Time poor - exercise bike? Any better ideas?

[NotCopingWell1]

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?

What about exercise video on YouTube? Lots of variations. If you are familiar with a routine and you have a tablet or laptop you can prop it up next to the TV and watch TV at the same time.

I don’t find the static bike (turbo trainer in my case helpful). I have a similar BMI to you and so for me exercise is about mental well-being and distance from my other responsibilities. So I either go for walks (I have a dodgy Achilles that doesn’t like running), or pop to the gym or the pool (we have a gym close by). I also go out on my bike. For me it’s the actual act of making time for myself that’s important, so you could commit to an exercise class.

I have these activities ranked in order of time/prep, for me swimming is quickest, followed by a gym session (I’ll cycle up and be out of the house 45-60 minutes or a bit longer depending on what I do). A walk will take me a good 30-45 minutes, bike 30-120 minutes. So I tend to think about what time I have available and slot something in.

the videos on eg Apple fitness are good but again I get bothered by kids/husband and sometimes it adds to the stress.

You already do a lot of walking which is great. Instead of more cardio, could I suggest weightlifting and yoga or Pilates as a good next step for strength exercises instead?

A good set of weights are cheaper than most good exercise bikes, and there are loads of programmes on YouTube to follow.

A real bike with a child seat on the back for nursery run?

Way more fun and saves time

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

<virtual high five for the peloton club!>

Les mills base subscription works for me.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

This!

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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