New Excercise (spin?) Bike. Little Help.

BikeQueery

Hi guys, as I'm looking for fitness equipment rather than road bike stuff I thought I'd post here. I'm looking to get a decent excercise bike to drop a few pounds and I've had success in the past doing so. My budget isn't huge though, but I want something half decent.

I'm not terribly interested in a road bike, all I see online is people recommending a "proper" bike and a trainer. I don't have the money for all that, or the inclination to cycle on Irish roads and in Irish weather! I'd rather bang on some music and put in an hour here or there. I know I can, so that isn't an issue.

I'm having trouble finding something decent. Amazon I can't order off for Ireland or I might do that. Elverys seem to have F all. Argos I tried to order off and the closest delivery date they could offer me was a month from now, so that's cancelled.

I'm feeling irritated at the extreme lack of reviews and info on fitness equipment so I hope people here can give me some first hand knowledge?

This site keeps coming up but I don't know if their stuff is dodgy and there are zero reviews online for any of their products. Seriously puts me off.
-I can't submit links apparently. It's "Irish Sports Warehouse", I was looking at the Cintura Pro-Speed.

It's in my price range though. I don't know. For all I know it sounds like a jet engine while you're riding it. Little help.

Bravobabe

Hi, Good for you
You obviously know what you want (worked for you in the past) but the effectiveness of exercise bikes in losing weight is not as good as some other exercise programmes (resistance, weights etc), so I am lead to believe.

You might want to consider a cross-trainer, treadmill and/or weights.
Bear in mind that a lot of these machines end up as clothes hangers

You have a few options available to you
- there are on-line companies that allow you to rent the equipment for a period of time
- there are large numbers of these machines on adverts.ie and donedeal etc etc (used and new)
- The cost of this bike (€220) is about the same as 6-12 months gym membership (where you could get use of quality bikes, cross-trainers, treadmills, machines, sauna, pool etc).

Best of luck - whatever you decide to do (but do something)

BikeQueery

Bravobabe wrote: »

Hi, Good for you
You obviously know what you want (worked for you in the past) but the effectiveness of exercise bikes in losing weight is not as good as some other exercise programmes (resistance, weights etc), so I am lead to believe.

You might want to consider a cross-trainer, treadmill and/or weights.
Bear in mind that a lot of these machines end up as clothes hangers

You have a few options available to you
- there are on-line companies that allow you to rent the equipment for a period of time
- there are large numbers of these machines on adverts.ie and donedeal etc etc (used and new)
- The cost of this bike (€220) is about the same as 6-12 months gym membership (where you could get use of quality bikes, cross-trainers, treadmills, machines, sauna, pool etc).

Best of luck - whatever you decide to do (but do something)

I do the odd bit of weights, some basic exercises, but cardio is king for losing fat! I do plan on working some resistance training in. Otherwise I'm looking at doing 45 minutes to an hour of cycling 3 or 4 times a week.

I was under the impression that cycling was as good as running for burning calories. Is that wrong?

I like my own space, I don't like gyms, but it's a good mention anyway, cheers.

Alf Veedersane

BikeQueery wrote: »

I do the odd bit of weights, some basic exercises, but cardio is king for losing fat!

Hmm. That depends.

Cardio done right versus weight training done badly, then yes.

They both have their place and I certainly wouldn't focus on one at the expense of t'other if just want to shed fat.

BikeQueery

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Hmm. That depends.

Cardio done right versus weight training done badly, then yes.

They both have their place and I certainly wouldn't focus on one at the expense of t'other if just want to shed fat.

I'm not especially scrawny muscle wise. I'd be happy to get more ripped, but I want to address some flab I have right now, so first things first. I will be doing some weights but no full on program.

When I can tuck a shirt in without a belly hanging off me that's when I'll focus on weights. I'm not much of a cardio bunny anyway but I'm capable when I need to, which I think might be now.

Bravobabe

Hi, best option for me is to mix the cardio with some weight/resistance training. I usually do 30 mins of cardio (usually cross trainer) and 15 mins of basic weights about 5 times a week. I find that lifting the weights does tend to tire me out (in a kind of feel good way). But I look at food and put up weight. I have a very slow metabolism with average pulse rate of 50
My son is doing a degree in sports management and is really in to fitness. His "current" theory/plan is:
1) Weigh yourself (lose weight), measure yourself (target a certain area(s)), BMI etc
2) Food Diary - record how many calories your currently take in (good smart phone apps available)
3) Reduce calorie intake by 100-200 calories a day for a week (example 2200 reduce to 2000 per day for 7 days)
4) Start or continue your training routine (start slowly and build up)
5) Exercise properly - correct technique is far more effective than time or weight lifted (wrong technique leads to injury)
6) End of week - record you weight measurement
7) Depending on results achieved
- Decrease calorie intake by a further 100 - 200 daily calories
- Increase Exercise (time on bike/resistance, heavier weights/increase reps
- Work on stretching / flexibility

The main thing is to get it started and keep motivated.
I used to have a cross trainer at home, but I joined the gym and go about 5 times a week. I just go to keep fit and look at all the beautiful people:D

Did you buy the bike yet?

Doug Cartel

BikeQueery wrote: »

I'd be happy to get more ripped, but I want to address some flab I have right now, so first things first.

OK I realise this is going to sound pedantic, but getting ripped and getting rid of fat are pretty much the same thing. Well, "ripped" is a more extreme version of "not flabby".

Diet is going be the biggest factor in losing the flab. If you really want to get some equipment, go for a pull up bar, maybe a kettle-bell, and a decent set of runners.

BikeQueery

Doug Cartel wrote: »

OK I realise this is going to sound pedantic, but getting ripped and getting rid of fat are pretty much the same thing. Well, "ripped" is a more extreme version of "not flabby".

Diet is going be the biggest factor in losing the flab. If you really want to get some equipment, go for a pull up bar, maybe a kettle-bell, and a decent set of runners.

I've some notion with diet, and ya, that's good advice. But it's one way of doing something, and I don't think kettle bells are going to beat out cycling for my current goal.

I have runners but they don't get used too much. I don't enjoy it, I've tried. Maybe in the future I'll take to it better. There aren't any nice places to run around here and I've no car right now.

I've emailed that website and if they ever respond then I'll probably put an order in. I doubt it can be worse than some equipment bought from Argos!

BikeQueery

A pull up bar does sound good. Should I start a topic on that or stick with in here?

I'm in rented accommodation. Do you have to do diy with the door frame to use one?

BikeQueery

Just fyi, bike purchased. I'm getting angsty doing nothing. If I get even a few months decent exercise out of it it will be worth it. You've got nothing if you don't have your health!
There's scant info on these things so if anyone comes across this post when searching, and I'm still around here, then feel free to ask anything.

I'm still keen on a pull up bar but I suppose they all need to be screwed into the frame..

Bravobabe

Hi, things have gone a bit away from your first question - about the exercise bike.
It you feel right about the bike - then its the right choice for you. The bike does look good on the website.
Any luck with the sites adverts.ie or donedeal - is there anything in your area. I see what looks like a very bike for 300 ono and another for 159.
Anyway just go for the one that you think is best.

Pull-up Bars? Depends on your age and general fitness levels. I would suggest you build up a certain level of fitness before attempting these. But if your going for them, check the width of your door frame and its general construction - youtube them, it will give you a good idea.

Best of luck

Alf Veedersane

BikeQueery wrote: »

I'm still keen on a pull up bar but I suppose they all need to be screwed into the frame..

Most regular ones don't, they sit on top of the frame on one side and against it on the other side so your weight on it holds it in place and leverages against the door frame on both sides.

You just throw them up over the frame and work away and then take them down when you're finished.

BikeQueery

Bravobabe wrote: »

Hi, things have gone a bit away from your first question - about the exercise bike.
It you feel right about the bike - then its the right choice for you. The bike does look good on the website.
Any luck with the sites adverts.ie or donedeal - is there anything in your area. I see what looks like a very bike for 300 ono and another for 159.
Anyway just go for the one that you think is best.

Pull-up Bars? Depends on your age and general fitness levels. I would suggest you build up a certain level of fitness before attempting these. But if your going for them, check the width of your door frame and its general construction - youtube them, it will give you a good idea.

Best of luck

I was checking them but didn't see anything. I'm happy enough I think.

That's good news about the pull up bar. I'm confident enough about using one. Not to say I'll be flying with it but I'm sure I'll improve.

I'm tired of thinking about being in better shape. The time is now.