Starting Stationary Bike Questions

[Tanikova]

I just got a freecycled older huffy stationary bike with has resistance but it is just a knob turn with no markings... I got it turned to max and I can definitely feel the difference though I wouldn't say it is terribly difficult to bike,,, it does have the old style dial mph which I can keep up to over 20 mph... and an old style odometer

yesterday I did 15 minutes on a low resistance level and did fine... today I cranked it all the way up and did another 15 minutes and I can feel the difference... both days I kept the mph above 20 and today I noted the odometer and did 5.9 miles....

I plan to do at least 2 sessions most days.... one in the morning before work... probably no longer then 15 minutes..... and another in the late afternoon evening.... I want to work up to 30 - 45 minutes in the evening.... with a goal of at least one 30 minute session 5 days a week.. and at least 15 minutes a day every day..

does this sound like a good beginning type routine??... I am giving myself 6 months of using this old bike before I gift myself with a newer more modern one that has better resistance and training modes....

any suggestions on what kind of bike to consider?? what features could you not live without and what features don't really matter?? figure I should start my research now and have a good picture of what I want as my goal....

[nedgoudy]

Just keep up the good work.
While I ride a bike on the street
now, OR a recumbent bike at the
gym with electronic resistance builtin,
I DID use a funky exercise bike when
I was originally losing my weight and
it worked fine for the purpose.

The most important part is to be consistent
every day and to increase your time as you
get better. When you lose the next 45 lbs
it might be a nice time to start riding on the
street. By that time your legs will be strong
from the exercise bike and your lighter weight
will allow you to ride on the street with more
confidence and make it a more fun experience.

Good luck, and don't give up now. You can
do this thing. You can lose the weight and
keep it off - with dilligence and perserverance.

[emily30]

Hi Tanikova :wave: Congrats on starting this new way of life! I agree with Ned. Your older stationary bike does the trick. I think just going a longer duration with the resistance is all you will need to challenge yourself as weeks and months go by. Maybe getting yourself hand weights would be a good and inexpensive addition too. I would keep the older stationary bike and get a nice one for going for bike rides outside. I find I can go longer and get the best workout on my outdoor bike because the scenery and beautiful weather keep me outside longer.

Best of wishes to you!

[cycologist]

Great work but becareful of stationary bikes and the speedomiter, on my road bike i can average 18-19 mph as clocked by a radar on a staitonary bike i can maintain 35-27 mph (that is Tour Defrance time trial speeds) I'm nowhere that good. Do not get my wrong 20 mph on a stationary is very good especially at the max resistance. Keep working and it will only get easier.

[cs_carver]

You want to make sure you're able to pedal at something much ABOVE 60 RPM, which should be the absolute MINIMUM. Adjust the resistance as needed to maintain a faster pedal speed. Use real weight lifting to work the muscles around your knees--WAY too hard on your knees to do weightlifting via a bicycle.

Elsewise, looks good.

[lisaz8605]

Awesome job with what you've begun! Just keep at it. Like it's been said...be consistent and you'll see results. Just keep listening to your body. Challenge it more when it needs it, keep proper form, and be safe. Remember to warm up, cool down, STRETCH and drink lots of water. :)

[Mary1967]

I bought a stationary bike at Walmart for $88. I don't have a ton of money for a fancy one.. it is called Stamina.. it has resistance and arm handles you push and pull as you go... it has a digital display of time, distance, and calories burned. i leave it on time.. and I started at 25 min at 20 mph for 7 miles.. that was in November. Last night I did 37 min, 24 -26 mph, 15 miles. it also has a resistance dial so you can make it harder. I only turn it up a notch after I can easily do 30 min at that rate. I do it minimum 4 x's a week.