mini exercise bikes - do they work?

alexp44

Hi all,

I'm back again for another attempt at losing weight (and kicking myself for not maintaining and sticking with it back when I was 169lbs).

Due to this never ending Covid-19 pandemic I'm really struggling with being as active as I would normally be. I'm basically stuck at home behind a computer all the time (and the north of England feels like it's never not been locked down since last March!).

I've been looking at mini exercise bikes on amazon and am debating getting one for under the desk so at least I'm burning some calories. Has anyone got any experience of them or know how well they work? I'd love a proper exercise bike but no space for one and I don't feel safe enough out and about to ride my bike somewhere when I'm pretty new to owing a bike.

brittlb07

I can’t speak to a mini desk type bike but I have a basic compact stationary bike that was $150 tops on Amazon and I’ve been loving it! It’s just what I need to raise my heart rate to a calories burning zone (I check on my Apple Watch).

AnnPT77

I remember there being a bit of discussion about it in the NEAT Improvement thread**, such as in this post:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/41286924#Comment_41286924

I think with something like this, you can realistically increase calorie expenditure a bit, and improve circulation and whatnot, but estimating the calories and eating them back (if that's your wish) is pretty difficult. The best approach would probably be to go with a non-crazy-fast base weight loss rate (always a good idea, frankly), add something like this, and adjust intake if you're losing faster than ideal (also always a good idea) vs. trying to estimate the expenditure. Just my opinion, though

I think there have been some other posts here and there on the subject, too, based on memory; but I don't know links for them.

** FWIW, whole thread is here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10610953/neat-improvement-strategies-to-improve-weight-loss

DancingMoosie

My friend at work got one after she had knee replacement surgery. She says it helps her keep her knees mobile, aid recovery, so hopefully she can go dance with her husband again. Any movement is better than no movement.

alexp44

Thanks all.

I'm not thinking of it as a big calorie burning exercise but more as a way of burning a few calories and also just getting the blood pumping again. Since moving to mostly working from home I've had my bp go up (to the extend my gp has threatened me with medication) and notice that I'm out of breath easily when doing things. I'd just hope that some sort of movement during the day is better than none. I certainly wouldn't be eating calories back or logging on mfp as exercise.

I'd love a proper exercise bike to sit on and use when watching tv but space means that's a no go at the minute.

Littlebitta

I have one for work and one for home. I LOVE them for the extra calorie burn, and the movement helps keep me warmer in the winter without being so strenuous as to get sweaty.

I set the tension low, and mindlessly and effortlessly cycle anytime I am in front of the computer. A little trial and error has shown that at the speed and I naturally gravitate to and for my height & weight I burn an extra 100 calories an hour while cycling. I usually get in 3-5 hours a day.

If you do decide to purchase one, I highly recommend paying attention to three things:
1) verifying the weight of the cycle. You do NOT want a lightweight one, it will slide all over the place. Should be 20 - 25 pounds.
2) For smooth pedaling, you want one with magnetic resistance. When I was shopping last, none of the under $50 ones had magnetic resistance, so this will be a price factor.
3) Confirm the maximum desk height and maximum user height for that to work well.

Also, if your desk chair has wheels, you might need to get a different chair, wheels make cycling difficult.

DancingMoosie

You don't need any equipment for in front of the TV. I march in place. Need some guidance? Look up Leslie Sansone or Reps to the rhythm on YouTube.

SModa61

I literally delivered this today to my parents, who are stuck inside: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BDMH10Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

it arrived yesterday and I tested it yesterday evening while streaming netflix. I pedaled for 39 minutes. The movement was smooth but definitely different from a typical elliptical or bike. This is the second device I purchased for my parents - the first of which I returned as it was wobbly and jerky. The unit above can be used seated or standing. There are plenty of Youtube reviews on it as well. I also chose that model because of the handle for ease of moving the unit.

Also note, MFP does have "Elliptical, Under Desk" as and exercise option. Not the highest calories per hour, but they should accumulate.

Lastly @littlebitta - search on "Caster Stoppers" for your rolling desk chair. One of the mini elliptical makers provides a pair with their unit, but their unit costs roughly 2.5 times what I paid for the one above. But they gave me the idea, in case rolling wheels were an issue for my parents.

Littlebitta

[quote="
Lastly @littlebitta - search on "Caster Stoppers" for your rolling desk chair. One of the mini elliptical makers provides a pair with their unit, but their unit costs roughly 2.5 times what I paid for the one above. But they gave me the idea, in case rolling wheels were an issue for my parents.[/quote]

Thanks @SModa61 I never even thought of that!

Paul1962mfp

If your moving it's working anything is better than nothing