I just bought myself an indoor bike.

I’ve never owned one before, but I’ve been looking for something that would give me a solid cardio and strength workout without the impact of running. As much as I love to run, I’m very aware that I should find an additional form of cross training that I can incorporate into my training and that I enjoy.

I also don’t live near a great gym, and while Orangetheory is fun and effective, it’s not something I can consistently plan around, mostly because I don’t write the workouts and don’t know what the focus of any given day will be ahead of time. After quite a bit of deliberation, I decided that an indoor bike might be exactly what I was looking for. I can set it up in our guest room, it won’t take up too much space, and I can use it whatever the weather. 

Peloton… or Something Else?

My initial thought was Peloton. I liked the idea of having access to the app and all the workouts, including the strength sessions. But once I actually looked at the cost, a brand-new bike was out of my price range. A refurbished one felt more realistic, so I started there.

While browsing Facebook Marketplace, I began noticing other brands popping up, and that’s when I realised I didn’t have to go down the Peloton route. Maybe there was something else that would suit my needs just as well.

I spent an evening doing some proper online research to work out what I actually wanted. I didn’t want to spend a tonne of money on something with all the bells and whistles, especially as I wasn’t even sure yet how much I’d enjoy indoor cycling. I narrowed it down to a couple of options and eventually landed on the Bowflex C6.

Buying a Bike from Facebook Marketplace

I then did a deeper dive into Facebook Marketplace, which I always find slightly fascinating and like a rabbit hole. We’ve sold a few things on there and bought some furniture, but I’d never bought exercise equipment before.

To my surprise, I instantly found about five Bowflex C6 bikes within ten miles of us. One was just over the river from DC in Arlington, so I reached out. The owner explained that the bike had barely been ridden, it just wasn’t quite what her husband had been looking for and because they travel so much for work, it had ended up sitting in storage collecting dust.

Last Sunday, my husband and I drove over and met them at their storage unit. I’m always a little nervous meeting people this way, but this worked out perfectly. They needed the space, we were organised with our payment, and the bike was exactly as described. We tested it on the spot, took off the handlebars and back stand, squeezed it into our Corolla, and drove home so I could do my first workout.

Why We Chose the Bowflex C6

The bike was really easy to set up, and I was able to sync both my Garmin and iPad to it without any issues. Ultimately, we chose the Bowflex C6 over Peloton for a few key reasons:

• Flexibility with screens: The Bowflex allows you to connect any Bluetooth-enabled device, so we can use our iPad. We were a bit wary of being tied to a built-in screen that could become outdated or expensive to fix if it broke.
• Platform freedom: You’re not locked into one ecosystem. You can use the Peloton app, Zwift, iFit, or anything else you like. I’m currently using a free trial of Zwift.
• Strong reviews: Across the board, users seemed genuinely happy with the bike and it had great reviews.
• Cost: The Bowflex is significantly cheaper new (around half the price of a Peloton), and we paid about 30% of the new price for a second-hand bike in perfect condition.

So… Now What?

My plan is to start incorporating a few rides into my weekly training schedule. My running coach is an Ironman and loves cycling, and she’s fully on board with this experiment. She’s found that biking really supports her running, and I’m hoping it’ll do the same for me.

At the very least, it gives me a great option for low-impact cardio during the cold, dark winter months, and also during those blazing hot DC summers when the idea of running outside feels less appealing.

Why Cycling Can Be So Helpful for Runners

These are some of the benefits I’ve been reading about (and hoping to experience myself):

Low-impact cross-training
Cycling provides a strong cardiovascular workout without the pounding that comes with running, making it ideal for active recovery or safely increasing overall training volume.

Improved endurance
Long, uninterrupted rides help build aerobic capacity and stamina, both of which translate well to longer runs.

Strength and power
Indoor cycling targets the quads, glutes, and core, which can support better running form, efficiency, and hill strength.

Injury management
When running isn’t an option, cycling allows you to maintain fitness and keep your aerobic engine ticking over while giving your body a break from impact.

Cardiovascular gains
Regular cycling improves heart health and oxygen delivery, which can support better performance when you’re back on the run.

Control and variety
You can easily adjust resistance, cadence, and effort, whether you’re looking for steady aerobic work or tougher, strength-focused sessions.

Mental health benefits
Like running, cycling can be a real mood booster, but in a slightly different, often more accessible format.

In short, indoor cycling seems to offer runners a way to train smarter, recover better, and build a strong aerobic base and leg strength, hopefully with fewer setbacks along the way.

What’s Next?

I’ve done a couple of easy rides this week and plan to keep things very manageable for now, likely doubling up on my strength days. I’m taking a slow-and-steady approach and seeing how my body responds.

If you cycle alongside your running, I’d love to hear about your experience and and whether you’ve noticed it making a difference. Please share any tips below.