Stationary bikes -- yay or nay?

I want to improve my slowly-dwindling physique and the doctor says to do some cardio. Weather and other environmental conditions where I live makes normal biking impossible for me, so I was considering a stationary air bike. Would an hour or so a day on something like that help? I don't need to see results in two weeks or anything, but results period would be nice.

I'm not looking for big hulking muscles or anything like that; I just want to lean myself out. Plus, my triglyceride levels are making my doctor nervous. I was thinking about a Stamina UX2 air bike, since it's only about $80 and doesn't take up much room. Is this a good idea?

i think if you're just trying to stay in shape a stationary bike would help, but i think running would be better. i wanna get a treadmill.

I bought one a while back. I think a combo of multiple cardio exercises and weights do a lot more and provide a great deal more variety. Just a bike, just doesn't cut it IMO. You're not working a very good variety of muscles there.duxup

IT really depends how you ride the stationary bike... If you ride a bike like Lance Armstrong does then you'll get results. If you ride a bike like you're going across town to see your friend.. then the results won't be too great. I'm not really a fan of them.

I'd rather use a row machine or a tread mill.

Yes, jogging is better. But considering I have actually paid attention to what you said, I realise that jogging outside is out for the same reason that proper cycling is out. Also, a treadmill is out because they are expensive and take up a lot of room.

So, yeah, go for the bike. It's better than nothing. You'll need to do it pretty intensively though. Possibly do some interval training on it. And maybe some light weights, doing very high reps. That ought to help build your stamina, and help you get leaner.

However, have you considered getting a rowing machine? You can get some pretty cheap and compact ones....that would probably be a better option.

Yes, jogging is better. But considering I have actually paid attention to what you said, I realise that jogging outside is out for the same reason that proper cycling is out. Also, a treadmill is out because they are expensive and take up a lot of room.

So, yeah, go for the bike. It's better than nothing. You'll need to do it pretty intensively though. Possibly do some interval training on it. And maybe some light weights, doing very high reps. That ought to help build your stamina, and help you get leaner.

However, have you considered getting a rowing machine? You can get some pretty cheap and compact ones....that would probably be a better option.

shaunk89

A rowing machine would be nice if the cheapest one I could find wasn't $2,300. >_>

[QUOTE="shaunk89"]

Yes, jogging is better. But considering I have actually paid attention to what you said, I realise that jogging outside is out for the same reason that proper cycling is out. Also, a treadmill is out because they are expensive and take up a lot of room.

So, yeah, go for the bike. It's better than nothing. You'll need to do it pretty intensively though. Possibly do some interval training on it. And maybe some light weights, doing very high reps. That ought to help build your stamina, and help you get leaner.

However, have you considered getting a rowing machine? You can get some pretty cheap and compact ones....that would probably be a better option.

Theokhoth

A rowing machine would be nice if the cheapest one I could find wasn't $2,300. >_>

Try looking for a hydraulic one, they tend to be cheaper than the more popular resistance wheel ones. I found one for like £50 here in the UK. It was from a catalogue shop called Argos, not sure you have those in the States...

My mom bought a stationary bike a week or so ago, and she's lost 4 pounds so far. If you can't go outside to exerciseor whatever,I'd say that seems to be a yay.