exercise ~ do you have a recumbant bike ?

Ok, I am thinking about breaking down and getting a recumbant bike...Do you have one ? If you do ..do you like it ? What brand ? Anything to stay away from ? I read to stay away from the cheap ones  ...So far it seems like ProForms get the best reviews.

I am looking at this so I have no more excuses.  The only place to exercise in our small town is the Sr Center and it is closed at night, you can only go during the day, so I do not get there on a regular basis. I had a knee replacement last fall and while it is doing well, I think a regular work out would make it even better. Also if weather was icky, I would no excuse ! I am trying to get something that DH will use as well. A  treadmill is out as I have had spinal fusion and the docs, have said, NO TREADMILL.  I love to walk, but they said the vibration is  a no no.

Any input is appreciated as I never knew there were so many choices ! I do not want to go so cheap it will not last, but I do not want to pay a HUGE amount either. Sort of middle of the road, but reliable and great options on it. Am I asking too much ! ? 

I can't use recumbent bikes. They hurt my back and hip. I'd suggest getting clearance from your ortho doc/s first.

Is an elliptical trainer also a no-no with your spinal fusion?

Thanks Elizabeth,
Rehab and ortho doc has pushed the recumbant bike if I decide to make the  injvestment. I do not do very well on an elliptical. The new knee is doing it's range of motion is not as good as the natural knee and I seem to have coordination issues. It is normal ROM though for a knee.  Weird I know. Ortho has said since the natural knee has more range of motion than any artifical knee, and most natural knees they will never match in what they do now.

I am not very comfy on my regular bike yet as I do not feel I have the previous strength for distance. That is why I am at the point I want something that will help me get the stamina back that I had in the past. I did fine walking on the cruise, I parasailed and snorkeled and I also go and swim laps at a pool that is 30 minutes away when I can work it in.. I try at least once a week due to the distance and the ridiculous price of gas ! 

Have you used a recumbent bike for any length of time/reps? I do okay on the bike that is more of a chair seat--neither normal bike position nor recumbent, you know which I mean.

I have fantasized a little bit about getting one of those mini pool things that gives you wave resistance so you are basically swimming in place. I think I'd prefer to relocate to a place with a year round hot spring, though, and do my water exercise there :-D. Yes, I have one in mind.

Yes I have done the recumbant bike up to 30 minutes in rehab and then they move me to other exercises. I would rather stay on the bike to be honest ! LOL 

OH I dream of an endless pool as well ! My hubby swears I used to be a fish. I love the water !   LOL... But DH gets transferred too often right now. SOMEDAY !  Why not put one on a sun porch for year round use ?  I swam in one once on a test swim and it was awesome !  Check out their website, they are private owners who allow people to do test swims ! Absolutely awesome experience !   SOMEDAY here as well ! 

I would recommend one with a comfortable seat with lots of padding as that is where you place most of your weight. HTH

Yes the Proform appear to have great seats. We need to go test sit a couple I think !

I don't have a recumbent bike, but use a Cardio Cruiser (Body by Jake).  You sit back, you can adjust the tension, and you can work the arms also.

Interesting indeed, have you gotten god results from this ? Are there different tensions to it ? I am tired, guess I need to look closer at it in the a.m.

Thanks !

I have a neurological disease that causes neuropathy and muscle-wasting.  I get a good workout.  My BF is a fitness professional who usually does 90 minutes on a treadmill.  He cranks up the tension know and gets a decent workout.

The arms and legs adjust in length.