Recumbant Bikes

[23]

Do any of you guys refer these opposed to elipticals or treadmills?

Do any of you guys own or regularly use one of these bikes?

Can you shed some inches with a good diet and this as your cardio?

Thanks for any help.

Oh and if anyone doesn't know what it is, you've seen one before

[capa]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

I use it at the Y in conjunction with other workout routines. I do 20 mins on the bike making sure to be over 80rpm after the first 3 min warmup cycle. Vary your intensity...pushing it up to about 90-100 rpm for 10 secs, then back down to 65-75. Then up again...etc... Gives a good cardio workout if you work it right. I have a bad back (2 operations) so it is less stress there for me.

Then I do treadmill for 20 mins at 4.0 mph and a 4-5% incline. It's a fast walk for me at that speed and incline. A good sweat for me.

Then on to the mat for 4 sets of 50 stomach crunches. In between the crunches I lift a medicine ball over my head and down to my waist (laying down) - sets of 25.

I am in and out in an hour.

I am 51 (soon to be 52) so this works for me. Your mileage may vary.

C

[Stumbleweed]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

Yeah, I've been debating getting one of these or an elliptical (which is more expensive) and could use some thoughts from people in the know also. An elliptical is probably a better full-body workout just because you're using your arms, but as far as straight-up cardio, are the two pretty comparable?

[mjb2124]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

Yeah, I've been debating getting one of these or an elliptical (which is more expensive) and could use some thoughts from people in the know also. An elliptical is probably a better full-body workout just because you're using your arms, but as far as straight-up cardio, are the two pretty comparable?

I went through the same process about a year and a half ago. I chose an elliptical because of the full body workout. I think the elliptical also offers a slightly better cardio workout because you're working more parts of the body. In other words, more muscles being used would equal more fat being burnt. Just my guess though...

[caseyd]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

I have a recumbant bike at home ($350 at Costco--nice bike) and I use an elliptical at the gym. They're both great. I can go 30-40 miles on the bike in 2 hours and sweat a lot (and it says I lose around 450-500 calories) but I just feel like I'm getting a better workout with the elliptical. As someone else said, both should be combined with other workouts and a good diet. I don't think you can go wrong with either one personally.

[TarHeelMan]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

I use the recumbant bike almost exclusively at the gym. I'll usually start out on the elliptical, but for some reason, I always start having a pain in my right hip after about 15 minutes. I figure 15 mins. is better than nothing, so then I'll switch over to the recumbant bike for another 45 minutes.

[mgoblue]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

I'd say to make sure you're actually gonna use it...my parents got an expensive one like 5 years ago (still in great shape, nice bike) and they don't use it anymore. They moved it from MI with them, used it a bit in AZ and then stopped...It just sits around taking up space. Don't waste the money unless you're serious. Too many people join gyms for a ton of cash at the beginning of the year and they're just throwing it away.

Not saying you'll do this, just word of warning.

[mjb2124]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

I use the recumbant bike almost exclusively at the gym. I'll usually start out on the elliptical, but for some reason, I always start having a pain in my right hip after about 15 minutes. I figure 15 mins. is better than nothing, so then I'll switch over to the recumbant bike for another 45 minutes.

Good point. Everyone is different so before making a purchase in either direction, I'd definitely recommend trying both out. I know some people struggle with the elliptical or in your case, have pain. Don't want to spend a few thousand on one to bring it home and realize it's causing pain.

[23]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

I'd say to make sure you're actually gonna use it...my parents got an expensive one like 5 years ago (still in great shape, nice bike) and they don't use it anymore. They moved it from MI with them, used it a bit in AZ and then stopped...It just sits around taking up space. Don't waste the money unless you're serious. Too many people join gyms for a ton of cash at the beginning of the year and they're just throwing it away.

Not saying you'll do this, just word of warning.

I agree mgo. I could use this thing when im home watching tv, playing my game without worrying about tripping over from stepping off a belt and its no pressure on my back or knees.

I'm seriously considering it because 1.its only $150 bucks, 2. It's not coming out of my pockets.

I have a homegym that i have no room for, but im not trying to gain anymore muscle. I just need cardio.

I used to go running and walking around the Forum early in the morning but that stuff is for old people, because they can go home and sleep and not have to be at some job for 9 hours and in traffic.

At least 4 days a week, i'm just wondering if it would help if I also change my diet. I don't mind the work... i understand those discipline issues but i can't just sit around not exercising anymore. I'm disgusted at that.

[cjonesfan921]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

An elliptical works better, but this is just as good. I work at a sporting goods store, so must know this kind of stuff. I've personally tried out both. You get more of a workout in less time on the elliptical. Like you said though, on the recumbent bikes you can get a work out while playing video games to keep you entertained and what not. I would recommend an elliptical over it, not sure you are looking for an elliptical though.

[caseyd]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

I'd say to make sure you're actually gonna use it...my parents got an expensive one like 5 years ago (still in great shape, nice bike) and they don't use it anymore. They moved it from MI with them, used it a bit in AZ and then stopped...It just sits around taking up space. Don't waste the money unless you're serious. Too many people join gyms for a ton of cash at the beginning of the year and they're just throwing it away.

Not saying you'll do this, just word of warning.

Bingo. I find that it's almost impossible for me to use the equipment at home (except the bike sometimes), but if I'm paying for it like I am with the gym, I force myself to go. It's also easier to get myself to go to the gym at lunch as compared with trying to drag my butt off the couch when I'm too busy playing games or watching movies.

[madscientist]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

I have a recumbant bike at home ($350 at Costco--nice bike) and I use an elliptical at the gym. They're both great. I can go 30-40 miles on the bike in 2 hours and sweat a lot (and it says I lose around 450-500 calories) but I just feel like I'm getting a better workout with the elliptical. As someone else said, both should be combined with other workouts and a good diet. I don't think you can go wrong with either one personally.

Casey, if you are riding the bike for two hours of enjoyment, then rock on. If you are riding if for exercise you may want to try varying the resistance for a few minutes at a time. You should make it so that you can barely pedal for a few minutes, and then turn it down so that it is a little easier. You should find you will burn those 500 calories a lot faster. I used this to condition myself for football, basketball, and the Air Force. Again, I am not attacking your program, just offering some advice.

[pk500]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

You're much better off buying a regular bike and a magnetic resistance trainer than a recumbent exercise bike. You can ride the bike on the trainer in the winter and ride it outdoors during the other seasons.

If you're in an urban area, then a recumbent probably makes sense. But if you have places to ride outdoors near you, I can't think of any reason why you'd want to exercise indoors instead of outdoors in the fresh air. The only other reason I could recommend a recumbent is if you have persistent back problems.

Take care,
PK

[caseyd]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

You're much better off buying a regular bike and a magnetic resistance trainer than a recumbent exercise bike. You can ride the bike on the trainer in the winter and ride it outdoors during the other seasons.

If you're in an urban area, then a recumbent probably makes sense. But if you have places to ride outdoors near you, I can't think of any reason why you'd want to exercise indoors instead of outdoors in the fresh air. The only other reason I could recommend a recumbent is if you have persistent back problems.

Take care,
PK

Yeah, that's my issue. I have a herniated disk in my lower back, so the recumbant bike is ideal. MadScientist, thanks for the suggestions. I don't do that many miles every time, and I do use the programs built into the bike so usually I'm getting the spurts where it's very hard to pedal. I don't do the bike that much anymore. I use the elliptical at the gym much more at this point. It doesn't jar my back either and it's a lot easier for me to exercise at the gym than home.

[23]

Re: Recumbant Bikes

You're much better off buying a regular bike and a magnetic resistance trainer than a recumbent exercise bike. You can ride the bike on the trainer in the winter and ride it outdoors during the other seasons.

If you're in an urban area, then a recumbent probably makes sense. But if you have places to ride outdoors near you, I can't think of any reason why you'd want to exercise indoors instead of outdoors in the fresh air. The only other reason I could recommend a recumbent is if you have persistent back problems.

Take care,
PK

Thanks for the post pk. It's moreso because of time, and the time that I can actually get to the workout that is making me consider this but I only need to know if it will help, because of course I wouldn't waste my time.