Exercise balls/bikes

Hi there, I'm trudging along at about 14 wks out now, things going great and able to exercise more (and actually enjoy it).  I've started out with walking and water aerobics and resistance bands/weights, but I've been seeing alot on those exercise balls and from what I've seen, they have really high weight capacities and are non-burst.  Any of you guys use or tried one of those when you were just starting out?  Also, I know there are bikes made for the upper weight ranges ($500 and up), but would a regular bike really not work?  Would someone 300-400lbs not be able to use one?  I can understand maybe having to add air the tires more often, but is spending $500 on a bike the only answer?  Some of those $300 range mountain bikes look really sturdy.  Appreciate any input.... Thanks alot :o)

I bought a ball at Target and never checked the wt requirements on it, used it from my starting wt of 426 and did not have any issues.  HTH!!

I've been on a few different bikes and never broken any of them, though I would definitely be cautious.  I haven't seen the lower end of 300# in almost 20 years. 

Caution is the word - you might do better getting an older bike at a garage sale since so many of the newer bikes are made to be "disposable" instead of reparable(just like modern electronics).

I've never actually seen a "weight rating" on a bicycle though I'm sure they have one.

I started using an exercise ball  in the 330's. Most of them come with a pump. I use it for ab work and also use it instead of a weight bench for flies and chest presses with dumbells. I hired a trainer for a few sessions to show me different exercises on the ball, and that was very helpful. I also use it to stretch out my back after my workouts.
 

My husband bought me a bike for my birthday. It's a Trek  "Comfort" bike. The salesman gave us a great deal because it was last years's  model, although it's very similar to this years model. I love it because it's sturdy, you sit upright , and it shifts really easily. Supposedly, the comfort bikes are specially made for us older, heavier, female types. ( I don't know if that's just a marketing thing, but it is a very comfortable bike. Go to a real bike store, and get fitted and ride the bike. A lot of good bike stores have good deals now with the economy being bad. You'll really have fun! I feel like a kid again! Have fun! 

Those are some great responses, thanks guys!  :o)

I love my ball!! I found mine on ebay, I did some reasearch and made sure to find one that would support my weight. I've had a ball pop before...not fun!  

Check out my exercise Trike on you tube I love it.