Is an exercise bike a good workout?

Q. I use to run 5.5 to 6.5 miles on a treadmill everyday (6 days a week) burning up to 1,200-1,600 calories running at a 5.6 pace but come to find out I have a fractured knee and can't run on the tread. for a month so I bought an exercise bike the same brand as my treadmill (Gold's Gym) The first time using it was today and I biked 14 miles at a 13-14 mph and only burned 324 calories??? Is that right? when I run less, slower, and burn more on the treadmill.. Is the exercise bike as good of a work out as the treadmill? I know the bike sure killed my legs which I like since I have naturally big thigh :/
Female, 21y/o, 120-122 pounds, 5'3. I'm not looking to lose weight just to stay in shape!

Answer
No exercise machine measures calories burned. They give you a rough guesstimate based on god knows what. More expensive machines that base the estimate on your power output then calculate calories burned by guessing at your digestive and mechanical efficiency.

To actually measure calories burned, you need to be hooked up to a roomful of very expensive analytical equipment via tubes, hoses and electrodes.

You're better off measuring your workouts by time, distance and heartrate.

As a rough guess, running outdoors consumes 100-150 calories per mile, depending on your size, speed, and stride mechanics. You're probably on the low end of that. Cycling outdoors consumes 30-40 calories per mile, again depending on your size, speed, and the bike you use.

P.S. I suspect your exercise bike is closer to telling you the truth than your treadmill.

is it better to walk 3 miles or bike 3 miles 5 days a week?

Q. i want to lose weight and i didn't know if it was better to walk or bike.

Answer
Both are good for cardio exercise but lets look at this.
Walking 3 miles that should take about 45 minutes to an 1 hour time you should burn roughly 80-100 calories per mile at a decent pace.

walking.about.com/library/cal/uccalc1.htm

Cycling depends on the conditioning your in and type of bicycle can range from 35-55 calories per mile but you should do 3 miles like with more easier I suggest you ride a fairly well conditioned bicycle (not get a cheap bicycle) for an 1-2 hours each day instead of just 3 miles .

And keep up with your fitness whatever workout you decide on and have fun .

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How do i go about buying an exercise bike?

Elise

Im looking to buy a used exercise bike, but honestly, i have no idea what to look for!
What qualities should i look for in the bike? I wanted to find something relatively cheap, but i also dont want something thats a complete piece of junk you know?
Any advice?

Answer
There are 3 general categories of exercise bike:
1. Upright resistance. The upright uses a flywheel or fan for resistance. Stay away from the fan since they are much louder. Flywheel types often use belts or other friction material so always check them if buying a used one.
2. Recumbent. This is the one where you sit low to the ground and put your legs out forward. These are good if you have a back condition. The only true way to see if you like them is to try them for a workout. They have similar resistance units to the upright types.
3. Spinner. These have a direct drive meaning they don't allow you to stop pedaling unless you have an emergency stop device. They are probably the best workout, but are definitely not for everyone especially if you have knee trouble.

A quick and dirty way to see the condition of the unit is to check ride it, check the pedals for wear and if they're bent. You'll also be able to listen and see if the resistance unit feels smooth and quiet. If not, something is wrong and walk away.

Try all 3 types out at a local health club. That's the best way to see what works for you. You can often pay for just one visit and not have to get a membership.
Try the local classifieds and CraigsList in you local for a used one and hopefully have a friend with minivan or pickup. Used is the only way that you'll get a worthwhile unit for low cost.

exercises to help me slim down?

Q. If you have any please tell me

Answer
Start by walking. Walking around your neighborhood costs nothing and is a great way to start moving. You can also try other low-impact exercises like swimming, riding a bike or slow running.
Eat food from home. Sure, going out for a power lunch helps you to see and be seen, but researchers find that people who eat fewer meals from restaurants tend to lose more weight.
Eat vegetables for nutrition and to help you fill up more quickly. When you make your lunch or dinner plate contain at least 50 percent vegetables, you can have other richer dishes on your plate in smaller portions.

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Do I have too many rest days in my exercise routine?

Q. Good Morning, and thanks for reading this.

I always strive to hit at least 10000 steps per day, whether I am at work, or on one of my days off (I carry a pedometer around with me to keep track of this).

However - is it ok to have two consecutive days where I don't reach my target?

Currently I work four days on / four days off - when I am at work, I will always take a 30min Power Walk during the day for exercise, and on my days off I am either out walking, or if the weather isn't too good then I'll be in the Gym (Using the treadmill / cross trainer / bike).

On average, when I meet my step target for the day I have normally done around 12000 - 13000 steps.

However - I work nightshifts - and for two consecutive days I don't get to hit my target of 10000 steps - basically is this ok, seeing as I am exercising on six days out of eight?

Thanks for reading this!

Kind Regards


Alex

Glasgow, Scotland

Answer
i think if you don't hit 10000 steps that isn't good, because everyone is supposed to hit 10000 a day whether youre trying to lose weight or not.

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BMX or gaming console?

Q. Arit I have a choice over a gaming console (xbox one / ps4) or I can buy a 2013 wethepeople versus BMX, im not he best gamer nor am I the best at bmx soooo please help me chose whether to get bmx or a gaming console
Ok thanks already a lot of excellent ans I should add that I live in saudi arabia so going out is ha4d due to heat and people driving. But I do have a park near me so yea and I do need excersize not much to do here lol

Answer
If you like being with people then get the bike but if not then I think you should still get the bike because on the Xbox one or the Playstation 4 you get the consoles but you also have to get the games which are going to cost more because they are part of this new generation of gaming. But I think that you should get the bike you can get more exercise and personally I think it is easier to get better at something physical than at games I enjoy a good sit down to playing xbox 360 but I think that you would be doing yourself a favor with the bike. But it is your money and your choice so that is just my opinion.

But if you find yourself not likening my opinion then get the gaming system because deep down you actually know what you want and it can be hard to know what but it is just part of psychology do what you really want to do.

i need your opinion!?

Q. hi guys! i need your help ..a few days ago i recieved 300$ from my aunt in arizona ...i was thinking of buying things but some stuff is discouraging me from doing so, i wanted to buy a xbox 360 or ps3 but i am a bit overweight and if i buy an xbox or ps3 it will only add to my problem ...i also was considerring buying a bike ..i do not currently have one and would like to buy one ...so what do you think i should buy ? video game console or bike??? or anything else in the 100-300$ range ...i already have an ipod touch and a cell phone so be creative
ok ....i heard about kinect but i wanna spend some time outside
alright thanks guys i think i will buy a bike .....people tell me about kinect but i think ill get out side .....

Answer
We have a kinect. We got the whole deal in the hope of getting more exercise, since we don't get outside much in the evenings with two toddlers in the house. It's fun and makes you forget you're exercising, but it's really only about half hour a day worth of exercise. And the better you get at it, the less exercise you get. If you don't seriously expect to take yourself outside, it's not a better investment than a stationary bike or a used elliptical or treadmill. If you're probably not going to keep your resolutions, and your game console would be hot all the time while your bike gathered dust, just buy the console, don't kid yourself.

But if you're really serious about starting biking, don't waste the money on the console.
You might also look into a gym membership. You could get a few months for your money, long enough to hook you if you actually went regularly.

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exercise bike??????????

bubble87

i want to lose weight on my thighs and tone them up.
will an exercise bike help with this???

Answer
Hey
An exercise bike will burn calories, increase circulation and endurance and generally improve your health. However, using an exercise bike will not build muscle. Cardiovascular exercise can help the heart and the overall health of a person, but its effect on weight loss is actually limited for many people. If you are exercising without dieting, you probably will not notice a significant change. Cardiovascular exercise, such as an exercise bike can provide, is actually far more effective in weight management than weight loss. An exercise bike, even at full resistance, is not likely to shape your abdominal areas, so if you are looking to lose weight and raise your metabolic rate, then try resistance training exercises, such as weights, machines or even push ups.

How much weight loss with exercise bike?

DrexelRep

I'm 17 and haven't weighed myself in awhile, but if i had to guess id say im around 250 (eek!). I decided to do something about my weight, and chose to buy a stationary exercise bike. Considering I eat relatively healthy, how much weight do you think I could lose by September if I work out with the bike every day for an hour?

Thanks, and if you have any suggestions, feel free to share.

Answer
Stationary bikes are good for blood circulation, but that's really about it. With the calories burned on a stationary bike compared to a treadmill. You burn far less calories in a longer amount of time. I.E. Walking you burn more calories in a less amount of time. A bike is more good though for toning the calves.
Soooo, spend a lot of time on that bike and count how many calories you consume a day, drink water and diet drinks ONLY.

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Where can i find the old type exercises bike? without all the fancy bells and whistles?

lovie m st

I'm trying to find the old type execises bike to help build the muscle in my legs.I have osteoarthritist in both knees .And i know it will help to toughen up the muscles in my thigh. Please can anyone help.

Answer
the new bikes are just as good,maybe even better because you can adjust resistance more easily. if you still want an old school bike, I doubt that you can find a new one. A very viable option is to try garage sales, craigslist or just post an ad that you're looking for one- a lot of people still have bikes that are in mint condition and have been used as a clothes hanger, so you could get one really cheap

Where can i get a Exercise bike from? Cheap?

I need an exercise bike from a uk store really cheap, can anyone help?

Answer
http://www.craigslist.org/

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Recumbant Exercise bikes...help - which one to buy?

Marie123

I am in the market for home exercise equipment to shed some below the waist pounds, butt and thighs! I'm 5ft, and it's hard to lose it where you want to!

Any experts out there - is this a good idea for what I'm looking for, to lose weight all over, or will I only be getting a cardiac workout and make my thighs bigger?

A local physical trainer said any 'sweating' you do burns calories, and with dieting, so that's all you need to worry about to lose weight all over.
I thought you had to exercise the whole package! What do ya'll think?

I'm looking at recombant bicycles, but haven't been able to find out which brand is best, which works better, is more comfortable, where to buy for best prices, and takes up less room,etc.

Or any suggestions on one piece of home equipment for a busy mom of two young ones that can be left in the family room but maybe camoflauged by a screen, etc.?

Thanks for any help!

Answer
A very popular and effective way to workout is by using a recumbent exercise bike. They are available in many different makes and models, ranging from no nonsense to high-tech. Finding the recumbent exercise bike that is right for you mainly depends on your ultimate training goal; from general fitness to sport specific training and anywhere in between.


For many, aerobic workouts are best performed on a recumbent exercise bike. There are many advantages to using a recumbent exercise bike such as providing a wider, more comfortable seat as well as a back rest. This more comfortable, upright position makes it easier to peddle longer. The most common complaint of exercise bike users is that the seat is just too uncomfortable. With a recumbent exercise bike this is a problem no more.

The most popular brand of recumbent exercise bike is made by Life Fitness and can be found in just about every gym or health club. Other manufacturers of the recumbent exercise bike include Tunturi, Schwinn and Star Trac.

Proper positioning on a recumbent exercise bike is easy to achieve. Seat length is the only adjustment to be made, making the recumbent exercise bike very user friendly. In order to check that you are properly positioned on the recumbent exercise bike, start with your feet on the peddles and both crank arms parallel with the floor. Look at the amount of bend in your knee (knee flexion).

The ideal position is to have just a slight bend in your knee joint. Improper positioning can create knee pain. Certain things to look for include pain in the front of the knee which is an indicator of the seat being positioned too close to the handlebars. If you are experiencing pain in the back of your knee it is a sign that the seat is positioned to far away from the handlebars. If you are using a recumbent exercise bike in a large fitness center simply ask one of the staff members to check your position.

Regardless of where you use your recumbent exercise bike it will be an important part of your fitness plan. Now you can comfortably peddle away while reading a book or watching TV and know that you are working towards a healthier you.

http://www.fitnessdiet.info/recumbentexercisebike.php

best manifacturer of recumbent exercise bike?

gpballenti

Answer
There are many excellent recumbent bikes on the market today. Life Fitness (one of the most common commercial brands) received top ratings from Consumer Reports for their R3-5 recumbent bike that was released this year. Schwinn Fitness also won an award for their 213 recumbent bike. Another notable brand is Lemond Fitness. The Lemond GForce recumbent bike is one of the most innovative new designs - it's self generating (no plug in needed), has a low step over height (very easy for therapy or overweight exercisers), and has a very comfortable seat that fully reclines. The GForce has a very wide range of resistance that is good for beginners on the low end and gives the serious cyclist an amazing workout on the high end. There are many other great recumbent bikes on the market today so the best question you need to answer is which is the best bike for you. Always try exercise equipment before you buy it. The equipment should be comfortable, sturdy, and covered under a good warranty (10 years to Lifetime is standard for quality equipment). Also consider the training programs included - the more expensive models will include a variety of programs to keep you motivated and challenged. If a bike isn't comfortable, fun, and challenging then you won't use it. Schwinn Fitness equipment is available at a wide variety of sporting goods and fitness stores but I would highly recommend finding a good local specialty fitness store - you'll get better service from experienced staff, better local support, and a better selection of choices from entry level to commercial grade equipment.

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how many calories can you lose ? and with that sport or exercise?

jessip

Answer
The best cardio exercise is simply the one you will do day in and day out consistently. Choose one which you enjoy doing and don't be afraid to mix the exercises up. Interval cardio work consists of moving from one exercise to another in set time intervals. For example, you could do the elliptical trainer for 15 minutes, then switch to the stationary bike for another 15 minutes and finish off on the treadmill for the last 15 minutes. Interval training is a great way to keep everything fresh!

There are two schools of though when it comes to cardio training. The "slow & steady" group and the "high intensity" group. These two groups breakdown like this:

Slow & Steady Cardio

* Long duration (45min - 1 hour)
* Low intensity
* Burn fat and not carbs
* Preserve joints

High Intensity Cardio

* Short duration (20min - 30min)
* High intensity (interval training)
* Burn tons of calories & rev up your metabolism throughout the day
* Treat cardio like weights - explosive movements (sprinting, etc)

Our advice is to try both for at least 6 weeks and make sure to monitor your progress with a journal and take weekly photos of yourself to see if you're truly losing body fat.

Which Cardio Exercise Burns the Most Calories?
Below are the top 10 cardio exercises which burn the most calories in 30 minutes.

1. Step Aerobics - one of the most favorite cardio exercises preferred by women. Step Aerobics mainly target your legs, hips and glutes, and can burn approx. 400 calories in 30 minutes.

2. Bicycling - stationary or outdoors is a great cardio exercises, depending on resistance and speed can but 250 to 500 calories in 30 minutes.

3. Swimming - like cross-country skiing is an excellent cardio exercises as it is a full body exercises. Swimming is a great cross-training for other cardio activities. Doing the breast stroke can burn approx. 400 calories in 30 minutes.

4. Racquetball - side to side sprinting makes racquetball and excellent cardio exercises. A 145-lb person burns over 400 calories in 30 minutes.

5. Rock Climbing - is not only a cardio exercises, but also uses arm and leg strength and power. Rock Climbing can burn up to 380 calories in 30 minutes.

6. Cross-Country Skiing - whether on a machine or outdoors on snow, is an incredible cardio exercises as it involves both upper and lower body. A 145 lb person can burn approx 330 calories in 30 minutes.

7. Running - Running is an excellent cardio exercises because all you need is a pair of quality running shoes. Running burns serious calories. A 145 LB person can easily burn 300 calories in 30 minutes.

8. Elliptical Trainer - is an excellent cardio exercises and a great way to build endurance. A 145 LB person can burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes.

9. Rowing - is both a cardio exercises as well as giving your arms an incredible workout. 145 LB person can burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes.

10. Walking - Brisk walking is a less strenuous form of cardio exercises. Walking can burn up to 180 calories in 30 minutes. Sprinting, adding hills or an incline can increase amount of calories burned.

For the real high intensity cardio people out there who love the H.I.I.T training (High Intensity Interval Training), below are the top three cardio exercise which will provide amazing results!

1. Jumping Rope - This is one of the simplest, yet most effective exercises one can do. In just 15 to 20 minutes, jumping rope will give you an unparalleled total body workout. Jumping rope is ideal for cardiovascular endurance and enhances performance in virtually any sport - tennis, basketball, football, skiing, volleyball and more. This simple exercise is also great for eye-hand coordination, lateral movement, foot and hand speed and agility.

2. Sprinting - Sprinting not only burns HUGE amounts of calories while sprinting, it also keeps your metabolism flying for days after. Sprinting combined with running / jogging can bring amazing results

3. Spinning - These high-intensity workouts to music simulate a challenging bike ride, complete with hills, valleys and varying speeds, all dictated by the group instructor.

What do you call over exercising?

Geo

I'm 14 and an embarrassing 221.6lbs. I've been trying to lose weight and so I joined a gym. in January I used to do 1-2 hours on the cross trainer and burn 800-1500 calories 5 days a week. I then started to get really sore feet when ever I got on the cross trainer so I dropped it down to 30-60 minutes. I also have a problem with under eating. I eat 1300-1400 calories at the most every day. By sometimes get as low as 100. I've been sick so I haven't been to the gym much lately but is it ok to do 1.5 hours on the cross trainer?

Answer
There is such a thing as overtraining, but that's not it.

If you find yourself beating up one body part too much (like your feet?), switch to something else. There's no law that says you have to pick one kind of exercise and stick with it to the exclusion of everything else. Doing a variety of exercises using different muscle groups and body parts not only keeps you mentally fresh, it keeps you from over-developing one set of muscles or overuse unjuries..

There's no reason you can't do several different things on the same day or even the same session.

On a typical day, I might run to the pool, swim laps for an hour, and run home. Or ride my bike to work (17 miles), run at lunch (5 miles), ride home.

At the gym, you could rotate machines. Half hour on the bike, half our on the crosstrainer, half hour on the treadmill, a circuit of the weight machines. If you have time, repeat. You could consider walking, running or riding your bike to the gym. Its all good.

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exercise machines...?

v_marie200

I am going to buy an exercise machine but I can't make a decision. Out of these 3 which is best an elliptical, recumbent bike, or upright bike?
total gym is out of my budget the machines I'm looking at range from $150-$400.

Answer
Of those three options, I would go with an elliptical first, then the recumbent bike, then the upright bike.
It sound sounds like the body champ dual trainer on Amazon might be a good deal - it's in your budget and it is both an elliptical and a bike. you can read more on it here: http://hubpages.com/hub/Body-Champ-BRM3671-Cardio-Dual-Trainer-A-Great-Budget-Elliptical-Trainer
It's under $300 and seems to have great reviews. Personally, the elliptical is my favorite machine at the gym (and the rowing machine).
I hope you find something that is perfect for you!

I want to buy my 350 lb autistic father a recumberent exercize bike...help?

Jenn

Please no joking here. Good advice only...My dad is extremely unhealthy and has voiced that he would like to try an exercise bike. The only problem, he went to look at some and could not fit into one. He is 6'1" and 350lbs all in his belly. He literally is a ball with long lean legs. He is 60 years old and has been laid off from work for a year which has caused him to gain a ton of weight. Also before that he had knee surgery which has causes him lots of pain, preventing him from moving and becoming more obese. It's very difficult for him to walk now, because his legs are so thin and puts weight on his knees. Not to mention, he has little balance when standing which is why he wants a exercise bike, so he can free the weight off his legs to exercise. So, I'm looking for suggestions on where to find a exercise bike that would fit someone with such a large belly. It would need to be seated back further for his belly to fit in, giving him the flexibility to move his legs. Any suggestions. Plz lets stay on track of finding a large bike rather than offering other exercise advice, unless it's something other then walking and talking to a Dr.....


Also, he has asbergers, which is a mild form of autism.....which causes him to be extremely stubborn. So, he refuses to walk because it causes him pain. (Even though it would help him.)

Answer
Get something like this it rated for 325 lbs so an extra 25 wont hurt. There is plenty of room for his belly. Exercise bikes can be very boring so I wouldn't spend a lot.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/exerpeutic-900xl-high-capacity-magnetic-recumbent-bike/prod4930419.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_Exercise%20Bikes&CAWELAID=730010300000098811&catargetid=730010300000000145&cadevice=%7bdevice%7d&cagpspn=pla

Here is a better deal but they have the rating at 300 lbs.

http://www.amazon.com/Exerpeutic-900XL-Extended-Capacity-Recumbent/dp/B005OU4E1M

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Recumbent vs Upright Bicycle?

jshryker58

Which bicycle will burn more calories Recumbent or Upright Bicycle? You can go faster with less effort on a recumbent, but you can use your body weight on an upright..

Answer
Not sure which will burn more calories, but if all you want the bike for is that, just go for the upright, it'll probably be less expensive than the recumbent (unless you're going for a really high-end upright). I have a recumbent delta trike that I really enjoy.

These start at around $1200 for the model I have. The Sun SX starts between $700 - $900 and that was a year ago on those prices. I use it for exercise and take it to the grocery store, etc. I don't drive (an automobile) and like the stability of the trike much better than an upright 2 wheeler. I also like the recumbent format better for my back and balance. I am thinking about a 2-wheel recumbent in the near future, but would still use the trike around town. I would like to get the 2 wheel as it would be faster and easier for touring, not to mention lighter weight as the trike weighs 50 lbs, lol!

Treadmill vs Recumbent bike vs Elliptical?

The Dude

which one would you go with and why

Answer
If money and space were no object, I'd alternate all three to mix things up. Since space and $ are limited, I went with an elliptical. I'm pretty sure that it burns the most calories (definitely more than the treadmill unless you run) and its a good work out without having to run! Weight bearing exercise is also better for your bones.

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