Living with POTS is not easy. The fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, and rapid heart rate can make even the idea of exercise feel impossible. Yet research shows that structured movement is one of the most powerful tools for improving symptoms. That is why so many people living with POTS turn to Excy. You can start pedaling lying down on the floor or in bed, then gradually work toward a recumbent position. That progression is one of the main reasons people buy Excy. It gives you a safe, flexible way to start small and build up, knowing that movement at any level counts. You are not alone in this journey. We see you, and we are here to help.
With colder weather and shorter days ahead, it becomes even harder to stay active outdoors. Fall and winter can make symptoms feel heavier, and simply getting outside for a walk is not always realistic. Excy makes it possible to keep moving indoors, whether you are lying down in bed, on the floor, or progressing to a recumbent position from a chair. You can stay consistent, even when the weather pushes you inside.
Why starting flat matters for POTS
When you live with POTS, upright exercise often brings on the worst symptoms. Experts recommend starting in positions that keep your body closer to horizontal. Lying down or pedaling in bed helps reduce stress on your system. From there, you can move to recumbent cycling, and later to upright exercise as your tolerance improves. Programs at places like CHOP and the Levine/Dallas protocol consistently show this graded approach works.
A 2025 study found that just four weeks of supine ergometer training improved circulation in adolescents with POTS (PubMed link). That is real proof that lying-down cycling can be a meaningful way to get started and build momentum.
How Excy supports you at every stage
Excy is designed for real life and the unpredictable ups and downs of POTS. You can place the bike on the floor and pedal lying down, set it up on a bed for in-bed cycling, or use it in a recumbent position from a chair. On days when standing feels out of reach, you still have an option to move. On better days, you can push into recumbent or upright pedaling. Excy moves with you, not against you.
A simple path forward
- Start lying down: Begin with short, frequent sessions in bed or on the floor. Even five minutes matters. See how here.
- Progress to recumbent: As your body adjusts, try recumbent pedaling from a chair and increase time slowly. See how here.
- Build toward upright: Over time, you may be able to tolerate upright cycling or walking while keeping Excy as your fallback. See how here.
This progression mirrors the best research and gives you the confidence of knowing you can always adapt to how you feel.
Why this matters now
POTS is being diagnosed more often, especially in the wake of long COVID. Reviews confirm that many people with long COVID develop POTS or related forms of dysautonomia (Nature Reviews Cardiology, NIH). Families and individuals are looking for practical ways to manage symptoms at home. Having a portable exercise bike that can start flat and move with you through each stage is not just convenient, it is a lifeline for many.
Research you can lean on
- Studies recommend starting supine or recumbent to avoid symptom spikes.
- Supine cycling improved circulation in just four weeks in young people with POTS.
- Graded programs show that moving from horizontal to upright step by step helps build tolerance and confidence.
- Patient organizations like Dysautonomia International recommend pacing and starting recumbent.
Why people choose Excy for POTS
- Ability to cycle lying down in bed or on the floor
- Safe progression to recumbent cycling from a chair
- Compact design that fits into small spaces
- Upper- and lower-body cycling to mix up training
- Heavy-duty resistance to build strength at your pace
- Support and community that remind you that you got this
Getting started with Excy for POTS
- Begin supine with short, frequent sessions. Track how you feel and stop before symptoms flare.
- Progress to recumbent pedaling when ready. Add just a little more time each week.
- On good days, add light strength work for the lower body if approved by your care team.
- Keep Excy as your constant option on tougher days so you never feel like you are losing ground.
Remember, there is no perfect timeline. Some days will feel harder than others. What matters is consistency and compassion for yourself.And while living with POTS can feel isolating, it also opens the door to finding strength, joy, and connection in new ways. Many families discover that progress is not just about pedaling more minutes, but about getting life back one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excy a good POTS exercise bike?
Yes. Excy makes it easy to start pedaling lying down, then move into a recumbent position. This matches the most widely recommended POTS exercise programs.
Why not start upright?
Upright positions can trigger symptoms. Supine or recumbent cycling helps you train your body without as much strain, giving you a foundation to build on.
Is there recent research?
Yes. A 2025 study found that four weeks of supine ergometer training improved circulation in young people with POTS (PubMed), showing the value of lying-down exercise as a starting point.
Why is POTS being diagnosed more often?
Cases have been rising since COVID, with many people developing POTS as part of long COVID (NIH). That makes practical, at-home exercise more important than ever.
Helpful resources
- CHOP Modified Dallas POTS Exercise Program
- Frontiers in Physiology 2024 Review: Exercise in POTS
- Dysautonomia International Exercise Tips
We also see people using Excy for Leg Lymphedema and Lymph Drainage, almost many purposes where pedaling lying down helps! These positions are great for POTS too!
Always consult with a doctor before starting a new exercise program.