question about those mini bike peddlers ??? .

Cindysunshine

Hi, I love exercise bikes but I don't have room for one in my home right now. Do you think one of those mini bike things would be an effective thing to add to my exercise plan? I figure I can peddle that thing almost non stop while watching tv. I guess anything that gets your heart rate up is great. Do you think one of those peddlers would get my heart rate up ? Does anyone have one they use? Is it a good workout? Thanks a bunch- Cindy

Azdak

Almost certainly not. You would be better off marching in place.

The devices you are referring to are primarily designed for people who are almost invalids--they provide little or no resistance.

Cindysunshine

Even the ones that say they have adjustable resistance? Jeez- I was realy hoping to get one and have it be a good workout. I so want an exercise bike! I hope to hear more opinions- Thanks, Cindy

gemiwing

I used them when I was in physical therapy- not a lot of resistance to be had I'm afraid.

You could pedal like mad I suppose. That might work.

Sitting on an exercise ball while watching tv could be better. It won't get your heartrate up much, yet you'll be working your core the whole time. Stand on one leg during commercials- it'll build balance and leg strength.

For heartrate though, your best bet is to just get a bike. Check Craigslist and Goodwill- they always have used equipment. Another option is to take your road bike and use it on a trainer. Word to the wise- buy a block for the front of the bike while you're at it. Otherwise you'll be leaning forward on your wrists a lot- ouch! Most trainers have adjustable resistance that you'll actually feel.

Here's what I'm talking about:
http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s-1-323-16521-1,00.html

Keep in mind, this is from Bicycle magazine so they tend to cover more expensive models. We bought ours for about 75 bucks and it worked fine.

amymeenieminymo

I would imagine it's better than NOTHING, but I highly doubt you will get anything even close to a good workout and I doubt it would get your heart rate up much at all.

I second what Gemiwing said about getting a bike and a bike trainer. I heart my bike, I got it from Target for like 90 bucks and most days I really look forward to my bike rides and it burns a lot of calories. I also have a trainer for the winter, got mine from amazon for about 80. Not nearly as enjoyable as riding outside, but it works well for the winter months that I can't get out.