If your doctor has recommended low-impact rehabilitation for your feet and legs, buy a pedal exerciser. It helps tone your leg muscles, boost blood flow and improve the overall health of your feet and legs.
A pedal exerciser is like those stationary bikes you find at the gym, only much smaller and portable. The best thing about it is that you can use it at any time, even when you are working. It’s compact enough to fit under your work desk. You can also give it a go when you are watching TV or reading a book after a long day spent sitting down.
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How a pedal exerciser works
A pedal exerciser works in the same way as a stationary bike. You push around pedals with your feet. A stand holds the unit in place on the floor.
You can increase or decrease the level of resistance depending on your exercise needs and how intensive you want the session to be. Most pedal exercises also feature a small display where you can see how far you have pedalled, the length of the session, resistance level and number of calories burned.
Pedal exercisers come in different sizes and styles. Some are a bit bigger and are packed with plenty of features while others are very basic in terms of functionality. You’ll also find that some are more portable than others.
We took all these differences into account when researching the best pedal exercisers in the UK. Here are the best ones we found. We have included different types and styles to ensure you find the best one for your needs.
1. Aidapt Pedal Exerciser with Digital Display
- IDEAL FOR LOW IMPACT FITNESS TRAINING AND FOR REHABILITATION: Can improve circulation and muscle strength in both arms and legs while being gentle on...
- USE JUST ABOUT ANY WHERE ANY TIME: You just need a comfy chair and you are good to go Easy to move around and store
- VARIABLE RESISTANCE: Simple and easy to adjust the cycling resistance from easy to harder as the user improves
- KEEP A CHECK ON YOUR WORK OUT: Simply easy to ready LCD display shows elapse time, revolution count, revolutions per minuet and calories used
- DURABLE FOLD DOWN DESIGN WITH MINIMAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Made from robust materials this sturdy unit is fitted with an LCD read out, anti slip feet...
This is one of the smallest and most portable pedal exercises you can buy. It has a folding stand that makes it really easy and quick to set up whenever you want some exercise and pack it when you are done. You can even take it with you when travelling.
A small digital display at the front allows you to monitor your progress through various metrics. It shows the pedal count, the amount of time you’ve been cycling and the estimate number of calories expended.
If you have just had surgery and you need to do physiotherapy, add this pedal exerciser to your rehabilitation toolset. It’s also helpful for those with arthritis. It provides low-impact exercise that builds up your muscles and strength without causing too much strain on your bones and joints.
And since you can carry it around easily, it’s easy to keep up with your physio schedule at the office, park, home and many other places.
What we like about it:
- Compact and highly portable.
- Digital display to help you track your progress.
- Easy to set up and fold down.
- Can be used with arms as well as feet.
2. Pedal Exerciser with Digital Display
- For low impact rehabilitation and exercise .
- Shows exercise time duration, calories consumed, cycles and revolutions per minute.
- Adjustable pedal resistance (instructions are within product description).
- Helps improve overall fitness.
- Pedals have toe straps, adjustable to your needs.
This is another super simple but effective low-impact pedal exerciser. It comes with straps to secure your feet, allowing you to pedal comfortably and safely. You can pedal as fast as you want without your feet slipping.
The most important part of the exerciser is the resistance knob. Turn it and the pedals become harder to push around. This gives your muscles a more challenging workout and is especially ideal if you are focused on building muscle strength. The lower resistance levels are great for burning calories.
The unit is small and has a foldable stand. It only takes a few seconds to set it up and is just as quick to fold up and pack in your bag.
A small digital display shows you the pedal count, revolutions per minute, time elapsed and estimate calories burned.
What we like about it:
- Has several resistance levels.
- Can be used with arms or feet.
- Straps for safety and comfort.
3. 66fit Folding Arm and Leg Pedal Exerciser
- Ideal for use around the home or in the office.
- The resistance from the pedals can be adjusted to increase or decrease the effort required
- Easy to assemble and folds for storage, Helps improve circulation
- Non-slip rubber floor grips
- Pedals come complete with toe-straps
This pedal exerciser features straps at the pedals to keep your feet in place as you pedal. You can also work the pedals with your arms if you want to exercise your upper body.
The stand has anti-slip rubber grips for added comfort and safety. Even if you are exercising on a smooth floor, the unit will not slip away.
There is a resistance knob you can turn to increase or decrease the difficulty level. When you are done working out, you just need to fold the stand. The whole unit folds into a compact size that you can stow away in your bag and carry with you on the road.
What we like about it:
- Easy to set up and pack.
- Several resistance levels.
- Secure foot straps and anti-slip rubber grips for added safety and comfort.
4. ReaseJoy Arm and Leg Pedal Exerciser with LCD Display
This exerciser can look a bit intimidating with its slightly larger closed design. Most other pedal exercisers have an open frame. But it’s still great for anyone who needs low impact exercise for their feet and legs or even arms. It’s also just as lightweight as other pedal exercisers.
There is a resistance knob to offer you different difficulty levels. A strap on each paddle protects your feet from slipping especially when you are peddling fast. As you peddle, an LCD monitor displays pedal count, time, distance and estimate calorie count.
The unit comes with wide, non-slip feet. So you can use it on any type of floor without any issues. But the manufacturer recommends placing a mat under it for maximum comfort.
What we like about it:
- Sturdy anti-slip design.
- Includes varying difficulty levels.
- Includes a display to track your progress.
5. Folding Pedal Exerciser
- Digital Pedal exerciser for use around the home and in the office
- The resistance of the pedals can be adjusted to increase or decrease the effort required to use the exerciser therefore allowing for progressive...
- On-board computer to show time or gauge calories consumed, cycles or RPM
- Vivid Green Frame
- Massage rings built in to roll the soles of your feet on
This pedal exerciser is almost similar in terms of features to the Aidapt Pedal Exerciser I mentioned above. It has a similar foldable frame, making it easy to set up and pack. It’s small enough to fit under most desks. You can easily put it in your bag when travelling.
A resistance knob allows you to build your muscles by cranking up the difficulty level while a digital display keeps track of your progress.
What we like about it:
- Multiple resistance levels.
- Digital display for progress-tracking.
- Easy to set up and fold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you use a pedal exerciser?
A pedal exerciser is great for people who want to do low-impact exercise at home or while working.
Because of its size and weight, a pedal exerciser is highly portable. You can use it just about anywhere.
A pedal exerciser work just like a stationary bike. It has a pair of pedals that you push around. You can adjust tension, making the pedals harder or easier to turn.
Turn up the tension to increase resistance when you want to tone muscles. Reduce tension to increase pedalling speed and burn more calories.
Unlike a stationary exercise bike, you don’t need to stand to use a pedal exerciser. In fact, most are designed for use while seated.
You can have a go while watching TV, reading a book or working.
Some pedal exercisers are meant for use with either legs or arms.
Q: What is a pedal exerciser good for?
A pedal exerciser increases your daily calorie burn, which can help with weight loss. It also tones muscles in your feet and legs.
If you get a versatile pedal exerciser, you can also use it to tone your biceps and triceps.
Your physio may also recommend you use a pedal exerciser for low-impact rehabilitation. It can help you recover from injuries to your feet, knees or hips.
Using a pedal exerciser is also good for your heart, brain, blood pressure and overall health.
Q: Are pedal exercisers good for weight loss?
Yes, if you use the exerciser as part of a complete workout routine and diet program.
Like any other exercise, using a pedal exerciser on its own doesn’t guarantee quick weight loss. In fact, exercise on its own isn’t very effective for weight loss according to dozens of studies.
To get the best from your pedal exerciser, incorporate it into your weekly exercise routine. In addition, make sure you are eating the right food.
Q: Is a pedal exerciser safe for the elderly?
Because it is a low impact workout machine, a pedal exerciser is generally safe for seniors and people recovering from injuries.
You can adjust resistance to make the exercise safer and more comfortable.
That being said, it’s important to consult your doctor before you start using a pedal exerciser. They’ll help you use it correctly to avoid injuries.
Q: Is a pedal exerciser good for arthritis?
Regular exercise is essential for people with arthritis. It reduces pain, strengthens joints and muscles and increases blood flow.
An exerciser can help reduce the effects of arthritis.
It’s actually better than other form of exercise because it has a low impact on muscles and joints. If you are expecting arthritic pain, a pedal exerciser is one of the best workout tools.
Q: Can I use a pedal exerciser with my arms?
Most pedal exercisers can be operated using legs or arms. So go ahead and pump away with either. It will tone your feet, legs and arm muscles.
