Is Stationary Bike Really A Waste Of Time?
rajnigandha21
Posts: 121 Member
It is one of my favorite work out and my average speed is 11-15 MPH /strain level medium. At the end of my 30 min/6 Miles workout I'm all sweats. But reading many people negative opinion here has discouraged me a bit. Is it not beneficial to my heart health at all? The main argument was that only leg moves and rest of the body is still. I think any activity that leaves your breath racing and heart pumping should account for calorie burn and heart-health as well.
0
Replies
-
strictly speaking cardio is cardio and as long as you get your heart rate to your target zone for your goal time you are good to go.
Running strains your entire body so you burn more calories in a given time but is also higher impact therefore more injury prone.0 -
It's not great for calorie burns but if you use high resistance and speed intervals you will see effects on your body shape. and that will also up the burn0
-
I think it depends. If you have a semi high resistance then it can be good because it actually works your muscles as well. Otherwise, I don't find it too great, but regardless, cardio is cardio, and it's still better than nothing!0
-
I clipped this from a article i just read.- Riding an exercise bike is an aerobic exercise. When you get regular aerobic exercise, you can lose fat that has accumulated in your belly. Moderate aerobic activity, such as that required when riding a bicycle or an exercise bike, is a key component of a visceral fat-burning program. To get the benefits of your activity, you will need to ride your bike for at least 30 minutes on five days each week for a total of 150 minutes of weekly exercise. To increase the fat-burning capacity of your regular exercise routine, engage in weightlifting or some other form of strength training two or three times each week. -0
-
rajnigandha21 wrote: »It is one of my favorite work out and my average speed is 11-15 MPH /strain level medium. At the end of my 30 min/6 Miles workout I'm all sweats. But reading many people negative opinion here has discouraged me a bit. Is it not beneficial to my heart health at all? The main argument was that only leg moves and rest of the body is still. I think any activity that leaves your breath racing and heart pumping should account for calorie burn and heart-health as well.
They're fine for burning cals. I use mine when I can't do other cardio stuff for fitness.
0 -
Don't worry about all the amateur "experts". If it's working for you and you enjoy it - keep doing it.0
-
Its not a waste of time at all! Even if its not the best exercise for overall fitness its especially good for your brain health and well-being. I call my stationary bike the miracle steed, because its made such a difference.
Probably best to mix it up a bit though. A more well rounded exercise program leads to better things. I know this, but the good that I would do, I do not. Got to get out of the habit of always using the stationary bike!0 -
moving ANY of your parts, in ANY way, for any length of time... is NEVER a waste of time.0
-
A bike is a tool, not a glorified lounge chair. A tool used properly can achieve many goals. Lift your *kitten* off the seat and crank the pedals hard. Trust me, you'll be working hard.0
-
I generally pick a bike over an elliptical or treadmill for cardio. Airdyne bikes are beast, hate recumbent bikes though0
-
rajnigandha21 wrote: »It is one of my favorite work out and my average speed is 11-15 MPH /strain level medium. At the end of my 30 min/6 Miles workout I'm all sweats. But reading many people negative opinion here has discouraged me a bit. Is it not beneficial to my heart health at all? The main argument was that only leg moves and rest of the body is still. I think any activity that leaves your breath racing and heart pumping should account for calorie burn and heart-health as well.
Those people don't know what they are talking about. It's as simple as that.
eta: You like riding the bike, and it seems to be a challenge for you? Keep on keeping on.0 -
It's probably easier for me to burn more calories on a bike than it is on an elliptical (based on HR). I like the spin bikes better because it's more fluid and I have complete control of the resistance.0
-
I ride almost everyday. Mine does have dual action handlebars though for greater intensity. I love my bike.0
-
Bike is great for me! I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis so I was told to start using the bike. When I don't use it, the pain in my knees returns. Oddly enough, I want to live as pain free as possible so I'm happily using the bike and losing weight. For me, not a waste of time at all.0
-
Stationery bikes will help you lose weight and eventually when the weather improves riding outside is even better.!!!
0 -
Ignore anyone with negative opinions about biking. If you enjoy it and it's working that is all that matters.0
-
if you enjoy it, and are getting your heart rate up, thats all that matters.0
-
are "they" sitting on the bike with you? no? well then, don't worry about "them"! You are moving your body and it works for you, so, bike on!0
-
It's a waste of time if you're trying to go from point "A" to point "B". (It is stationary!) However, for cardio work, it's great!0
-
I joined our gyms 12 week challenge and had a good weight loss per week going when I injured my knee and couldn't do the treadmill and elliptical. I tried the bike for 3 weeks and maintained my weight loss. I got just as good or better workout and rehabbed at the same time. The bike will always be in my workout routine.
You go tare up that bike and show "them" whats up.0 -
moving ANY of your parts, in ANY way, for any length of time... is NEVER a waste of time.
About 60% of my gym time is spent on a bike, 20% yoga, 10% Pilates, and 10% weight training. I've lost 51 pounds, but more importantly, I am able to fit into a couple of pairs of size 12 pants I couldn't get more than an inch or two past my knees last February.
I'm fine with the people who judge the bike as being inferior because while they are waiting for space in the weight area or to use the "better" machines (and wasting their workout time standing around) means I don't have to fight them for the one that has worked for me.
0 -
i hook my mountain bike up to my turbo trainer and keep my heart rate around 140bpm. works for me
0 -
The way I see most people on stationary bikes at the gym it is a worthless way to spend your time. Most are not going fast enough to break a sweat0
-
I love to go for bike rides . the longer the better. Sometimes weather does not allow me to do so. I have an indoor trainer that I use on really windy days. When I'm done, I'm soaked. No one is going to tell me that I'm not burning calories. The bottom line is, do what you like. the fact that you're doing some type of exercise is what's important. Too many people discourage one type of workout to another,and based on what, because they don't like it?If you like it ,that's all that matters.0
-
Anytime you get your body moving is a good thing. Your legs are the largest muscles in your body, so working them, even on a stationary bike....is worth something.0
-
I love riding my stationary bike while I watch tv. I will ride for an hour long show. The harder I pedal, the more I sweat! It's better then sitting in the couch!0
-
-
It can be an intense workout! I do spin class 2x a week and we are up and down off the seat, do different speeds & different resistance levels...yesterday I did 20 mins on a Recumbent bike and had sweat running into my eyes...so yeah...it can be a workout if you make it one. 0
-
I have walked around at 250 plus pounds my entire life (16-46 years) always lifted weights with low cardio last may I bought a bike that I ride six days a week 14-20 miles for 45-60 min. I was 201 this morning and the only variables that have changed in the last year is More protein/fat less carbs/sugar controled calories and that bike!! I feel Fantastic and love my bike!!
0 -
I mix it up between the bike, step mill and skipping between weights...would love to run but running doesn't love me. I don't want to lose any muscle so I don't do high intensity cardio for long periods. Just a steady state to get a good sweat and that's it, or if I'm doing a HIIT workout just for short bursts between sets. I super set as well and don't rest long between sets to keep my heart rate up and steady. Combine that with good nutrition and that gets me the results I want.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 427 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions