Irene777

exercise bike

Posted on 06/12/08, 02:28 pm

Hello all.. my first post here on this group...

I know walking isone of the best exercises we can do since we have RA.. what are your thoughts on an exercise bike?

• Reply #1 06/16/08  11:02pm
  
  bizemomm
  Any excercise is good for your joints. I personally do in home videos. Some people walk outside, others go to the gym. Whatever you can do for movement is good for your joints, UNLESS, you feel pain from the cycle. The stop and consult your doctor. ((hugs))marcia
• Reply #2 06/17/08  9:47pm
  
  SarahKeturah
  I don't know why, but an exercise bike really hurts me. I've always had knees that were a bit sensitive. If I use the bike, they pop like a popcorn machine! I've tried lots of times, but I'm stuck with walking and the elliptical.
• Reply #3 07/12/08  10:37pm
  
  GimpyGranny
  I use a recumbent bike (well, it's kinda homemade, but works like one). From what I've read, a recumbent bike is easier on the back and knees.
  
  I start very slowly, no faster than 5 mph. At first my knees are a tiny bit achy, but not uncomfortable, just enough to make you nervous (until you get used to it). After a short while (oh, about 5 minutes) they ease up as they get "oiled". So I slowly go a little faster, about 8 mph. Then I feel like I need to go a little faster, so I go 10 mph!
  
  When I go 10 mph I have to really concentrate on what I'm doing because even though my legs won't straighten all the way, the left one bends outward a little from the knee down.
  
  When I'm ready to stop, the last tenth of a mile I go 5 mph to ease my knees back to a stop.
  
  I track my progress, and I finally got up to 3 miles which is a lot to me! lol I set my next goal to 4 miles. Today I didn't feel like it, so I rode 1 mile. That's okay, another time I'll try for my new goal.
  
  Oh.. it's also great for my hip joints.
  
  If anyone doesn't have a recumbent bike, but has a regular upright stationary bike and wants to make it into a recumbent to try, let me know and I'll explain how. Mine's "Mickey-rigged", but it works okay.
• Reply #4 07/12/08  10:46pm
  
  GimpyGranny
  SarahKeturah, Have you tried sitting farther from the peddles? If I'm too close with my left left, that knee pops. When I make it so my feet barely touch the pedals (so the knees don't bend as sharply), they either don't pop, or after a few minutes real slow, they oil up enough so along with the stretched out leg it stops popping.
  
  You've probably tried that, but just in case not, I thought I'd mention what helps my popping knee. :-)
• Reply #5 10/10/08  7:00pm
  
  MrsH
  i have been riding a stationary bike for the last 3 months and i have lost 9lbs doing so. My bike is made for cardio rehab. The peddles are farther out in the front-sort of like a Harley motorcycle.Very easy on the knees. i highly recommend bike reading!!!!....t

Joints in motion! Moving together in strength! Getting fit and oling our joints so we feel better! This group is meant to motivate one another to keep upi the efforts to keep our joints in motion!