Anyone here use an exercise bike?

Body: 

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of getting an exercise bike (not recumbent) to improve fitness. From my searches on the forums it seems an upright type bike is good for the posture, especially if the handlebar is lowered so you are leaning at more of an acute angle. Have I got it right?

Also, I gather that extra padding on the saddle is helpful.

What I want to know is: have any of you used an exercise bike REGULARLY FOR A LONG TIME (not just for a few weeks) since POP diagnosis and has it made POP symptoms worse at all?

Thanks!

Beejay

Both a Doctor and a Physical Therapist recommended using an elliptical machine to exercise. Evidentally, the elliptical (because your feet stay on the pedals) causes less jarring than walking on a treadmill causes. Didn't ask about an exercise bike because I am uncomfortable even riding a regular bike and get irritated in the vaginal area even with the larger padded seat. I do use a pessary when exercising.

Bridi

I had a bike and to be honest I found it boring - It had a large wide saddle so was comfortable

Now I like my treadmill - Mostly on a good model the deck is padded so the impact is lessened to road walking... Some impact on the joints is menna be ok cos zero impact does not strengthen bone density etc and women need that cozza Osteoporis.

i used to own a Concept2 indoor rower and loooooooved it (Bar the fact I am allergic to neoprene and the handle is neoprene coated lol)

I think On the whole to use an elliptical I found pretty boring - even though boring is usually what I like then you can just zone out and think of other things lol

If you have space having a few machines means you can change on a daily basis (I used to own a step - a rower a bike a weights amchine and walked outside etc back then) And on a Saturday I would go on each thing for ten mins. On other days I did 30mins plus on any one machine, oh I had a stepper too - well boring lol

Now, I have health problems (not caused by all that back then lol) I use what I can when my body lets me and I have found the treadmill (elec one) my fave of the moment.

But I used to have a decent bike back then - It was called an Infiniti or something - magnetic resistance - wide comfy seat and you could change the angle of the handlebars while cycling which was good

:-) OK I rambled lolol - Sorry

Sue

Look into the eyes - They hold the key!
http://www.bringmadeleinehome.com/img/maddy544x150Banner.jpg

Hi there,

I just purchased an elliptical machine because I felt that it is the best way to stay in shape other than running (which causes me some pain sometimes). I bought the machine because my gym was so darn expensive and it's the only machine I use there anyway! I'm big on exercising, and I think the elliptical is the least jarring to the body. Also, for someone like me who has vulvodynia, an exercise bike is pretty much out of the question. Anyway, the good thing about it for those women who use the posture is that you can stay in the posture while you're on it.

In the 2 weeks I've had it my legs are already more toned and I'm feeling better. I've not noticed any negative side effects prolapse-wise.

They can be a little pricey, but I got a good Nordic Track one on sale for just over $500 - the only downside is you have to assemble it yourself!

nicole

I have been going to a "spinning" class for several years. My uterus seems to feel higher after the class! I stopped for the last couple months but just started back again, and I feel good!

good luck

Amy

Bee Jay,

I've heard from lots of people that the constant, same motion can destroy your hips by wearing out the sockets.

Why don't you try out the bike at the gym for a week and see if you like it? Every few minutes, I'd get off and do some counter stretches, however.

Judy

Change what you can change; be happy with what you cannot.

Thanks everyone, for your comments. I think I'll try an exercise bike and see how I get on. I'll take your advice, Judy, about doing stretches every few mins.

The best exercise is probably walking (in posture!) especially as there's osteoporosis in my family, so weight bearing exercise is needed. I just thought a bike would be good for those yucky-POP days when walking is too uncomfortable. It'll stop me getting bored if I vary the type of exercise, as well! I'll let you know how I get on.

Beejay