Which exercise bike?

Money_Grabber13579

Being a bit of a fat bloke and rather unfit (get a bit puffed after walking up 1 flight of stairs), I'm looking to change both of these and so was considering buying myself an exercise bike and/or a cross trainer.

However, I have absolutely no idea what features I should be looking for and so I'd appreciate any guidance which you can offer. I appreciate that it isn't very money saving, however budget isn't the utmost priority i.e. I would rather spend a bit extra and get something good rather than go for the cheapest option.

So far, I have been looking on the Argos website (simply because I have vouchers for there which I could spend) and have identified the following exercise bike and cross trainer (both from the Reebok GB/GX50 rage):

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2385228.htm

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2263845.htm

Does anyone have these and would they be decent purchases, or is there something else out there which would be much better?

Whilst I have listed an exercise bike and cross trainer, I think I would like to start with the exercise bike and potentially ad a cross trainer later on, but is this a sensible way of doing things i.e. for losing weight and getting fit generally, is an exercise bike better or worse than a cross trainer, or can they not really be compared in this way?

parking_question_chap

I dont really know much about comparing the two, both are low impact so would be kinder on your joints than running. I guess it comes down to personal preference.

Though would you not prefer to buy a real bike and get out on the roads/cycle routes? Would be much more scenic.

bsod

lose the weight by dieting, then you won't be out of breath. most exercise machines sit in the corner unused gathering dust and taking up space after the first couple of days, you have to cycle for hours to burn off a slice of cheese on toast, it's easier to not eat it in the first place and go for a walk

Money_Grabber13579

parking_question_chap wrote: »

I dont really know much about comparing the two, both are low impact so would be kinder on your joints than running. I guess it comes down to personal preference.

Though would you not prefer to buy a real bike and get out on the roads/cycle routes? Would be much more scenic.

Thanks, I do have a proper bike however I don't have any suitable transport for it and as I live up a mountain, going down is okay, but a torture coming back up again. So, whilst I would prefer to be out in the fresh air, it just isn't practical until I've got a bit fitter.

Money_Grabber13579

bsod wrote: »

lose the weight by dieting, then you won't be out of breath. most exercise machines sit in the corner unused gathering dust and taking up space after the first couple of days, you have to cycle for hours to burn off a slice of cheese on toast, it's easier to not eat it in the first place and go for a walk

Easier said than done! Plus, it's much easier to keep on eating when you aren't doing anything else, especially when the weather isn't great outside, as is often the case.

[Deleted User]

bsod wrote: »

lose the weight by dieting, then you won't be out of breath. most exercise machines sit in the corner unused gathering dust and taking up space after the first couple of days, you have to cycle for hours to burn off a slice of cheese on toast, it's easier to not eat it in the first place and go for a walk

I'm afraid this is very true. Save your money and run on the spot or up and down stairs maybe? An exercise machine will end up just being a clothes horse.
Concentrate on diet first and foremost.

brat

You could do both! I took the plunge and bought a Water Rower 6 years ago when I decided to get fit for a ten mile sponsored run. I lost three stone in four months as a combination of diet and exercise. The exercise does need to be fairly high end and for a decent amount of time to have an impact on weight reduction, but it does make you feel like you're doing some good.

My personal advice is to use both diet and exercise and download the 'myfitnesspal' app. It allows you to keep track of your food consumption and your progress, and provides some motivation too, although your future good health should be all the motivation you need.

Good luck!

parking_question_chap

Nutrition (pease dont call it diet, as that implies short term) combined with a good exercise routine will bring better results than one alone.

Plus nutrition will not improve fitness, which often gets overlooked. Slim doesnt necessarily mean healthy.