With lingering pain from getting knocked off my bike by some cracks in the road, I took to the gym and home trainer to take the pressure off. Here’s a little post about the pro’s and con’s of sitting and spinning–literally.

At first I resisted the idea, because it’s so damn boring. But with the shoulder pain, Texas summer temperatures topping out at around 100 degrees F, and the chance to keep pumping the legs inside in the air conditioning, I gave in. An added perk is that I recently was forced to get a new smell phone, and with that came two streaming services. So, I dial up a show or movie, pop on my noise-cancelling headphones and pedal away. I still get the heart rate up, break out in a sweat, and keep those pedals clicking over. I’ll let you in on a little secret–it actually isn’t all that bad.

I mean, you don’t get the wind in your hair, to see the sights, or actually go anywhere. But there’s 0 chance of a car maiming or killing me, sometimes you have a nice few words with a fellow gymgoer or two, and there’s a nice shower, and even a hot tub after if you leave enough time for it. I only have once, when I did a little aqua physical therapy in the pool first. Also, snack machines, and did I mention it’s 100 degrees outside and there’s AC and fans?

At home, if the housemate is gone, I can bring Sommar inside, and watch my programs on the telly. Otherwise, I have to use the garage which is still pretty hot, even with the door open and the fan blowing right on me. So a drive to and from the gym, although a hassle in rush hour, is preferable to that heat cave. I used it once and definitely sweated to the oldies.

I did go on one road ride, to look at the scene of the crime. My complaints to the City of Austin Parks & Wreck Department worked! They filled in and covered up the cracks and even cleaned up the erosion, which surprised me.

After 12 days of biking inside, I can say that it has helped take some pressure off my shoulder. Standing up on the bike seat does require a movement that both builds muscle but hurts a bit some. The physical therapy I was referred to hasn’t done as much as I would have hoped, because instead of massage, deep heat and cold packs, I get exercises. Which hurt. So I don’t do them much. I do keep my shoulder stretche out throught the day and in my nightly yoga. My PT tech says “lotion is motion,” but I would take real lotion and working out the knots any day over that slogan, however true it may be.

For now, I think I’ll continue to use the stationary bike most days. It’s a great option for keeping yourself active even with injury, in hot, cold, or wet weather, and just for cutting yourself some slack. I sure as heck have earned a little slack. If you’re lucky, you can use your home trainer in a pinch. Maybe on weekends I’ll test things out on the road.

Hopefully a combination of rest and gentle movement, and yes, maybe some PT, will be enough to get me back to where I was. I admit in denial about whether I’ll need more medical attention. My doctor has offered a shot and more imaging. No thanks to the former, and maybe to the latter. I try not to entertain those thoughts. Acupuncture, cupping, magnesium lotion, pain gel, and supplements have helped, too. So, let the healing continue.

I just have one question: Where can I get a two-wheeler that will allow me to crank out letters and book chapters whilst I pedal? You know, a stationery bike? Get it?

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