History
The Gymnasticon was one of the very first exercise bikes invented by Francis Lowndes. The machine was intended to “give and apply motion and exercise, voluntary or involuntary, to the limbs, joints, and muscles of the human body.” The inventor intended the machine to treat, “gout, palsy, rheumatism, debility, contraction, etc.” it was made especially for the ill. It had an external crank that was used to force involuntary motion in the joints. Although it was mainly made for the sick, it could also be used for everyday exercising. You could use it to lose weight, or keep from gaining weight
The Gymnasticon had a set of flywheels that were connected to a pair of wooden treadles for your feet or your hands to crank. These could operate together or independently. This machine was not as smart as most stationary bikes you see today. However, it was a large machine with even bigger parts including a comfortable seat, much more relaxing than the seats today.
Yet the Gymnasticon seems very different from the stationary bikes of today. It took was the imagination of Francis Lowndes, and time for improvements by others.
The Gymnasticon had a set of flywheels that were connected to a pair of wooden treadles for your feet or your hands to crank. These could operate together or independently. This machine was not as smart as most stationary bikes you see today. However, it was a large machine with even bigger parts including a comfortable seat, much more relaxing than the seats today.
Yet the Gymnasticon seems very different from the stationary bikes of today. It took was the imagination of Francis Lowndes, and time for improvements by others.