Exercise bike - expensive clothes horse?

[CuckooCuckooClock]

I'm so unfit.
I was fairly fit before dc but have done no real exercise for 7 years!
I'm not over weight but I am very squidgy and get out of breath getting out of an armchair.
I'm 37 so feel I need to sort myself out before I'm too weak to take the dc to the park.

So my major barrier is of course, child-free time. I have none. So going to the gym or swimming is impossible but I would have the odd hour in the evenings to use a bike or do a workout video.

My question is do you think I could make the bike work? Will I be able to motivate myself? I used to do spinning twice a week and felt really good after. But I also used to do free weights once a week and a Pilates class twice a week.

Should I get a bike and commit to that? Or some weights? I think both is pushing it. Or maybe a Pilates did?

Basically I have to do something cos I feel and look like shit and te youngest is 3 now so I probably should get back into it.

Any advice welcome.

Do you have space for it to be up and usable without having to drag it back and forth to practically use it? If it's a pain in the arse you'll start to resent it and see it as a waste of space. I discovered a real love of outdoor cycling a few years ago but had a bad accident and have yet to get over the fear enough to get back in the saddle. I've been googling today as I think I'm going to buy an exercise bike so I get the fitness benefits without the risk. I found it really worked as I could set it up in front of the tv and it wasn't weather dependant. I'm also considering joining a gym when the dc are back at school as I'm similarly over being old and fat, and my health has taken a real bashing this year. My worry with this is there's a very real chance I'm going to need major surgery fairly soon and I don't want my gym membership to prove a waste of money if I can't go for a few months, whereas a bike will still be waiting for me as and when I'm recovered at no extra cost.

My exercise bike did become an expensive clothes horse. So if you need to exercise at home I would recommend DVD workouts. If you could tackle the HIIT style workouts you will cover both cardio and strength. You don't even need to buy DVDs now as there is so much on YouTube. If you want to get good results fairly quickly I recommend Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred. All you need is some light weights but be warned it is tough. Just follow the beginner moves and you will be suprised how quickly your fitness improves. Good luck

Thanks for the replies.
Probably I should start with some YouTube workouts to avoid an expensive mistake.
Plus yes good point about hauling it out. I don't think dh would let me leave it in the sitting room all the time. I do like the idea of putting it in front of the tv and cycling my way through some trash like real housewives. Nice and thin to inspire me!

I think I'll give Jillian Michaels a go. Do you know what weights I'll need fo 30 day shred?

we have a exercise bike, its nothing fancy think maybe argos ? we have had it a few years and got it to use when weather was awful or for whatever reason we could not get out. In terms of at home workouts i seem to feel i get a much better workout doing various youtube workouts - fitness blender or thebodycoach, these shorts videos have low impact modifications, require no equipment and a plus for me i usually do it in comfy clothes instead of costly workout ones !

if you are into weight exercises but dont want to spend loads on weights resistance bands or a trx are available quite cheaply amazon or ebay and there is many workouts available on YouTube

Cuckoo I use 2 x 1.5kg and I think you can increase the weight as you get fitter. You might find 30DS a bit full on to start with so the Davina McCall one is another option

I bought a running machine and hated it. Did it as single parent so thought it would enable me to run but then found a willing teen to come in for 40 mins 3 times a week for £10 and I run outside. Much better, and more motivating knowing she wants the money and I'd be letting her down!

• as I am a single parent .....