Exercise bikes?

Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »

What are peoples views on exercise bikes? Im currebtly doing the 30 day shred and want to add something else to it..
Thanks

If you can't get outside to ride, my opinion is they are great. I use them all winter long if I can't get out due to bad weather.

Do you own one, or are you wondering about using them at the gym? You should be able to set up a rider profile on a model with a computer and screen where you plug in your weight, age, and can set resistance levels, monitor your cadence, watch your heart rate, and get a "guesstimate" on the calories burned. Just make sure to set up the saddle height correctly for proper leg extension (slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the stroke).

I used to think they were boring and pointless compared to a real bike. Ive now incorporated one to supplement my other cardio for a bit of variety. Oh but you dont go anywhere, ofc its not the same but you cna get quite a lot out of it as long as you focus and work hard. here have been a number of posters complaining and blaming the bike for not giving them a good enough work out, but its only limited by the rider and how intense or how long they can workout. Do what you cna manage take note of your times and distances then seek to improve.

You will burn fat as long as you are at a calorific deficit.
It helps with weight loss in terms of burning calories.

Oh and the boring bit then you can listen to music/ podcasts and still work hard.

Try one before you buy. Iys a lot more interesting imo if it has a decent compute and you get data as singing single referred to. Wattage, speed and good accurate resistance control are things I appreciate.

Summer is here though so a group would have lots of benefits.

I prefer my actual bike...it's way more awesome to ride outside and it's a better workout because you have to use your entire body, core included. With an exercise bike you're basically just sitting there pedaling to nowhere.

Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »

I am thinking of getting one does it help with weight loss though? X

Exercise isn't for weight loss - that comes from a calorie deficit.
Think health, fitness and the ability to eat more food while still hitting a reasonable calorie deficit.

Beware that exercise bikes often become an ornament after the initial enthusiasm fades.
I use them but to train for my outdoor riding. If you do get one don't get a basic one as they are awful to use.

I think they're great. Can sit on it and play Giant Boulder of Death all day. Climb off and wonder why you're looking emaciated.

cwolfman13 wrote: »

Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »

I am thinking of getting one does it help with weight loss though? X

Your weight loss is going to be predicated on your consumption, not what exercise you're doing. I've lost weight, maintained weight, and gained weight all the while riding my *kitten* off and lifting weights...the only difference between those three weight control objectives was my calorie (energy) intake.

I thought weight loss would be dictated by the calorific deficit?

If you eat the same stuff everyday in maintenance and burn 500 calories doing cardio you will lose weight. If you eat to much and don't move enough you will gain weight.

I like the stationary bike. I hop on and do some light cardio to pad my deficit and it is much less horrible than running.

Kimmymummy1990 wrote: »

I am thinking of getting one does it help with weight loss though? X

Well, it can help enhance the amount of calories burned which in turn can lead to boosting your ability to run a deficit in the CICO equation. Without the deficit of how many calories you eat per day compared to how many you burn - no weight loss will occur.

I use my exercise bike a lot for the portion of the year Old Man Winter is around (or when it early in the am or late in the pm and I am struggling to balance work, family, life, and a workout). But in terms of time - it is efficient if you can't suit up and ride a real bike outside. Some people have to load up their bikes on a bike rack, drive to an area where they can ride, unload the bike and then ride. Much quicker and simpler to hop on the exercise bike at home if that is your scenario as you don't have to waste time loading, driving, unloading, etc... .

I also like to ride one at the gym to warm up for weight lifting - and cool down after lifting. Or to due controlled intervals for my structured training.

I wouldn't buy a cheap one for my needs, but I don't know what your budget is?

We have two LeMond "exercise bikes". One of the g-force UT's and one of the g-force RT's:

http://www.lemondfitness.com/product_listing/20/g-force-exercise-bikes

We can use a USB memory stick in the computer consoles that records our workouts (wattage, heart rate, cadence, distance, calories) and upload it directly to Training Peaks and or MFP.

Life Fitness/Life Cycle makes some good equipment as well:

https://www.lifefitness.com/home/cardio/lifecycleexercisebikes.html

I had one of their bikes for about 10 years before I upgraded to the upright LeMond last year.

glevinso wrote: »

kbaker001 wrote: »

I use my bike on an indoor trainer when I can't ride outside.

This. Get a real bike and a trainer. Use the trainer when riding outside is not practical. Otherwise ride outside because riding bikes is awesome.

^^^ This is a much better option than an exercise bike, ride outside when the weather is good and use the trainer when it isn't....best of both worlds.

If you do decide to go with a stationary bike consider a spinning. They may not have all the bells & whistles some of the exercise bikes do but they'll more accurately mimic riding in the real world and there are tons of great videos on youtube.