Stationary bikes.. With or without moving arms??

Just waving your arms around isn't necessarily burn more calories than just using your legs - depends on the intensity. The person and their fitness is the limiting factor.

Go for a "normal" bike of a decent standard - it might even encourage you to get outdoors on a real cycle.

Legs aren't the limiting factor in cardio exercise - the heart, lungs and circulatory systems are.

Short burst interval training for a non-experienced person or if that piece of equipment is all they are planning on doing - yeah sure can see a benefit in using arms and legs but would then suggest a rowing machine or high quality cross trainer / elliptical.

angelexperiment wrote: »

Is there a way to test out the bike types to see what you like (gym?) or Walmart sometimes has displays down to test. If you like just riding a bike just get the stationary one with different arm position to rest arms ( I find I like that bc I don't stay in one position the whole time)

Please don't buy your exercise bike at Walmart. Total junk. If working with a budget loom at used. High quality stuff out there for 25-33% of new.

A gym quality bike will have a totally different feel than one from walmart.

I just recently purchased an Airdyne model AD-6, and I absolutely love it BECAUSE it works the upper body too. Because of three very sensitive degenerative discs in my back, I have to be really careful about strength training with weights, so I stick to biking and walking just to get some cardio into my routine.

What I did not expect when I started using the Airdyne was the workout my biceps and triceps would get. You're using several different muscle groups in your upper body for both pushing and pulling on those handlebars. After a few weeks of using it, I'm definitely seeing some more definition in my arms, whereas before it was just in my legs. The other nice thing is that the harder you work on the Airdyne, the harder it gets. The whole contraption runs on wind resistance rather than powered mechanical resistance. There is a digital readout on the front, but that just takes a few AA batteries. It also hooks up wirelessly to the fancier heart rate readers, but I usually just ignore the panel completely and use my Apple Watch.

I would say if you're looking for getting more of a whole body workout during your cardio rather than just working your legs, the AirDyne is really great. Works a lot of different muscles while still remaining low impact, and adapts instantly to however hard you want to work without eating up a bunch of batteries or having to plug into the wall. It's definitely not as fun as being on my real bike in the nicer months, but is keeping me in shape during the cold months, and gives me a good low impact workout.

Domicinator wrote: »

I just recently purchased an Airdyne model AD-6, and I absolutely love it BECAUSE it works the upper body too. Because of three very sensitive degenerative discs in my back, I have to be really careful about strength training with weights, so I stick to biking and walking just to get some cardio into my routine.

What I did not expect when I started using the Airdyne was the workout my biceps and triceps would get. You're using several different muscle groups in your upper body for both pushing and pulling on those handlebars. After a few weeks of using it, I'm definitely seeing some more definition in my arms, whereas before it was just in my legs. The other nice thing is that the harder you work on the Airdyne, the harder it gets. The whole contraption runs on wind resistance rather than powered mechanical resistance. There is a digital readout on the front, but that just takes a few AA batteries. It also hooks up wirelessly to the fancier heart rate readers, but I usually just ignore the panel completely and use my Apple Watch.

I would say if you're looking for getting more of a whole body workout during your cardio rather than just working your legs, the AirDyne is really great. Works a lot of different muscles while still remaining low impact, and adapts instantly to however hard you want to work without eating up a bunch of batteries or having to plug into the wall. It's definitely not as fun as being on my real bike in the nicer months, but is keeping me in shape during the cold months, and gives me a good low impact workout.

That actually sounds pretty good. Expensive?

A real bike is a much better option Add a bike trainer for the winter months. If you have to do a standard stationary bike, get a good quality bike. I would try out as many as you can before you buy. The better the bike the more likely you will ride and enjoy it. You should also try sites like craigslist to buy one at a reduced rate just know what you are buying

Domicinator wrote: »

try2again wrote: »

That actually sounds pretty good. Expensive?

I would not say it was cheap. I think we paid a little under $600 for it on Amazon. However, I am not afraid to pay a little more money for quality. I will NOT skimp on home gym equipment only to have it fall apart in a year or two. The AD-6 has been reviewed as one of the best consumer grade stationary bikes out there. There is a Pro model that's a little better (more like something you'd find in a public gym) and an AD-2 model that is not as nice as the AD-6. All three are great bikes though.

To everyone saying "just get a real bike", yes, real bikes are great. But I personally cannot stand biking in the frigid midwest winter cold and I will not ride on the snow and ice. I'm sure many are in the same situation.

Agree about being willing to pay extra for quality/durability. I would think with more moving parts (arms), that would be even more of a concern. FYI, OP- I've had my bike for 4-5 years with fairly regular use & no issues, creaks, or rattles!