If a product makes a lot of noise on social media, it can be attributed to either good marketing or sheer customer curiosity. Because of this, I was fascinated by the popularity of the FlexBike on social media.
I was excited to try the product on three points.
First, it was launched by an Indian startup, a Gurugram-based fitness technology startup called Flexnest. The start-up is taking advantage of the fitness trend at home and offers several fitness equipment – from equipment stands, kettlebells, barbells, fitness scales and the most popular, a Bluetooth-enabled smart bike called FlexBike.
Second, I’m a fitness enthusiast and since the pandemic hit our lives, I’ve been careful not to go to a gym. If you are someone who relies on home workouts to keep up with your fitness level, then this test is for you.
Third, the simple offer of a smart bike with pre-installed workouts is hard to resist. Especially when the fitness industry has bombarded us all with terms like HIIT, weight training, AMRAP, and so on. The flex bike is more than just a bike, it is a training experience.
Who shouldn’t bother reading this review? Anyone who has resumed their gym memberships and are habitual runners in the great outdoors. No matter how many features I suggest, this is not for the outdoor fitness enthusiast or iron-pumping fitness rat.
The FlexBike costs INR 29,990, which is steep for an indoor bike. However, be aware that it is cheaper than some popular fitness smartwatches currently on the market.
Looks
I was pleasantly surprised to see a compact box in my living room that contained various parts of the FlexBike. Once it’s set up, you’ll be amazed at how chic and sturdy it looks. There won’t be an eyesore in your interiors. It’s all black with orange accents and doesn’t look like those clunky, intimidating exercise bikes you find in gyms. The wheels on the front make it easy to lift and move around the house depending on where you want to exercise. You can set it up by watching the tutorial online or by asking the company to send someone to set it up for you. There is a tablet stand on the front, on which you can conveniently place your tablet or smartphone. This stand can be manually adjusted to your liking.
power
So why put an exercise bike in a confined space when you can invest in a superior bike and be outdoors? In this case for motivation and easy accessibility. The FlexBike comes with a Bluetooth sensor that connects to the user’s smartphone or tablet. You need to download the FlexNest app and then start peddling. You will then be introduced to a series of rides with instructors. You can choose between Quick Ride, Virtual Ride and Class Ride. There is a resistance lever at the bottom of the bike to increase or decrease the level of difficulty.
If you’re trying to get a good cardio workout, I’d recommend going on a “school trip”. A fitness trainer yells in your ear – provided you ride with headphones – to increase the intensity from time to time. There is something about being guided through an intensive workout with variations by a personal coach, that motivates and that is exactly what defines the FlexBike.
Cardio workouts are great for heart health, and indoor cycling is especially popular during spinning sessions. I also loved the “Virtual Ride” which takes you through beautiful, picturesque landscapes from Provence in France to the Apline Mountains in Switzerland and Italy. This is how you can burn off the calories while watching the beautiful scenes go by. Trust me, it makes it easier to complete a 30 minute workout without looking at the clock. When you buy the bike, you receive a free subscription to on-demand courses for one year, which is great added value for anyone who wants to achieve their fitness goal with a little support from a certified instructor.
Should you buy an exercise bike for nearly INR 30,000?
For Rs 30,000, you can likely buy an annual membership to a decent gym or even sign up for online fitness coaching.
In my experience, however, consistency is the key to fitness. So, ask yourself, do you go to the gym regularly? If the answer is “maybe” then the FlexBike is a great addition to your routine. Even a 30-minute drive three times a week is a good start, I say.
Since the pandemic forced us to stay indoors, the demand for fitness equipment and home services has increased. Products like the FlexBike came at a time when people are getting used to exercising at home. Some have started to prefer them to noisy gyms. With its interface and Bluetooth connectivity, the FlexBike makes a simple ride a pleasure. Its rugged yet portable form factor makes it easy to move around in rooms and on the floor.
Even if you plan on indulging in the festive goodies, chances are there will be a New Year’s fitness resolution somewhere on your calendar. The FlexBike can push you in the right direction.
If you’re someone just starting their fitness journey and the grunts and smells of a classic gym are too overwhelming, the FlexBike is a great product for you.
If you can’t travel to Paris and New York at the moment, you can virtually cycle to the picturesque places and burn some calories in the process. Just make sure you are pedaling instead of using the bike as a towel rack.
