and then hop on the bike for an intense workout when I really want to sweat. Peloton only has this rotating screen option for its Bike + model, with prices starting at $ 2,495.
Aside from the class offers, I like that the MYX bike uses a heart rate monitor that came with the bike. It records your heart rate to help you achieve varying levels of intensity based on your individual cardiovascular fitness, while a peloton uses cadence and resistance to track performance. There is no ranking on the MYX bike for those who are not motivated by the competition. If you’re not sure where to start, try the SmartMYX feature, which guides you through personalized workouts based on your fitness goals.
The Peloton bike is definitely an elite bike and offers a ton of resistance on its flywheel – not to mention Peloton instructors are practically superstars – but if you’re looking for great home workouts with different class options regardless of your fitness level, I am ‘I would definitely recommend the MYX bike. Plus, you’ll save a few hundred dollars while you’re at it. I have felt stronger and clearer since I got this bike home in my quarantine and I can safely say that this bike has been a lifesaver from the pandemic for me!
