9 Tips For Pushing Through Your Stationary Bike Workouts

After a long day of work, psyching yourself up for a cycling session can be tough when all you want to do is relax. Here, trainers share their favorite stationary bike motivation tips to help you get pedaling and soak in all the benefits of your ride.

Find Your Why

Start by defining why you ride in the first place, recommends CycleBar instructor Karen Maxwell. Maybe it helps you beat stress or get better sleep. Whatever it is, reminding yourself of your purpose can inspire you to hop on the bike and chase that goal.

Use Your Shoes As Cues

If bike workouts are often out of sight, out of mind, then place your cycling shoes somewhere conspicuous, says Equinox+ SoulCycle instructor Chris Chandler. Seeing your trainers out in the open will remind you to put them on and get pedaling.

Pick The Right Playlist

Research shows that music can impact how you feel. So, to amp yourself up for a ride and power through your workout, pick songs that energize you, says Maxwell. Then press play, jam out, and pedal the playlist away.

Dress The Part

Not in the mood to ride? Put on your fave workout gear, says Maxwell. Once you’re dressed the part, you’re more likely to take the next step and actually jump on the bike (in style, of course).

Focus On Your Mind’s Health

Research shows that regular exercise can reduce stress, boost your mood, and help you think clearly. So make that endorphin rush your motivation to ride, says Chandler — you’ll be glad you did it.

Schedule Your Ride

It can be hard to carve out time in your busy day for a workout. Chandler’s tip? Plan your cycling workouts in advance. That way, all you have to do is show up at your bike at the allotted time without having to think twice about it.

Book A Class

Take your scheduled workouts a step further by booking a live virtual or in-person class, says Chandler. Making a reservation might provide the accountability you need to show up at your bike.

Try The 10-Minute Rule

Instead of trying to pump yourself up for a full-length ride, commit to just 10 minutes on your bike, says Chandler. Who knows, you might find yourself pedaling for 10 more minutes, then another, and another — until boom, your workout’s complete.

Make It Your Me-Time

These days it can be hard to separate your work and personal life. To help, frame your ride as an opportunity to focus solely on feeling present in your body, says Maxwell. Bonus: Research shows that practicing being in the moment can help relieve stress.