An exercise machine such as a stationary exercise bicycle includes a body supported by the ground; an axle disposed in the body; a first gear disposed on the axle; a driving shaft vertically disposed in the body; a second gear disposed on the driving shaft and meshed the first gear; and a horizontally disposed flywheel disposed in a base of the body. A rotation of the axle rotates the flywheel via the first gear, the second gear, and the driving shaft.