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Original poster

Time poor - exercise bike? Any better ideas?

30 replies

NotCopingWell1 · 08/04/2023 08:29

Hello!

I would like to be more active and feel fitter. If I could lose a few pounds that would be a bonus (my BMI is about 23). I've got dogs so I do regular walks but I am perpetually stressed with incredibly poor MH and am hoping a bit more exercise might help.

Running isn't an option for me at the minute, and with a busy life working full time and having a toddler, I wonder if something like an exercise bike might be a goer as I could hop on for 20 mins first thing or in an evening, or when I finish work before I do nursery pick up sort of thing.

Anyone in a similar boat? Considered anything else? Got a bike and it gathered dust?

OP posts:
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Treeeeeeee · 09/04/2023 22:25

ThisNameIsNotAvailable · 08/04/2023 08:46

Not sure whether this is realistic because it’s quite expensive but a peloton and membership was a game changer for me for exactly the reasons that you describe.

You can get second hand ones more reasonably priced now but they literally have thousands of different classes and the community is lovely.

Complete agree - peloton is perfect for this (and my reason for getting it was the same as ops)

Kangarude · 09/04/2023 22:21

I also had to stop power walking outdoors due to injury. I have a back problem but can manage the bike no problem. Give the app a go for free on your mum's bike. I'm sure you'll love it.
I have a discount code for money off accessories if you later decide to buy a bike. (I would also get a voucher for money off apparel) 3JMYTU
Best of luck OP

Maple2023 · 09/04/2023 20:55

If you google you'll find one but if not I can PM you a code for 60 day free peloton app
That way you can try the weights/walk/barre classes etc without any payment

Can stream it to Tv too

Original poster
NotCopingWell1 · 09/04/2023 20:45

Thanks so much for all the replies, interesting how split they are!

We live very rurally, nursery is a 15-20 min drive away for example, and it would feel unsafe taking a toddler on a bike on that kind of journey with the nature of the roads. Plus I wouldn't have time, I work compressed hours to get a weekday off with the toddler as is.

I would like to run but I have a problem with one of my feet. I've been advised not to push through the pain and I am hoping other types of exercise might be less painful. Walking longer distances is also problematic. This could work quite well with weights though, and I do have some! I might start by looking up some YouTube weights stuff and see how I get on. My DM has a static bike I can try to see if I end up in pain doing much on that. Great to know the peloton app is £12...

With regard to space, we have a four bed house and only one child (bastard infertility being one of the factors battering my MH) so I could easily find space for a bike.

OP posts:
Twilightstarbright · 09/04/2023 18:56

Another peloton user. It’s been such a game changer! Even on holiday I use the app in the gym.

Headorheartdecision · 09/04/2023 17:22

another who has a random spin bike and the peloton app for £12 a month x

Guardiansofthegalaxi · 09/04/2023 17:18

I don’t have a peleton but I bought a spin bike and paid for the peleton app which was about £12 per month. I’m trying apple fitness now but I did actually really enjoy the classes on peleton. If you can afford it, I would get the peleton but if not, the app plus any spin bike is also very good!

Kangarude · 09/04/2023 17:15

Another shout out for the Peloton. I have had mine nearly 3 years and I use it everyday (use the app when I'm abroad) I love that I can get on it anytime and without caring what I look like 😂 I have also met some fabulous people through the community. If you have a different static bike, you can just get the app for £12.99 a month I think and still have access to all the classes across the platform, including weights, yoga, stretching, meditation and it has a facility record outdoor walks/runs etc

Exhausteddog · 09/04/2023 17:11

I was going to say YouTube workouts as pp have suggested. Often no kit is needed or maybe resistance bands or weights which are a) small and easy to store (mine live under the coffee table!) and b) cheap. there are tons of workouts that are 20 min or less. I like to mix them up so I rarely do the same one twice.

hazelnutlatte · 09/04/2023 17:10

Agree with all of the peloton suggestions! I have had my bike for 2 years and still use it 4-5 times a week. I have young kids and a husband who works away a lot so getting outside for a run or bike ride isn't easy but I can use my peloton any time I like!
They are bloody expensive though- if budget is an issue then get a cheaper spin bike and use with the peloton app.

Careerdilemma · 09/04/2023 17:06

You can use any spin bike with the Peleton app if you add a cadence sensor

housesarehard · 09/04/2023 17:05

ThisNameIsNotAvailable · 08/04/2023 08:46

Not sure whether this is realistic because it’s quite expensive but a peloton and membership was a game changer for me for exactly the reasons that you describe.

You can get second hand ones more reasonably priced now but they literally have thousands of different classes and the community is lovely.

This!

lljkk · 09/04/2023 17:03

Will you have the bike set up ready to go at all times? They tend to take up more space than most ppl can spare. It sounds like only way you'll get cardio which would be good thing.

Oldermum84 · 09/04/2023 16:37

I use my cheap old exercise bike most nights. Use an app on my phone to do 10/15mins exercise program first, then hop on the bike for a bit. Or there are YouTube workouts that are good I watch EMKfit. Working out defo helps my MH.

cannaethink · 09/04/2023 16:16

I’d go for weights. I’ve got a variety of kettlebells and dumbbells which I use for YouTube workouts. They can easily be stored out the way too.

Maple2023 · 09/04/2023 16:10

Agree with peloton. It's just so easy to do a 10 min yoga or weights
I did a 20 min full body weights session today then added on 10 mins yoga. Probably do a stretch class later

mynameiscalypso · 09/04/2023 16:09

I have a bike that is gathering dust! I second getting some home weights and then following strength routines on YouTube or whatever. You'll definitely get more bang for your buck and I find it much easier to fit in.

hggfff · 09/04/2023 16:03

Les mills base subscription works for me.

ThisNameIsNotAvailable · 08/04/2023 09:14

<virtual high five for the peloton club!>

Gothambutnotahamster · 08/04/2023 09:06

Me too @ThisNameIsNotAvailable! The variety of classes, quality of instructors & the fact that there is literally something for everyone is amazing! So motivational too to keep to a routine & not let it become a fad!

ThisNameIsNotAvailable · 08/04/2023 08:55

Gothambutnotahamster · 08/04/2023 08:48

I agree @ThisNameIsNotAvailable - Peloton bike is ace & a complete game changer for me too.

I feel like I ought to be on the payroll as I’m so vocal about how great it is 😂

Lovetotravel123 · 08/04/2023 08:50

I use the FIIT app classes. Loads on there of different types and you can choose 25 mins or 40 mins

Sodd · 08/04/2023 08:49

Rowing machine is all round and works almost 90% of muscles.

Baldieheid · 08/04/2023 08:49

I'd suggest some weight or strength training. Start with body weight classes - loads on YouTube for free and you don't need any kit at all.

Gothambutnotahamster · 08/04/2023 08:48

I agree @ThisNameIsNotAvailable - Peloton bike is ace & a complete game changer for me too.

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