Question:
Which bike is best, an upright or recumbent?

Also which is better exercise for you, a treadmill or bike? I am currently doing 2 miles at 3.0 on a treadmill and 3.0 miles on an upright bike each night. Just curious as to what would be best. Thanks!    — Tiffany B. (posted on January 14, 2004)

January 14, 2004
My first thought is the best exercise is the one you will actually do...so, pat yourself on the back. My second though is that I don't know much about the bikes...but, I would think they would both work your body a bit differently and maybe switching back and forth would be of some benefit just to shake things up a bit and keep your body guessing. Good luck to you...and keep up the good work!
   — eaamc

January 14, 2004
First of all, I agree. Whatever exercise you will actually do is better. I am the Bariatric Coordinator at our clinic and we recommend to patients that are within the 3 month post-op period to use a recumbent bike. There is less stress on the joints and it will allow for longer exercise sessions. Once the energy levels are up and the weight is coming down, you may want to start adding other means of exercise to your regimen.
   — drum_mer1

January 14, 2004
I've got a recumbent stationary bike and it's really comfy. I wish I had a treadmill too. One of the surgeons in the group that did my RNY is a fanatic about biking and has ridden across the U.S. twice. He says that you have to go 7 miles on a bike to get the same benefit as walking 1 mile.
   — LisaHillsinger

January 18, 2004
When I was working out at the gym I would do the bike first, then the stair climber. The bike was my mild warm up. I now have an elliptical machine and I prefer standing over sitting. It just bores me to sit to exercise, but that's my personal preference. The stair climber also bothered my knees more. Do what you like. If you don't like your exercise routine, you won't do it. It's a good idea to switch it around some so you do not get bored. It sounds like you are doing great.
   — Dragonfly2B2