An exercise bike fitness regime couldn't be easier in our view. The bike has remained a very popular choice for home gym equipment even with the arrival of cheaper treadmills and the newer elliptical trainers.

The main benefits of using an exercise bike are:

• very easy to use

• good fat burning exercise

• low risk of injury

• low impact exercise

• tones legs and bums

• improves cardio-vascular fitness

• can use if very overweight

• easy to store away after use

• you can train regardless of the weather

• takes up little space

Why it's so popular is it's main strength. An exercise bike is light, takes up little space compared to other home gym machines, can be stored easily when not in use and plus you can do it whilst watching TV or listening to music.

An exercise bike is easy to use as it doesn't require much skill as with running on a treadmill - an action many find challenging.

There is also little chance of injury if you train sensibly. However, because you're only using the legs you'll have to train for reasonably long periods of at least 30 minutes or more to get the full benefits.

One problem with using any piece of home gym equipment is maintaining your motivation. Using the same machine day-in, day-out can get a little boring. If you an see the results this can help but with a bike this may take a little longer. However, because you can place it in front of the TV boredom may not be such an issue.

Also most exercise bikes come with pre-set programmes that take control of your bike to change resistance levels to simulate hill climbing. This saves you having to keep pressing buttons and also adds variation to your training.

Many of the higher priced models will keep a record of your progress so you'll be able to see how far you have come. This can help with maintaining your interest and gives you a goal to aim for. Most machines that do this can maintain training records for more than one person.

However, if looking to improve your overall health and well-being an exercise bike should be seen as just part of your regime. Improving your diet, getting plenty of fresh air and outdoor exercise whilst trying to avoid stress are just as vital for your health.