Recumbent Bike

bridgetburmeister
bridgetburmeister Posts: 2
edited January 4 in Fitness and Exercise
I am looking to lose weight and can only restrict my calories so much right now as I am nursing our 3 month old son so Im looking for a good cardio workout for the "lazy, unambitious lady" and am interested in the recumbent bike.....can anyone tell me if this is a good cardio workout that will reap good benefits in the weight loss dept??? I have owned and elliptical and treadmill in the past to find its sole use was a clothes hanger as I just didnt enjoy doing it long enough to keep my intrest and motivation. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Replies

  • mysterycookie
    mysterycookie Posts: 21 Member
    I like the recumbent bike a lot, but there are a few comparisons I can think of.

    My main source of cardio is the elliptical, and I switched over to the recumbent bike for a couple weeks just to try it.

    So!

    As far as numbers on the machine and numbers being logged on myfitnesspal, the recumbent bike burns a lot less calories than the elliptical for me. The elliptical is also much easier on my joints and I'm never sore from it. In contrast, the recumbent bike makes my back and calves sore.

    My legs did feel a lot stronger after using the bike, whereas I didn't feel physically stronger from the elliptical. However, I did get more endurance from both.

    The recumbent bike is nice for keeping your mind on something else. Since you aren't bobbing up and down, it's easier to read a book or watch tv.

    SO! If you want the easiest, laziest weight loss, I really recommend the elliptical over the recumbent bike. Other than nutrition, I think the most important step in losing weight is to find a way to love exercising. If you make it fun, you'll want to keep doing it.
  • ShrinkinAmberina
    ShrinkinAmberina Posts: 16
    There is definately not anything lazy about the recumbent bike unless you have the settings very easy and low.. its a great work out and has many different interval options.. The recumbent bike is equivalent to running as far as activity if you are keeping pace and trying. Start your first day in a lower gear and gradually work your way up. Its pretty great.. I truly love it!
  • jjtmacias
    jjtmacias Posts: 1
    the recumbent is amazing! if you have the time, 45 minutes on a bike while reading a book every day will make all the difference.

    coupled with 30 minutes of strength training every other day will do wonders. nothing scary, just using ten pound weights while doing squats and lunges, as well as using the same weights for doing lifts (standing/leaning forward and pulling the weights up to your chest) and presses (laying on the floor and pushing the weights up to the sky).

    even if you skip the weights, just rock the bike. put on a show, read a book, get a tablet and play plants vs. zombies. all the weight will drop right off.
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