What's better..?

Author
Discussion

Gaffer

Original Poster:

7,156 posts

284 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
I am considering either getting an exercise bike or a running machine, but not sure what would be more "useful for me.

An exercise bike is smaller so can sit infront of the TV and pedal away.
Running machine - well would be walking for the most part as I am so unfit and its a lot bigger.

Whats the best out of the two to get me fiter..? ie, most calories/fat burnt per hour..?

Cheers
Claire

okgo

39,284 posts

205 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
An excersise bke ill likley never get you fit using it the way you suggest, but I would imagine will burn more fat, and more importantly you would use it more often I would guess.

There is probably nothing better than running for all round improvement to the body and respartory system, but most people prefer the results to come as easy as possible. and it don't get much easier than cycling in front of the TV.

Tiggsy

10,261 posts

259 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
Running will burn more calories - more fat loss. However, running for 5 mins then collapsing wont burn as much as a slow bike for 30 mins so it depends on your current state. Also, if you are large running is not good for your knees/back.

Working out which of any two exercises burns most calories is easy...whcih is harder.

Phoenix

817 posts

291 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
Why not walk and/or run outside. It's free.

I use an indoor bike when the weather is too cold/icy to run/cyle outside, or as a warm up before going out for a run. Nothing beats exercising outside in the fresh air.

The bike will be easier on knees/feet etc so I would go with that. Then you have the option to walk/run outside. Best of both worlds.

Fort Jefferson

8,237 posts

229 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
Phoenix said:
Why not walk and/or run outside. It's free.
And you get somewhere.

Gaffer

Original Poster:

7,156 posts

284 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
I am very, very unfit. Last time I did any proper exercise was at school...over 20 years ago.
Wouldn't say I am big just not small *sigh*

I would love to run outside but here in Tripoli its a no no...pavements are treated as roads and they aren't in the best state plus I would get far too much attention, even if I was wearing long trackkie bottoms. Its just for my own safety as I don't live in a compound...so its indoor exercise only.

I couldn't run for last orders...never mind for more than a few mins so maybe an exercise bike is best and then build up to a running machine. Need to also get hold of some exercise DVD's to complement it.

Claire

pacman1

7,323 posts

200 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
Neither. Go and pound the pavement and buy a bike.
But get a rowing machine. hth.

Gaffer

Original Poster:

7,156 posts

284 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
pacman1 said:
Neither. Go and pound the pavement and buy a bike.
But get a rowing machine. hth.
As I said, its not safe for me to do this in Tripoli.

Whats the advantage of a rowing machine over an exercise bike..?

okgo

39,284 posts

205 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
Gaffer said:
pacman1 said:
Neither. Go and pound the pavement and buy a bike.
But get a rowing machine. hth.
As I said, its not safe for me to do this in Tripoli.

Whats the advantage of a rowing machine over an exercise bike..?
works your whole body as opposed to just legs.

Gaffer

Original Poster:

7,156 posts

284 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
Even for those that are horrifically unfit..?
I don't want to be dead after 2 mins...I need something that will burn calories/fat and build up my fitness.

As I said, I havent done any exercise since I was at school - far too many years ago.

pacman1

7,323 posts

200 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
Gaffer said:
Even for those that are horrifically unfit..?
I don't want to be dead after 2 mins...I need something that will burn calories/fat and build up my fitness.

As I said, I havent done any exercise since I was at school - far too many years ago.
Ah, didn't read the thread properly, so didn't realise running/cycling was impractical.
Whatever machine you use, start slow, get warm and then crank the pace up.
A rowing machine is a great crosstrainer and is a good non impact form of exercise.
Another great piece of kit is the humble skipping rope. Just bought one of these in Lidl for £3.99

Edited by pacman1 on Sunday 7th February 14:44

Gaffer

Original Poster:

7,156 posts

284 months

Sunday 7th February 2010
quotequote all
Ahhhh...ok, sounds like the rowing maching is the one to get.

And a hoolahoop and a skipping rope.

I need to drop inches quickly. Been very lazy out here, simply as I have a driver to take me everywhere frown

BoRED S2upid

20,319 posts

247 months

Monday 8th February 2010
quotequote all
pacman1 said:
Neither. Go and pound the pavement and buy a bike.
But get a rowing machine. hth.
I bought a rowing machine one year, very expensive clothes hanger and then it broke.

To the OP. Start walking, any car journey less than 2-3 miles walk it, buy a cheap bike if the roads are too dangerous for running on.

jshell

11,341 posts

212 months

Monday 8th February 2010
quotequote all
BoRED S2upid said:
To the OP. Start walking, any car journey less than 2-3 miles walk it, buy a cheap bike if the roads are too dangerous for running on.
RTFT!

He lives in Tripoli...I imagine it would be like me cycling here in Lagos - very short lived!


HTH! thumbup

MacGee

2,513 posts

237 months

Monday 8th February 2010
quotequote all
whats better ?.......theres only one way to find out !!!

FIGHT.

Gaffer

Original Poster:

7,156 posts

284 months

Monday 8th February 2010
quotequote all
Jshell - yea, I am still suffering from Concussion sustained on Friday night from a very nasty car crash...so there is no way I would walk or cycle anywhere in Tripoli.

Plus being female....*ugh* the comments...I have to keep my hands in my pockets as I am likely to wallop someone.

So exercise bike or rowing machine...I still have no idea frown

Claire

Phoenix

817 posts

291 months

Monday 8th February 2010
quotequote all
Any local gyms or retailers where you could try both and see which you prefer?

Rowing machine is better for a whole body workout. Bike just legs/bum. Either are suitable for weight loss. I find it easy to do an hour on the bike when I am watching a dvd or recorded programme.

If all else fails the bike would make a better clothes horse.

mybrainhurts

90,809 posts

262 months

Monday 8th February 2010
quotequote all
jshell said:
BoRED S2upid said:
To the OP. Start walking, any car journey less than 2-3 miles walk it, buy a cheap bike if the roads are too dangerous for running on.
RTFT!

He lives in Tripoli...I imagine it would be like me cycling here in Lagos
No, you may not have my bank details....stop sending me emails

jshell

11,341 posts

212 months

Monday 8th February 2010
quotequote all
Gaffer said:
Jshell - yea, I am still suffering from Concussion sustained on Friday night from a very nasty car crash...so there is no way I would walk or cycle anywhere in Tripoli.

Plus being female....*ugh* the comments...I have to keep my hands in my pockets as I am likely to wallop someone.

So exercise bike or rowing machine...I still have no idea frown

Claire
Hope you're feeling better soon! I try not to thinks of the consequences of a bad crash here...just horrific!

If yer a 'girlie', I'd say get the bike. You won't be too bothered about developing 'good' shoulders, so the bike should be good for weight loss! Less floorspace too!

I see teh white girls get some amount of grief here, can imagine Tripoli is just as bad/worse!!!

Gaffer

Original Poster:

7,156 posts

284 months

Monday 8th February 2010
quotequote all
I know, seeing the car the morning after...ugh..!

Just want overall weight loss, I can tone up with Yoga or something and yes floor space is at a premium frown

It's the Italian influence but without the charm and good looks.....*shudder*

Claire