Question:
How does riding a stationary bike for exercise compare to walking?

   — Leslie B. (posted on July 15, 1999)

July 15, 1999
immediately post-op, walking is the only thing you should do. Riding a bike of any kind requires the use of your abdomenall muscles and this is not a very good idea for a while. 6 weeks with walking then gradually introduce other exercises until you reach 3 months then you can do pretty much whatever you wish, just be careful with lifting as this is what will cause hernias. Take care. :~)
   — Christine N.

July 15, 1999
ALOT easier on the knees for one thing!!! I joined the gym shortly after my surgery and my exercise regime was walking and biking ... I alternated daily between biking and walking combo, worked my way up to 10 miles a day, or biking that distance one day and walking it the next day on the programed bikes and tredmills, they had. I felt wonderful!!! If my knee weren't SO bad now from an accident I'd still be doing it!!! But I'll have to wait for my knee replacement to get back to that routine!
   — Sherrie G.

July 15, 1999
For me, walking was far superior to riding a stationary bike. For one, my stationary bike destroyed my knees. 10 minutes on the bike and I was limping for days. The best thing about walking is that if you are going on an "out and back" type regimen, once you are out there, you can't quit until you get back. I remember being extremely tired coming home, and thinking to myself that if I were not out here in the middle of nowhere, I would quit. Smelling the fresh air and hearing the birds and daydreaming to my heart's content... walking is not exercise, it's psychological therapy.
   — Deborah L.