An exercise bike can be a great way to help maintain your cardio fitness and shift a few unwanted pounds. According to WebMD, you can burn approximately 400 calories per hour cycling. However, not every home has suitable flooring for an indoor bike. So, if you have carpeting, do you need mats for exercise bikes? In this article we’ll explore using the topic of using exercise bikes on carpet to help you make the right decision for your home.
The Potential Problems of Using Exercise Bikes on Carpet
While it is possible to use an exercise bike on carpet, it can create a few potential problems that you will need to consider. The main potential problems of using exercise bikes on carpet include:
Damage to the Bike:
Buying a top of the line exercise bike can be a significant investment, which is why most gyms use mats for exercise bikes. Carpeting can release fibers and dust, which can compromise the lifespan of your exercise bike. This debris can enter the moving parts and electronics, triggering premature wear.
The components of an exercise bike are in constant motion during use, so excessive dust and debris moving around can compromise the smooth motion.
Hygiene Issues:
If you’re getting a good workout, the chances are that you’ll be sweating. While sweat will be absorbed partly by your clothing and you may keep a towel handy, but inevitably, there will be some sweat that ends up on the bike and floor. Although you are likely to notice this on a solid floor and wipe it up, carpeting will absorb the moisture. Unfortunately, sweat can be a hospitable environment for bacteria. So, over time, you may notice your carpet develops a smell which can be musty or even moldy.
Reduced Carpet Lifespan
This point follows on from the last, but using exercise bikes on carpet can actually reduce the carpet lifespan. In addition to sweat, the feet of the stationary bike can also cause excessive wear.
You may have noticed when you move a heavy piece of furniture like a sofa or cabinet that the carpet has imprints from the feet. Although an exercise bike is lighter, when it is used regularly it will move around a little. This means that the rubber feet will rub the carpet fibers. So, eventually, the carpet will become worn.
Obviously, the effects will be different on different types of carpeting. If you have a short, thinner carpet, the effects will be lessened compared to a high pile, thick carpeting.
Stability Problems
Finally, you need to consider the potential stability problems of using exercise bikes on carpet. When you’re working out hard, your weight is likely to be shifting from side to side. So, if the surface under your exercise bike is soft, there will be some give that can make you feel unstable. Each time you shift your weight, that side of the bike will sink a little, so the whole bike will wobble.
In addition to feeling unstable, it can also take some energy away from moving the pedals. When the bike moves a little, all the effort you put into moving the pedals will not be used. While this doesn’t particularly matter for a single stroke, over thousands, it could seriously compromise the efficiency of your workout.
The Solution: Mats for Exercise Bikes
Mats for exercise bikes can provide the ideal solution for these issues. They can protect your floor from damage and minimize movement, improving stability. Mats are also easy to clean. You can wipe the mat with a damp cloth or some models are machine washable. This means that you can throw the mat straight in the wash with your gym clothes after your workout.
Another added bonus is that a mat can lessen the noise of your exercise bike. If you live in an apartment, you may have concerns that the noise and vibration of your bike could disturb your neighbors. However, a mat can reduce noise disturbance as it absorbs impact noise.
How to Choose the Best Mats for Exercise Bikes
Once you’ve decided that a mat is a good option for your exercise space, you will find that there are lots of options. So, we have some tips to help you choose the best mats for exercise bikes.
Check What’s Compatible With Your Flooring:
There are various bike mats in different materials and they may not all be suitable for your flooring. If you have carpeting, you are best looking for a rubber or PVC mat. This provides a stable, slip resistant base to keep you safe as you cycle.
It is also a good idea to look for a thinner mat with your carpeting. Thicker materials may create “give” that negates the purpose of having a mat on top of your carpet.
Choose the Right Size:
Your mat needs to be able to accommodate the footprint of your exercise bike with some allowance for mounting and unmounting. However, you don’t want the mat to be so big that it creates a trip hazard, particularly if you have other equipment around your exercise bike.
Consider Your Budget:
Fortunately, there are exercise bike mats available at a variety of price points, making it easy to find one to suit your budget. So, before you start shopping, think about how much you are willing to spend. This will help you to narrow down your options.
Think About Odors:
While some mats are machine washable, others can have an odor or be vulnerable to becoming smelly. Rubber, in particular, can react with the bacteria from sweat, developing a bad odor. So, unless you plan on washing it frequently, it is better to opt for a PVC mat that has more odor and water resistance.
There are mats for exercise bikes in a variety of colors, materials and patterns, so you can maintain the aesthetics of your home and ensure that you remain safe as you exercise.