Pre-Op exercise and Bike Riding
Hi All:
I'm really looking for ways to start exercising before my surgery. I need low or no impact--even walking is difficult, since I have terrible knees--I'm trying to lose weight to avoid further knee replacement. I can do an exercise bike. Any other suggestions?
Once I start losing, I would really like to get a bike and be able to ride outdoors again. However, I have a vision of myself perched on a little bike seat--ewww! (I"m currently ~300 lbs) At what point do you think it would be okay to get on a bike? At what point do I not need to buy a heavy-duty bike for fat people?
I'm really looking for ways to start exercising before my surgery. I need low or no impact--even walking is difficult, since I have terrible knees--I'm trying to lose weight to avoid further knee replacement. I can do an exercise bike. Any other suggestions?
Once I start losing, I would really like to get a bike and be able to ride outdoors again. However, I have a vision of myself perched on a little bike seat--ewww! (I"m currently ~300 lbs) At what point do you think it would be okay to get on a bike? At what point do I not need to buy a heavy-duty bike for fat people?
You could get on a bike now
If the seat is an issue they sell larger seats, or a gel padded seat cover.
It depends on what kind of bike you want.
If you want a multi purpose bike with larger tires or a cruiser, then you are probably good to go now.
If your goal is to get a road bike (think classic 10 speed look) then you might want to drop some weight first or look into a more bike made for larger people.
It also depends on the material your bike is made out of. You can still get Steele, Aluminum, or Titanium bikes and they are going to hold up to your weight. It's the rims that might take some beating if you were going to use skinny wheels like you see on the road cycling bikes.
A mountain bike or multi-purpose bike with the larger width wheels will probably be fine.
Scott
If the seat is an issue they sell larger seats, or a gel padded seat cover.
It depends on what kind of bike you want.
If you want a multi purpose bike with larger tires or a cruiser, then you are probably good to go now.
If your goal is to get a road bike (think classic 10 speed look) then you might want to drop some weight first or look into a more bike made for larger people.
It also depends on the material your bike is made out of. You can still get Steele, Aluminum, or Titanium bikes and they are going to hold up to your weight. It's the rims that might take some beating if you were going to use skinny wheels like you see on the road cycling bikes.
A mountain bike or multi-purpose bike with the larger width wheels will probably be fine.
Scott
The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!
I'm out riding my bike now. Giant crossover, with multi terrain tires (fatter, w/flat center for road travel). While I'm just putzing about town (never realized how very hilly it is), I'd really like to try to build some stamina so maybe I can really ride distance come fall. On rainy days I love the elliptical at the gym w/my ipod, it'll be another month before my pool is open. My knees are not good either, and I've been told by my ortho to ride, swim or use the eliptical daily (didn't tell him I went skiing this winter). I'm determined to lose weight, strengthen the supporting structures in my legs, and deffer new knees for as long as possible. I was just scoped and we were very (unpleasantly ) supprised at how much damage there is, so the real 'disease progression, treatment options, and any limitations' talk is up in a few weeks. I really don't do couch potato well, so I'm setting my sights on the stars.....
BW 257/SW 244/GW 150, HT 5'8"
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