Which is best, treadmill or recumbent bike?

[RoughCollie]

I am going to buy one piece of exercise equipment in the very near future. It is not practical to go to the Y because one trip uses 2 gallons of gas and an hour of driving time.

 

Good treadmills cost a more than exercise bikes do. I do not want to waste money if a recumbent exercise bike would serve the same purpose. I do not want to buy used equipment that can work fine today and will need expensive repairs tomorrow.

 

The treadmill I am thinking about getting costs $1,000. I have done a lot of research, and this is pretty much what a basic, reliable treadmill costs. By reliable, I mean the thing will work for a long time without breaking down and the manufacturer has a reputation for good customer service.

 

I have sciatica, disk problems, cardiovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease. I cannot exercise outside (walking or biking) because of the weather in the winter, and because there are too many hills.

 

Right now, I can barely walk a few steps without a lot of pain, but I am undergoing testing to find out the cause, and I intend to be able to walk normally pretty darned soon. I am not going to buy anything until I can use it.

 

Will a recumbent exercise bike be as beneficial as a treadmill?

 

Thank you for your advice!

RC

[JMDRAD]

I don't have experience with either really but if you enjoy cycling have you thought about an indoor bike like this: http://watersfitness.com/products/indoor-cycles/tsunami-pro/?? I'm not sure if it would meet your medical needs or not. Just an idea. I have one and absolutely love it.

[LMA]

We have a really nice recumbent bike. The seat is a full seat and can hold anyone. If you can, try them out at the store. It has lots of settings (hills, flat, cardio, etc.) and my kids use it. I prefer the exercise bike to the treadmill, but that's just a personal preference. Would your doctor give you a recommendation?

[Annie G]

We had both for about 6 years and ended up getting rid of the bike. We felt we got a better workout on the treadmill. My leg muscles were much stronger when I used the bike regularly, but that wasn't really my goal.

[flyingiguana]

I don't like treadmills because I have to consciously make sure I go the same speed they do. Also, they hurt my back because I have to hang on (just in case I go the wrong speed).

 

But I don't like bikes because my feet fall asleep and I can only do them for a short period of time.

 

I find an elliptical is a much better work out than either bike or treadmill. My feet still fall asleep, but I can stay on the elliptical for much longer than the bike and get my heart rate up higher during that time.

 

But the bike is nice if I want to go slow because I can read a book more easily than on a treadmill or elliptical.

 

The nicer the equipment is, the more useful it is. I could never stay on cheap machines for long.

[Beth in OH]

I have disc problems in my neck/upper back, and I find that the recumbent bike allows me to maintain correct posture. When I use a treadmill (or elliptical), I tend to lean forward, chin thrust, and put pressure on my neck. I can't speak to workout quality, but at this stage of life, injury prevention tends to be high on my list.

[freerange]

Have you considered a rowing machine? If it's not contra indicated by your back problems, it would provide you will a great whole body workout.

[Calm37]

Have you spent time on a treadmill? The reason I ask is because I had always wanted one and finally was given one. It made me so dizzy! I love to walk and thought this would be such a great thing for cold, snowy days. I was fine as long as I was walking on it, but when I stopped, ugh! It would be 1/2 an hour before I felt like I was off the roller-coaster ride. Very disappointing.

 

I have talked to many people since who have had the same experience. I guess our heads know we are moving and can't figure out why nothing else is! :)

 

Blessings,