Suggestion for Exercise Bike

[shocksyde]

I'm in the process of losing weight and rather than join a gym, I'd like to get something I can do at home. I started at 262 in January and now I'm down to 219. I'm 6'1", to give you a reference. I'd like to get down to 180-190.

Anyway, I've been researching exercise bikes and think I might get this one. Is there a similar bike that's better without costing more? I'd like to cap my spending at $200 if possible.

Also, should I look into getting something that's not a bike? I've used a bike before, and enjoyed it because I can exercise and do something else (read, watch TV, etc) at the same time. Is there something else I should get that would allow me to read or watch tv and give me a better overall workout?

Thanks for your help!

 

[shocksyde]

hmmmmmm?

 

[zebano]

If you have a bicycle you like already, I would highly suggest a magnetic trainer. This has the added effect of keeping your ass in condition for long rides.

This one is a bit cheaper than mine but looks like it would do the trick.
http://www.buy.com/prod/graber...c/17250/210786776.html

 

[shocksyde]

I don't own a bike, forgot to mention that.

 

[StageLeft]

I would almost buy a cheap buy and magnetic trainer over a standalone exercise bike. I am not sure if in the history of mankind anybody has ever used an exercise bike like this for more than a couple of months. The main problem is the seat is far too wide, so there is inevitable chaffing and second they do not feel natural at all, as the strap rubs against a wheel. I'd sit down in a store and try one before buying.

 

[RiDE]

Those things just don't work for me. I would much rather have a treadmill. I ride road bikes and I find exercise bikes just agonizingly uncomfortable. Adjustability is limited, pedal feel is unnatural, handlebar positioning sucks. Hell, you'd think a bigger padded seat would be better than the saddles with almost no padding on road bikes but I just can't sit on the former for even half an hour. The problem must be with me since I see people at the gym huffing and puffing on exercise bikes for several hours.

 

[gar655]

Get a Concept II "erg" AKA Rower. Best overall workout there is. Aerobic- check, Anearobic- check, strength- check, lower and upper body- check, non impact, easy on the joints- check......

There is no better total body workout (that you can do in your home).

 

[shocksyde]

Hmm, I have used a rowing machine before and liked it. That one is waaaaaay out of my price range, though. Any suggestions on a good one around $200?

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: shocksyde
Hmm, I have used a rowing machine before and liked it. That one is waaaaaay out of my price range, though. Any suggestions on a good one around $200?

You can find used rowers pretty damn cheap on craigslist from time to time (edit: although $200 might be a bit of a stretch).

 

[shocksyde]

After some research it looks like I might get the Stamina 1205. Pretty favorable reviews (not just from Amazon.com) and a pretty reasonable price.

 

[iluvdeal]

I've had an exercise bike and have a Precor elliptical at home now. Honestly, you can get a good cardio workout from a simple jump rope. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you need some expensive piece of machinery in your home to do cardio.

I'd also recommend you try out some cardio workout videos. There's a ton of them out there so you are sure to find something you'll like. Those videos provide a better range and variety of movements as opposed to the repetitive motion you endlessly repeat on a machine. For that reason I also find those videos more fun as well. I didn't think of doing cardio workouts to DVDs before but after I did P90X, I'm a believer as some of those DVDs were the most intense cardio workouts I ever did in my life.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Rule of thumb: if you can read, watch TV, do your paper work, write novels while riding a cardio bike or running on treadmill, your intensity sucks! Lay the magazine aside and ramp up the speed!

If possible, buy a hybrid road bike for ~250 at bike shop, and ride it outside. You can listen to music, control intensity, and it will be more fun. If you have a decent bike route close by, it's a massive win.