Anyone tried a hand cycle?

KLo924
KLo924 Posts: 379 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
My left foot is in an air cast for a few weeks and I'm getting antsy w/o cardio. I've been doing upper body and core strength training, but am on the lookout for cardio options besides punching.

Anyone ever try a pedal exerciser as a hand cycle (like a krank cycle, but something for home)? I don't want to spend a lot of money for something I won't use for very long (I hope!), but this seems like a maybe. I've just never used one so don't know if they're effective for cardio, or just rehab at the cheaper levels--can you even get one that's effective for home?

Thanks! :drinker:
- Kristin

Replies

  • Setof2Keys
    Setof2Keys Posts: 681 Member
    I was using one at my desk at work that I could use as hand or foot. It was impossible to cycle while working since I would rock back and forth. I am taking it to my Mom to use on upper body while she is recovering from surgery. You would prob get use out of it but make sure you have a chest height table to rest it on.
  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    Look up "chair exercises" or "seated cardio" and similar searches. My mom has found some wonderful videos that you do from your chair, and let me tell you, they are a WORKOUT!
  • KLo924
    KLo924 Posts: 379 Member
    I was using one at my desk at work that I could use as hand or foot. It was impossible to cycle while working since I would rock back and forth. I am taking it to my Mom to use on upper body while she is recovering from surgery. You would prob get use out of it but make sure you have a chest height table to rest it on.

    Lol @ rocking back and forth. Do you know what brand it was?
  • RollinDawg
    RollinDawg Posts: 235 Member
    I have one and it's a great workout. You may have to spend a little more to get a good one that is stable that won't rock back and forth. I use a wheelchair so I went ahead and bought a good one that has a timer and different tension settings on it instead of a little cheap plastic one like I've seen some places. Check Amazon for one similar to the one I've got.
  • Buddhaboy
    Buddhaboy Posts: 60 Member
    Good hand cycles are pretty spendy and kind of hard to find
    If you foot isn't in too much pain I would suggest a rowing machine
    You could pick one up online for a good price, and it's something you can use after your foot gets better
  • SkateboardFi
    SkateboardFi Posts: 1,322 Member
    i use them as part of my cardio circuit training, they're an excellent way to get that heart rate going and you can also adjust the level of resistance you'd like, i recommend it, not sure what brand it is at my gym but it definitely leaves me winded!
  • PirateJenny
    PirateJenny Posts: 233 Member
    I only used one after recovering from surgery, before the doctors cleared me for weight bearing exercises.

    The one I used was at a gym geared towards physical therapy and looked expensive. However, it did get my heart-rate up and had options for increased resistance. It felt like "real" exercise even though I was seated.

    Perhaps you could look up physical therapy centers and see about a temporary pass? The place I went to had punch cards and temporary memberships for people recovering from injuries and was pretty reasonable.

    Good luck!
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