Equipment Opinions!

courtclerkkris

I have an elliptical in my home that I love. I use it about every other night. For some reason I want a recumbant bike, and I found a great deal on one. ($800 brand new 2 yrs. old hardly ever used for $250) and my husband is questioning why I want a recumbant bike. He thinks I would get the same workout as I would on my elliptical. Is he right?

courtclerkkris

Any thoughts?

cgraylyon

I think you would get a different workout since you aren't used to exercising your muscles that way. I say go for it!

Jeff92se

A bike machine? Why not opt for a real bike with a stand so you could actually use outdoors sometime?

taso42

If you have the budget for it, and you would use both, it's worthwhile. It will keep you from getting sick and tired of doing the same old routine every time.

Do you do all your working out at home? If so, you might also consider adding something to aid in strength training before adding more cardio equipment. LIke resistance bands or adjustable dumbbells or kettlebells or something along those lines.

joseph9

Here are some random thoughts:

1) IMHO, an elliptical is probably a little better workout than a recumbent bike. The elliptical is whole body plus core, while a bike is mostly legs.

2) That said, mixing up your workouts is generally good, helps to avoid boredom, and helps to avoid muscle specialization that reduces calorie burn.

3) You're probably a good candidate for a new piece of equipment because you have been using a home device consistently. If your elliptical was functioning as a laundry rack, then I would say no, but since it's not, if you really wanted some variety, it would probably work. Do you read or watch tv or something?

4) Bottom line is (a) you don't need it but (b) I think there's about an 80% chance that you would enjoy mixing things up. If you have the space and the money, I bet you would like it. If not, you're getting a good workout now and could put off your next gym piece for another year.

5) Alternately, you could go for a pull-up bar.

courtclerkkris

I have a bicycle that I can ride outside and not sure about a stand. I am not sure how such a thing would work? Is there a way to change resistances???

courtclerkkris

I live in a very small town that doesn't have a gym...so yes most of my working out is done in my home, in my basement that isn't really all that large and doesn't have a very tall ceiling. I have bursitis in my shoulder so most strength training bothers my shoulder. I sometimes do water aerobics where we use the resistance of stretch bands and foam weights against the water and that doesn't bother me too much. But I just perfer cardio over strength training. I know I should mix it up more. I have a little jet out in my basement that I think the recumbent bike would fit nicely in but can't seem to get hubbie convinced. And since he is the one that is going to have to help me load it and unload it, he is a key player.

MostlyWater

I have a recumbant bike. It's not the best workout.

Jeff92se

I have a bicycle that I can ride outside and not sure about a stand. I am not sure how such a thing would work? Is there a way to change resistances???

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Trainer-Indoor-Fitness-Exercise/dp/B002LC171G