Our rec center has a room of spin bikes that have standard bike saddles (and a really wide Q or tread factor). Also dozens of various stationary exercise machines in a larger, open space on the upper level. Most of those have some kind of really wide seat if they are for seated exercise.

Last winter when I wasn’t in the habit of running, I preferred the stair climber, partly because it was in the weight area which has good air circulation. Also in part because I didn’t have to deal with some weird, generic seating apparatus. The rowing machines I can only tolerate for about ten minutes before the seat feels uncomfortable.

However, the rec center also has a 1/6 mile indoor track around the perimeter on the upper level, so now I just run there three times a week instead of using those stationary machines. Having a safe, well-lit, conditioned indoor track is quite the luxury. Lots of folks use it for walking and some of us also run there regularly, especially this time of year.

It’s a lot cooler moving through the air. I don’t get nearly as sweaty and hot at a given level of effort. Plus I stay in practice at actually running even when it’s dark, cold and nasty out.

Otto