Like countless others, the disruption of normal life led to some unwanted changes in my routine, and before I knew it, extra pounds had crept up on me. It happens so subtly, until one day you look in the mirror and realize you’re not where you want to be. After some unsuccessful attempts with traditional weight loss methods, I stumbled upon a solution that actually worked. My journey began with a stationary bike, and it evolved into a virtual ride across the United States. If you’re looking for an engaging and effective way to shed those extra pounds, a Proform Workout Bike might just be the answer.
The Knee-Friendly Alternative to Running
Running had always been my go-to for fitness. From high school cross-country to adult jogs for stamina and weight management, I’ve always turned to running. Eager to reclaim my fitness, I invested in new running shoes, downloaded a fitness app, and explored local trails. Even in my fifties, I found joy in trail running, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the challenge of hill workouts.
However, my enthusiasm was short-lived. Each time I increased my mileage to a weight-loss-effective level, my knees would protest with soreness and inflammation. I experimented with different shoes, knee braces, and softer running surfaces, but nothing provided lasting relief. The impact of running was simply becoming too much. This is where the appeal of a proform workout bike started to grow.
Discovering Interactive Exercise Bikes: Proform to the Rescue
Staying fit and healthy became a priority, especially with grandchildren to keep up with. But as Dr. Art Markman points out, “knowledge alone does not cause people to change their behavior. And even a commitment to change is not enough.” My knee pain was a convenient excuse to abandon my fitness goals. That’s when I saw a commercial for Peloton. The interactive spin class concept was intriguing, but the price tag was daunting.
My search continued, leading me to Proform and their version of the interactive bike. The Pro-TC, a type of proform workout bike, offered similar interactive features, working with an iFit subscription to access spin classes and guided rides around the globe. The clincher was a special offer: a free bike with a three-year iFit subscription commitment. Deal sealed. This proform workout bike seemed like the perfect solution.
First Strides (or Pedals) with Proform
Assembly was straightforward, and soon my proform workout bike was ready. For my first ride, I chose a gentle scenic route around a Norwegian lake. Just two miles in, my legs were burning, and my heart was racing. Slightly discouraged, I ended the workout.
But my body adapted quickly. I explored trainer-led sessions on virtual trails worldwide and even ventured into spin classes on my proform workout bike. The variety kept me engaged and motivated.
Then I discovered the “create” feature. Connecting to Google Maps, I could design custom routes, and the proform workout bike would simulate the terrain. I cycled through my childhood town of Tucson, explored Paris, and toured Charleston, all from my living room.
The Google Maps feature wasn’t flawless. Instead of video, it used scrolling street view photos, sometimes missing images altogether. However, the bike realistically adjusted resistance to match inclines, and the photo gaps were minimal. These minor imperfections were easily overlooked given the immersive experience my proform workout bike provided.
As Isabelle M. Baur and Roy F. Baumeister explain, “successful self-regulation allows people to subordinate short-term temptations to long-term goals, to trade the pleasure of immediate gratification for delayed rewards, and to tolerate the frustration that can be associated with persisting in the face of challenges or hard work.” To truly commit, I needed a bigger, more compelling goal to tie my workouts together.
Setting a Grand Goal: Coast-to-Coast on a Proform Workout Bike
The idea struck me like lightning. “I’m going to ride this proform workout bike across the country,” I announced to my wife. Ever supportive, she simply replied, “You do that, Troy.”
I was ready. And I knew I had to start immediately. Carlo DiClemente emphasizes that the preparation stage “entails developing a plan of action and creating the commitment needed to implement that plan.” Gregg Krech further warns, “most procrastination is caused by a tendency to make a decision, in the present moment, based on what we feel like doing at that moment. And if we don’t feel like doing something NOW, then we’re not likely to feel like doing it later, because…later will just be another NOW.”
Fueled by motivation, I hopped on my proform workout bike and began my virtual cross-country journey from sunny California.
Progress was initially slow, just a few miles at a time. But within weeks, I was consistently riding twenty miles or more daily. Soon, I was virtually crossing the Sierras and descending into Nevada, all thanks to the convenience and engagement of my proform workout bike.
Riding a ProForm Stationary Bike for a Cross-Country Fitness Journey
Breaking Down the Journey with Smaller Milestones
The overarching goal of reaching Boston was motivating, but it was the smaller, daily and weekly goals that kept me going. “Just make it to Reno today,” or “Reach the Utah border this week” became my mantras. Goals are essential for motivation, but overly daunting long-term goals can lead to burnout. My virtual cross-country ride on the proform workout bike was effectively broken down into manageable segments.
These mini-goals fueled consistent effort. I incorporated sprint intervals into flat stretches and used the virtual terrain for hill workouts. Two months in, I felt like Forrest Gump pedaling towards Nebraska, energized and focused on the next virtual mile marker on my proform workout bike.
ProForm Workout Bike Map Displaying Virtual Ride Progress Across the Country
Real Fitness Gains from Virtual Miles
This ambitious virtual journey on my proform workout bike wasn’t just for fun; it was about achieving real fitness goals, especially weight loss. Here’s what happened in the first six weeks:
- Weight loss: Twenty pounds
- Resting heart rate reduction: From the low 70s to the mid-50s
- Blood pressure improvement: From 135/95 to a healthier 115/75.
These tangible results were powerful motivators to continue my journey with the proform workout bike.
A Successful Coast-to-Coast Ride and Beyond
Eventually, I reached Boston virtually. Like any long-term goal, there were interruptions. A move, a back injury, and other life events temporarily paused my progress.
But the Boston goal remained in my mind. I got back on my proform workout bike and completed the virtual journey. To celebrate, my wife and I even took a trip to Boston. And the journey continues – I’m now virtually heading south from Boston to the Florida Keys, still enjoying the benefits of my proform workout bike.
Final Thoughts on Proform Workout Bikes for Fitness
An ambitious goal like a virtual cross-country ride might not be for everyone. My wife, for instance, prefers guided iFit workouts with her favorite trainers. The beauty of proform workout bikes is their versatility to cater to different preferences.
My knees are grateful for the low-impact cycling, my fitness goals are being met, and I remain motivated as I pedal across the virtual landscapes of America. If you’re seeking a fun, effective, and joint-friendly way to get fit, consider hopping on a proform workout bike and starting your own fitness adventure.
Last Update: August 15, 2024
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References:
Baumeister, Roy F.; Bauer, Isabelle M. (2017). Self-Regulatory Strength. K. D. Vohs, & R. F. Baumeister (Eds.), Handbook of Self-Regulation: Third Edition: Research, Theory, and Applications. The Guilford Press; Third edition.
DiClemente, Carlos C. (2005) Addiction and Change, Second Edition: How Addictions Develop and Addicted People Recover. The Guilford Press; Second edition.
Krech, Gregg (2014). The Art of Taking Action: Lessons from Japanese Psychology. ToDo Institute Books.
Markman, Art (2015). Smart Change: Five Tools to Create New and Sustainable Habits in Yourself and Others. TarcherPerigee; Reprint edition.
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