ECHELON SMART CONNECT

What is it?

An exercise bike, similar to the hugely popular Peloton, only less ubiquitous and kinder on your wallet. You need your own tablet to access the app, for live and on-demand cardio classes overseen by wildly enthusiastic US instructors with names like Dallas Jones and Dani Dellarco.

Why do you need it?

If your gym has barely been open or you miss your group spin class, the question is why don’t you need it? For a cost of just over a grand plus a monthly class subscription, you can bring your workout home for less money than many annual gym fees. I had my husband and two teen boys lining up to train on it, too.

Does it work?

Hell yes, as the motivational trainers might say. Since a back injury put a halt to my running I’ve been looking for a lowimpact cardio workout that doesn’t damage my joints but still gives me an endorphin hit. This is it. The classes – between 20 and 60 minutes – are easy to follow and had an almost immediate effect, tightening up my hips and tummy and toning my legs. My first 10-minute beginners’ class burned an impressive 200 calories. Once you’ve adjusted the bike to your height, you place your feet in the toe cages and simply pedal (no special shoes needed). If you’re competitive ( guilty), the thrill of seeing your initials rise on the leaderboard becomes addictive. The Echelon Smart Connect EX3 Max Bike costs £1,199, with live and on-demand classes from £24.99 a month; echelonfit.uk