Stationary biking is a simple way to burn calories and get your cardiovascular exercise. Just hop up onto the seat of your indoor cycle and pedal away.

At the gym or at home, stationary cycling is forever popular because it requires little skill, thought or body movement. You can catch up on your reading, watch TV or simply "zone out." Bikes come in high-tech versions with Internet access or low-tech models with just pedals and a flywheel - but the activity is definitely low-tech.

When buying a bike for home, be sure it is comfortable to pedal and the seat is tolerable for more than a few minutes at a time. You will also want to set it up in a place where it will be convenient to use. Otherwise your new exercise equipment may join the ranks of many now serving as clothes hangers.

• It's a good choice for beginners and can also be modified to present a challenging workout to the most hard-core exerciser.
  
  
• There's little chance for injury.
  
  
• You'll never have to worry about weather making you miss a workout.
  
  
• Making a one-time investment in a high-quality stationary bike can pay off with years of workouts.
  

• If you're into scenery, you may get bored on your stationary bike.
  
  
• Though cycling provides great cardiovascular and calorie-burning benefits, it (like other non-weight-bearing exercises) does little to increase bone density.
  
  
• You may miss the social interaction of the gym if you set up a stationary bike at home.