Air bike

With its large front fan, moving handles, and bicycle-style saddle and pedals, an air bike feels sturdy and purposeful without being complicated. You push and pull with your arms while pedalling, and the fan creates resistance. The harder you move, the more resistance you feel, while a slower pace stays manageable and smooth.

You can use an air bike for steady heart-and-lung training or for shorter periods where you gently change the pace. Because the handles and pedals move together, it involves your arms, shoulders and legs at once. You can also let your legs do more of the work, or focus on the handles, depending on what feels comfortable that day.

An air bike can suit you if you want seated, whole-body movement without jumping. It takes up a moderate patch of floor and the fan can be noisy, so consider where you will use it. The saddle is usually simple to adjust, and you scale the effort by changing your pace. A regular exercise bike or brisk walking offers a simpler alternative.