Many people now work from home, which often means working behind a desk for hours, which can wreak havoc on our health. If you are someone with a busy job, you may even forget to take screen breaks or lunch breaks, potentially putting you at risk of various eye, gut, joint and back problems.
The human body isn’t designed for sitting down, especially for a long period of time. But there are steps you can take to still stay as healthy as you can without compromising work or time.
One easy and handy way is to invest in a mini exercise bike – like this Portable Pedal Leg Exerciser from Amazon, priced at £30.59. It is one of the cheapest on sale currently that also has hundreds of positive reviews.
Due to its compact size, it can easily fit under a desk – allowing you to move your legs to boost your blood circulation while engrossed with work. It is portable too, meaning you can even use it while sitting in front of the telly.
The product description reads: ” ThePortable Pedal Leg Exerciser helps improve blood circulation, stamina, muscle strength and fitness. It can also be used on your arms.”
Sitting for too long can be bad for your health because it can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, and dementia. Sitting can cause blood to pool in your legs and feet, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
It can slow your metabolism, which can make it harder to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, and metabolize fat. Plus, sitting can stress your spine and other joints, especially if you sit with poor posture. Being sat down for a long time can also shorten your hip flexor muscles, which can lead to hip joint problems
The Portable Pedal Leg Exerciser’s adjustable resistance allows you to be in control via the pedal’s tension knob. Its LCD monitor is easy to read, displays the time, speed, count and calories burnt. The Portable Pedal Leg Exerciser weighs 5kg and is available in black or silver, though the latter option costs slightly more.
In the reviews, customers say they find it good for exercise and suitable for their needs. Many customers consider it an excellent value for money and say it’s smooth.
Taylor said: “It’s amazing. I can take it to work and use under my desk. It’s strong and easy to assemble. Easy to adjust pressure so different strength users can change settings. 1 AAA battery is all that’s needed for the calorie counter and timer. Well worth it’s money.” Mona put: “When rainy weather and cold can’t go out walking so ideal for steps.”
Jonathan added: “This very compact but effective exercise bike is perfect for a small space. I use it when I am seated working on my computers or just watching the TV… It has proven itself time and time again. I am really pleased with this purchase.” Everade wrote: “I use mine every day, has helped greatly with my hip mobility. Exactly what the Dr ordered, and it burns calories too.”
Another said: “This item was bought for a relative who had just come out of hospital it was ideal thing for her to help her to build her muscles up after her hip surgery she is very pleased with it and she is doing fine.”
However, Richard claimed: “Portable and convenient but on the downside, as you are pedaling it moves further away so you have to stop and re-position it.” Sophia also said it “squeaks a lot.” A third shared their opinion: “Display isn’t as accurate as more expensive models.”
If you are considering getting a pedal exerciser, there are plenty to browse through on the market. Debenhams is selling SPORTNOW’s Mini Exercise Bike for £39.99 – down from £59.99. B&Q is selling a similar Pedal Exerciser Mini Bike for £43.99. At Argos you can get this Opti Seated Mini Exercise Bike for £58.80.