is exercise bike low intensity?

humptydumpty1237
humptydumpty1237 Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
What RPM would you consider when riding a stationary bike to be low intensity?

Replies

  • Jruzer
    Jruzer Posts: 3,501 Member
    There are too many unknowns here. Is there a resistance setting?

    The stationary bike I use tries to keep the effort level constant, so if you reduce RPMs it increases the resistance. In that case lower RPMs actually seems harder to me.

    For me - and me only - I would consider "low intensity" to mean that I could fairly readily carry on a normal conversation for an extended period while I was at that level, maybe equivalent to a modest walking pace. Others probably have different interpretations.
  • bwogilvie
    bwogilvie Posts: 2,130 Member
    Like Jruzer says, we can't say. I usually bicycle at 80-90 rpm, but since I shift gears to accommodate the terrain, that could be light, moderate, or intense.

    It's better to go by perceived effort. Can you carry on a conversation easily? That's light. Can you speak in complete sentences, but just barely? That's moderate (unless you're really fit). Do you have to take a breath every few words? That's intense. Does the idea of talking seem impossible? That's maximum effort.
  • Alsvic
    Alsvic Posts: 93 Member
    Herat rate is a good judge of intensity
    50-60% of your target heart rate would be low intensity

    70-80% of your target would be moderate intensity?

    I think your fitness level would dictate what you consider low medium or high?

    I know I do a half hour twice a day and shoot to get my heart rate up to 75% of my target for fifteen minutes. at 318 pounds I consider my work out moderate. But two months ago I would have considered it impossible.

Categories