An indoor exercise bike, also called a stationary bicycle, is an exercise tool that gives you the workout of a bicycle in the privacy and safety of your own house.  This can be particularly useful for people who have difficulty finding the time or friendly locations for biking, and yet enjoy the exercise it gives you.

Indoor exercise bikes can range from a traditional bicycle form without wheels to the more elaborate creations that allow you to sit in a recumbent position.  Many come with ergometers that allow you to measure how many calories you've burned, some come with heart monitors and ports for your MP3 players.  Newer models now come with television screens!

Some indoor exercise bikes have handlebars attached to the pedals, giving your upper body a workout along with your lower body.  Almost all of them provide a form that allows you to vary the resistance of the pedals which can give you a more intense, satisfying workout.  There are even bikes that allow you to pedal backwards for antagonist muscle exercises.

Why use an indoor exercise bike?  Along with the novelty of watching your favorite television show while you work out, an indoor exercise bike can be used for physical therapy due to the low-impact nature of the exercise.  It does not put undue stress on the joints or feet, and is an effective cardio workout.

They are also useful tools for people struggling to lose weight.  Indoor cycling is also useful for strengthening the muscles of your lower body, such as quadriceps, hamstrings, back and hips.  And did you know that vigorously riding an indoor exercise bike for one hour can burn almost the same calories as an hour long run?

Many notable athletes use indoor exercise bikes to increase their overall fitness, and many cyclists use indoor bikes in their own training.  It should be noted, though, that an indoor exercise bike is not always useful in learning how to ride a real bike.

You can purchase an indoor exercise bike from a variety of places, from general marketplaces such as Amazon.com to sites that cater specifically for exercise bikes.  Before going out and buying one, however, it is strongly recommended that you first go to a local fitness center, gym, or athletic store and find which model best suits you.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Is a recumbent, which provides ergonomic back support and minimizes arm, neck, and shoulder strain right for you?  Perhaps a mini-bike -- a form of indoor exercise bike consisting primarily of pedals -- which can be kept under a desk and used at work is what you're looking for?

Whichever indoor exercise bike is best suited for you, keep in mind that they can cost between $150-$200 for a simple machine, with the price rising or falling depending on manufacture and size.  You should also have a good idea of where you're going to put it, since the average upright takes up an area roughly 4 x 5 feet.

However, if you don't want to purchase one or don't have the room for it, you could consider going to a gym.  Many fitness centers offer not only the indoor exercise bikes, but classes, as well.  A simple class might include music, riding at certain tensions for set periods of time, and even light competition with your fellow classmates.

But don't forget to take the time you need to find the right bike for you.  There are many resources available, from the internet to your local fitness center.  An indoor exercise bike can be a fun, rewarding tool.