The best excercise for me?

ebeans887
ebeans887 Posts: 32
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been only riding the stationary bicycle in my house for 30-40 minutes/day. I wonder if it's just a waste of time and if there is maybe something better I can do with that amount of time? I have a few aerobic videos, which would be best to boost my metabolism?

Replies

  • Cocochickdeleted
    Cocochickdeleted Posts: 342 Member
    I would say any exercise you enjoy and stick with is the best for you. I know I get bored, so I like to switch things up and challenge myself. I've learned to love doing things I despised before (ie., running). Experiment with different things and keep doing the ones you like.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    As long as you push yourself (videos or bike) ... you're getting a good aerobic workout.

    Circuit workouts (combine cardio & strength) are a great way to burn lots of calories too. If you're not mixing in some strength (resistance) training already, that would be a good addition to your cardio.
  • ebeans887
    ebeans887 Posts: 32
    Thanks guys!
    Yes, I think I will try and add some strength training in as well! I would love to run, I used to run when I was in shape but I have bad knees :(
  • TGKvr
    TGKvr Posts: 123 Member
    I also do the stationary bike - but I'm only at 20 minutes per session, as I'm still recovering from knee injuries. If your bike doesn't have the handles next to the seat, you can try doing arm curls while cycling using 5lb dumbbell weights, or whichever weight you prefer. There are a few other things you can do with small wrist and/or dumbbell weights, too, maybe just play around some. That way you are doing something besides just sitting on the bike. My physical therapists say that the best thing for me is to keep up with the bike. I also finish out my routine with squats using a balance ball against the wall. Maybe shorten your bike time and add in some other strength exercises?
  • jgic2009
    jgic2009 Posts: 531 Member
    Interval training is a great way to mix up your training a bit and fend off boredom.
  • ebeans887
    ebeans887 Posts: 32
    Great advice! Thank you so much everyone! I have a mini stepper machine, it's very tough to do though!
  • Captain_Tightpants
    Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
    There's no one "best" exercise but if you're doing the same thing every day, eventually those muscles you are using will get very efficient at doing it and the benefits will slow down. It's better to switch your exercise up a bit. Maybe go for walks one day, swim the next, stationery bike the next. I would definitely suggest putting some heavy lifting into your routine if you want to tone up.
  • Goatboy69
    Goatboy69 Posts: 7
    You definitely want to avoid the platau as mentioned above (when you muscles get "used" to an exercise. If you can work on different areas each day. Day one thighs, bum etc (Bike), then maybe day 2 more upper body aerobics (side stretches etc) Then back to the bike day three, etc. That sort of thing. Breaks boredom, and helps stop plataeu

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