The Idea Behind Buying a Home Gym
I've been working from home for a while now, and I have to admit that it can get pretty sedentary. I try to stay active by hitting the gym, going for walks, and doing some light weightlifting at home with a few dumbbells and a kettlebell. However, sometimes it's just hard to get motivated to leave the house. That's when I started thinking about getting a compact home gym to help me stay active. I'd been wanting a home gym for ages, but I'd been put off by the size and bulk of most options.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeI was on the hunt for a compact option that wouldn't take up too much space in my home office. I'd seen some tiny exercise bikes before, but they looked pretty flimsy and not very effective. I wanted something that would actually give me a good workout, but I didn't want to sacrifice too much floor space.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeOf course, my dream was to get an elliptical trainer, but those things are usually huge and take up way too much space. I'd seen some compact ellipticals before, but they're more like rehabilitation tools than actual exercise machines. They're basically just a seat and a footrest that you move your legs on – not exactly what I was looking for.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerI was initially considering a treadmill, but there are some compact options available. However, my knees are still recovering from a nasty snowboarding injury, so I knew a treadmill wouldn't be the best choice. That's when I started looking into bike trainers, and I'm so glad I did!
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerI needed a full-fledged bike trainer that I could sit on, not just a pedal setup with a stand. And I wanted something compact that I could stash in a corner when not in use. I checked out a ton of options at Sportmaster, but the reviews were pretty dismal. Some people's trainers were breaking, others had pedals that stopped working after a month, and someone's weight system had snapped. The prices were way lower, but spending 7,000 rubles on a product that would break after two months just didn't seem worth it.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerThen I saw it at the store, and I have to admit that I'd never really checked out Yamaguchi before. But this trainer met all my criteria - it was compact, had a solid build quality, and the price was reasonable compared to bigger trainers. So, I decided to take the plunge and buy it.
Compact Yamaguchi Crossway Exercise BikePrice
I'll be the first to admit it - this exercise bike doesn't come cheap. But, in my experience, the price is justified. I've compared prices on the official website, in stores, and even online marketplaces like Sportmaster, and I'm convinced it's worth the investment. What I want to highlight is that compact versions of similar products tend to be pricier than their bulkier counterparts.
Compact Yamaguchi Crossway Exercise BikeTake washing machines, ovens, or treadmills - they're all bulkier and more expensive. The thing is, there's a limited selection of compact exercise bikes out there, so if you're looking for a compact option, you're often faced with a choice: pay more or compromise on size. It's a shame, really.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerOkay, I get it - some people aren't fans of Yamaguchi because of their high prices, and the fact that they're a Russian brand that makes stuff in China and tries to pass it off as Japanese. I've had friends raise an eyebrow when I've bought something from a brand with a questionable reputation. But honestly, who cares where it's made? If the quality is good, what's the issue? It's not like I'm buying food or medication, and I'm not going to be taking this thing with me on the go. The main thing is that it's something I'll actually use and enjoy.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerWhat the trainer is made of
The trainer is basically just a compact gray square when it's folded up. And yeah, it takes up hardly any space with all the parts stowed away. It's got little feet at the bottom to keep it from tipping over, and a small wheel in the front that makes it easy to move around. It's actually pretty heavy - around 20 kg - so the wheel is a nice touch.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerOne of the first things I noticed about this bike trainer is the clever design of the pedals. They're foldable and attach to metal cables that click into place. There's also a limit adjuster on top, but I'll get into that later. Above that is a mechanical difficulty switch. It's a bit stiff, but the control panel is super intuitive and easy to use.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerThere's a small recessed area to stash your stuff, and then there's the seat. It's adjustable and has a built-in scale to help you find your perfect fit. I usually set it between 150 and 170, which works great for my height.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerOn the side, there's a lever that makes it easy to remove or adjust the seat. It's a pretty straightforward design, and I'm actually glad there's no friction wheel – I find it easier to get a good workout without it.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeHow hard is it to set up
I've gotta say, setting up this exercise bike wasn't a walk in the park. For one, it's a heavy beast. Yeah, it's got wheels, but you still gotta be careful not to tip it over. The legs are nice and sturdy, though - they're thick and tight, so they don't budge when you're using the bike. That's why it's a bit of a pain to get them out of the way.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeFirst, you need to lift the bike up to get to the pedals. I was a bit worried about assembling the pedals before I bought the bike, but it's actually pretty straightforward. You just need to slide them into place and secure them with a clip. Easy peasy. But, I've found that the clip can sometimes come loose when the pedals are spinning, so you might need to check it every now and then to make sure it's still in place.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeGetting comfortable on this bike is a breeze. You just adjust the seat height to fit your body, and then tighten the lever as far as it'll go. Now, here's the thing: if you over-tighten, you'll struggle to loosen it later. I found myself doing just that a couple of times, and it took me ages to figure out how to get it undone. The key is to find that sweet spot where it's secure but not too hard to release.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeAnd, honestly, it doesn't take long to get the hang of setting it up. At first, it might seem a bit fiddly, but after a few uses, it becomes second nature. Plus, it's a great way to warm up before your workout - just wheel it out, set it up, and your smart bracelet will let you know when you're ready to start.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeControls
The mode selector is this mechanical switch. It's a bit stiff, but it's reliable and won't shift gears on you mid-workout. You've got 8 modes to choose from, ranging from 1 (virtually zero resistance) to 8 (a real challenge).
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerI've found the transition between modes to be pretty straightforward - you'll figure out which one you like best as you use it. Each mode has its own purpose, which I'll get into later. To be honest, I've seen similar setup processes on bigger trainers too. The other control buttons are something I rarely use, even in those bigger gyms.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerNegative reviews online
Before I made the purchase, I did some research and read through user reviews. Some of the negative comments really stood out to me. The main complaints were about the uncomfortable saddle, the awkward placement of the pedals, and some sort of rattling noise inside the trainer.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerAs for the saddle, I'll be honest - my road bike has a stiffer saddle, and while this one isn't super comfortable, I've managed to spend 40-50 minutes on it without any issues. I double-checked the pedals when I first got the trainer.
Compact Yamaguchi Crossway Bike TrainerHonestly, the build quality is pretty basic, but I'm not sure what could be wrong with it. It does take a bit of effort to get going, but not much. Maybe I just got lucky, but I've heard some people complain about defects. If that's your issue, it might be worth reaching out to the manufacturer.
Compact Yamaguchi Crossway Bike TrainerThe noise issue with the trainer has been a bit of a problem for me too. It sounds like something's banging around inside the flywheel. The sound is pretty mild, and I only noticed it after about 30 minutes of use. At first, I thought it might be just the normal wear and tear, but I'm not sure. Either way, I train with headphones, so it doesn't bother me.
Compact Yamaguchi Crossway Bike TrainerHow hard is it to pedal?
It really depends on the mode, but modes 1, 2, and 3 aren't too bad - I can pedal for hours on those. Modes 4, 5, and 6 are a bit tougher, and my max time on those is around 20 minutes. Modes 7 and 8 are the most challenging, and I can only manage five minutes on those before my legs start to feel like lead. So, I usually mix up my workout - I'll start with 10 minutes on mode 3, then switch to mode 7 and pedal for as long as I can. After that, I'll switch back to mode 5 or 6 and pedal for a bit.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerAfter mode 7, they feel a bit easier, but I still get tired eventually. At that point, I'll switch back to mode 3. By then, my pulse is stable and within the weight loss zone, so I'll pedal for another 20-30 minutes until I start to get bored. When I'm ready to wrap up my workout, I'll switch to mode 7 or 8 and pedal for a few more minutes to really push myself. Finally, I'll switch to mode 2 and pedal for a few minutes to get my breathing back under control.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerI've been using the weight loss mode, and I'm controlling my workouts with the Huawei Band 10 fitness tracker. I actually wrote a review on these smartwatches before, and I've also used the Huawei Watch Fit 3 - but I have to say, the band is way more convenient. With the smartwatches, I just use them for casual walks, like I mentioned in my review.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerI've tried gradually increasing the resistance, but if I go from 3 to 7 right away, I can only handle it for about a minute. But if I start at 3 and then jump to 7, I can manage 4-5 minutes at 7, and then another 4-5 minutes at 5 because my body gets used to the pattern - it's like it's adapted to the sequence.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerHow I Lost Weight
As the manual clearly states, levels 1, 2, and 3 are for weight loss, 5 and 6 are for heart training, and 7 and 8 are for muscle toning. To be honest, I'm not really into toning my muscles, I only spend about 10 minutes on it during the entire workout, so I end up focusing on weight loss most of the time.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeAfter that, I spend 10 minutes on the arm cycle, then do some squats and leg raises with weights. I don't do this every day, but rather 4-5 times a week. Before I got this exercise bike, my weight was 56 kg, but now it's down to 54 kg, and I wasn't even trying to lose weight – I just wanted to stay active and maintain my shape. To be honest, I often struggle to find time for physical activities.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeThat being said, if you're looking to lose weight, relying solely on this exercise bike won't cut it. It does make your workouts more efficient, but you still need a balanced diet with the right calorie intake and macros to see results. I'm not talking about starving yourself on 1200 calories a day or eating only salad leaves and tomatoes for dinner – a healthy, balanced diet is key. With this exercise bike, it's definitely possible to lose weight, though.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerLife as a Remote Worker
I thought I'd be able to multitask and get some work done while pedaling away, just setting the trainer up in front of my monitor instead of a chair. And to be honest, it kind of worked - partially. But when I was in the middle of a meeting, pedaling just wasn't an option.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerIt turns out I'm not cut out for thinking and moving at the same time. But what I do love is pedaling away during long team calls. Those can be super long, and more often than not you're just sitting there listening to updates on current and new projects, project statuses, and so on. Pedaling during those calls is actually a great way to go.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerAnd just recently, I've been coming across videos from other remote workers who do exactly that - but they're using a treadmill desk. I've got a bike trainer, though. I guess there's some common ground among remote workers when we realize we're starting to become a part of our chair.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerIs it worth the buy?
I'm glad I made the purchase, and it's not just because of its compact size. I've been able to get a decent workout in a small space, and I'm actually starting to see some results. Now, I know this trainer isn't as effective for your arms and back as a traditional bike trainer, since it doesn't have a handlebar. But I've found a solution - I just grab some dumbbells and do some arm exercises. It's not ideal, but it gets the job done. And let's be real, sometimes it's just too cold to go for a bike ride outside, or I'm just not feeling like going to the gym. This trainer is a great alternative, and it takes up way less space in my home. Plus, it's not like I need a ton of motivation to get on it - it's just so convenient.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Bike TrainerWho should give it a shot?
As someone who's always looking for ways to add some physical activity to their life, I can totally relate to the idea of using a compact exercise bike like this one. I mean, who needs to sit on the couch watching a whole season of their favorite show when you can pedal away and get some exercise at the same time? It's a win-win, right? And let's be real, sometimes it's just hard to get to the gym, especially if you're not doing any heavy lifting or strength training. That's where a home gym setup like this comes in handy. You can literally set it up anywhere, as long as you've got a flat surface to put it on. I've been using mine for a week now, and I'm already seeing some great results.
Yamaguchi Crossway Compact Exercise BikeVerdict
I'm super happy with my purchase, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a compact exercise bike. The build quality is solid, and the battery life is way longer than I expected. I did test it out at the Yamaguchi store before buying, and I'm glad I did. They showed me how to set it up and how to use it, and I was able to try it out for myself. I was a bit worried that I'd struggle to balance on it, but it's actually really stable and easy to use. So, if you're in the market for a compact exercise bike, I'd say go for it and test it out at the store first.