Exercise bikes?

Kimmymummy1990
Kimmymummy1990 Posts: 23 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
What are peoples views on exercise bikes? Im currebtly doing the 30 day shred and want to add something else to it..
Thanks

Replies

  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    edited May 2015
    Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »
    What are peoples views on exercise bikes? Im currebtly doing the 30 day shred and want to add something else to it..
    Thanks

    If you can't get outside to ride, my opinion is they are great. I use them all winter long if I can't get out due to bad weather.

    Do you own one, or are you wondering about using them at the gym? You should be able to set up a rider profile on a model with a computer and screen where you plug in your weight, age, and can set resistance levels, monitor your cadence, watch your heart rate, and get a "guesstimate" on the calories burned. Just make sure to set up the saddle height correctly for proper leg extension (slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the stroke).

  • DevilsFan1
    DevilsFan1 Posts: 342 Member
    Get a real bike and find a group to ride with. It will motivate you to get out more and it's more fun! There's nothing more boring than sitting in one place peddling for an hour. Just my opinion. :smile:
  • Kimmymummy1990
    Kimmymummy1990 Posts: 23 Member
    I am thinking of getting one :) does it help with weight loss though? X
  • DevilsFan1
    DevilsFan1 Posts: 342 Member
    Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »
    I am thinking of getting one :) does it help with weight loss though? X

    If you stick with it, it will definitely help. I'd suggest getting a HRM and determining what your HR training zones are (you can find simple calculators on the web that are good enough). Try to stay in your aerobic training zone for extended periods of time (at least 30 minutes) and you will burn fat as long as you watch what you eat.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    I used to think they were boring and pointless compared to a real bike. Ive now incorporated one to supplement my other cardio for a bit of variety. Oh but you dont go anywhere, ofc its not the same but you cna get quite a lot out of it as long as you focus and work hard. here have been a number of posters complaining and blaming the bike for not giving them a good enough work out, but its only limited by the rider and how intense or how long they can workout. Do what you cna manage take note of your times and distances then seek to improve.

    You will burn fat as long as you are at a calorific deficit.
    It helps with weight loss in terms of burning calories.

    Oh and the boring bit then you can listen to music/ podcasts and still work hard.

    Try one before you buy. Iys a lot more interesting imo if it has a decent compute and you get data as singing single referred to. Wattage, speed and good accurate resistance control are things I appreciate.

    Summer is here though so a group would have lots of benefits.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    You need a kick-butt playlist.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I prefer my actual bike...it's way more awesome to ride outside and it's a better workout because you have to use your entire body, core included. With an exercise bike you're basically just sitting there pedaling to nowhere.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »
    I am thinking of getting one :) does it help with weight loss though? X

    Your weight loss is going to be predicated on your consumption, not what exercise you're doing. I've lost weight, maintained weight, and gained weight all the while riding my *kitten* off and lifting weights...the only difference between those three weight control objectives was my calorie (energy) intake.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »
    I am thinking of getting one :) does it help with weight loss though? X

    Exercise isn't for weight loss - that comes from a calorie deficit.
    Think health, fitness and the ability to eat more food while still hitting a reasonable calorie deficit.

    Beware that exercise bikes often become an ornament after the initial enthusiasm fades.
    I use them but to train for my outdoor riding. If you do get one don't get a basic one as they are awful to use.
  • Michael190lbs
    Michael190lbs Posts: 1,510 Member
    edited May 2015
    My only real cardio is an exercise bike!! I ride it everyday for 50 minutes and have lost 38lbs in the past year look at my Pictures total loss almost 80 lbs..

    p3jflqg8ucdt.jpg
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    I think they're great. Can sit on it and play Giant Boulder of Death all day. Climb off and wonder why you're looking emaciated. :D
  • kbaker001
    kbaker001 Posts: 61 Member
    I use my bike on an indoor trainer when I can't ride outside.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »
    I am thinking of getting one :) does it help with weight loss though? X

    Your weight loss is going to be predicated on your consumption, not what exercise you're doing. I've lost weight, maintained weight, and gained weight all the while riding my *kitten* off and lifting weights...the only difference between those three weight control objectives was my calorie (energy) intake.

    I thought weight loss would be dictated by the calorific deficit?
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    With an exercise bike you're basically just sitting there pedaling to nowhere.
    Isnt that why they call it stationary? Youd get a shock if it moved.
  • Michael190lbs
    Michael190lbs Posts: 1,510 Member
    If you eat the same stuff everyday in maintenance and burn 500 calories doing cardio you will lose weight. If you eat to much and don't move enough you will gain weight.
  • DevilsFan1
    DevilsFan1 Posts: 342 Member
    Do you have a bike already? If so, you could get an indoor trainer. It's a cheaper investment and isn't a bear to move around. There are stationary trainers that sit there like an exercise bike or there are rolling trainers that simulate a real ride. Here's an example:

    http://www.amazon.com/CycleOps-Roller-Indoor-Bicycle-Trainer/dp/B000BT8VPG/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1430512421&sr=8-32&keywords=indoor+trainer+cycling
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    I like the stationary bike. I hop on and do some light cardio to pad my deficit and it is much less horrible than running.
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    kbaker001 wrote: »
    I use my bike on an indoor trainer when I can't ride outside.
    This. Get a real bike and a trainer. Use the trainer when riding outside is not practical. Otherwise ride outside because riding bikes is awesome.

  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    edited May 2015
    Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »
    I am thinking of getting one :) does it help with weight loss though? X

    Well, it can help enhance the amount of calories burned which in turn can lead to boosting your ability to run a deficit in the CICO equation. Without the deficit of how many calories you eat per day compared to how many you burn - no weight loss will occur.

    I use my exercise bike a lot for the portion of the year Old Man Winter is around (or when it early in the am or late in the pm and I am struggling to balance work, family, life, and a workout). But in terms of time - it is efficient if you can't suit up and ride a real bike outside. Some people have to load up their bikes on a bike rack, drive to an area where they can ride, unload the bike and then ride. Much quicker and simpler to hop on the exercise bike at home if that is your scenario as you don't have to waste time loading, driving, unloading, etc... .

    I also like to ride one at the gym to warm up for weight lifting - and cool down after lifting. Or to due controlled intervals for my structured training.

    I wouldn't buy a cheap one for my needs, but I don't know what your budget is?

    We have two LeMond "exercise bikes". One of the g-force UT's and one of the g-force RT's:

    http://www.lemondfitness.com/product_listing/20/g-force-exercise-bikes

    We can use a USB memory stick in the computer consoles that records our workouts (wattage, heart rate, cadence, distance, calories) and upload it directly to Training Peaks and or MFP.

    Life Fitness/Life Cycle makes some good equipment as well:

    https://www.lifefitness.com/home/cardio/lifecycleexercisebikes.html

    I had one of their bikes for about 10 years before I upgraded to the upright LeMond last year.
  • ginny92802
    ginny92802 Posts: 66 Member
    I have one at home and I love it. I didn't want to have to pick between cardio and TV. Now I get both. I still enjoy other activities but it's a great way to get some cardio in without having to leave the house. Even if I get home late and exhausted I can still manage half an hour pretty easily.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    glevinso wrote: »
    kbaker001 wrote: »
    I use my bike on an indoor trainer when I can't ride outside.
    This. Get a real bike and a trainer. Use the trainer when riding outside is not practical. Otherwise ride outside because riding bikes is awesome.

    ^^^ This is a much better option than an exercise bike, ride outside when the weather is good and use the trainer when it isn't....best of both worlds.

    If you do decide to go with a stationary bike consider a spinning. They may not have all the bells & whistles some of the exercise bikes do but they'll more accurately mimic riding in the real world and there are tons of great videos on youtube.

  • who4fan
    who4fan Posts: 388 Member
    I requested and received a recumbent bike for Valentines day. I love it because I can put my music on and go, I don't have to worry what the weather is like, traffic, proper gear, etc. I am sure riding outside is nice, but I live in central NY, the weather is only good for like 2 months a year. I put on some fast music and tune out the rest of the family and get a great workout. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week, but days I can't or just don't get there I still get activity in, consistency is really helping my weight loss.
  • Kimmymummy1990
    Kimmymummy1990 Posts: 23 Member
    Thanks for all the replies i think im going to get one:) the only reason for not going riding properly is i have small children. Much more convenient for me to do it at home :) x
  • who4fan
    who4fan Posts: 388 Member
    Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies i think im going to get one:) the only reason for not going riding properly is i have small children. Much more convenient for me to do it at home :) x

    I completely understand, I have a 4 year old, sometimes you have to fit it in when you have time.

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