Does exercising on Yom Tov carry the same stringency as Shabbat? If exercise for pleasure is permitted, can one ride a bicycle that is hitched up to an stationary contraption?
Answer:
Exercise on Yom Tov has the same basic status as exercise on Shabbat.
Although there is room to permit exercise when a person enjoys it, the question of “enjoying exercise” is delicate. Please see sources, below.
Halachic authorities in general do not permit riding a bicycle on Shabbat (or Yom Tov), for a number of reasons: Considerations of Techum Shabbos, the concern that a person might fix his bicycle, and the matter of uvdin de-chol (see Yechaveh Daas, Vol. 2, no. 48, where the lenient ruling of the Ben Ish Chai concerning riding a bicycle is also discussed). These considerations won’t generally apply to an exercise bike (stationary bicycle).
Best wishes.
Sources:
In general, it is not permitted to exercise (aerobic and muscle workouts) on Shabbos and on Yom Tov, for two reasons: 1) because this is considered refu’ah, an act of healing; 2) because this contradicts the concept of rest — most people who exercise for health reasons still have to strain for it, and this is not restful (Shulchan Aruch 301:1; Aruch Hashulchan 301:44).
However, the Shulchan Aruch (301:2) writes that for youth who derive pleasure from running, it is permitted to run on Shabbos, and this is extended by the Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa (citing from Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach; 16:39 note 99) to exercising: If somebody takes pleasure from the exercising, and it is not merely for health reasons, it is permitted to do so.
However, you have be a careful judge over what is considered “enjoyable” and what is strenuous but beneficial. Children enjoy running around, and although they exercise they do not find it a strain; this is true for many sports, but usually not the case for lifting weights. However, if it is pleasurable for you, it is permitted.
Best wishes, and sorry for the delay in finding the answer.
