Stationary exercise bikes

Hi hilary

my bike is Active brand magnetic resistance type

penny

I've got a cross trainer with a seat so best of both types....i find the movement for the feet much easier on the new hip....

Hello Hilary think it wise to consult your Physio or medical team. Depending on the state of bones some exercises may not be suitable. I have been advised to do given exercises working up to 4 times per day and to walk increasing distance. Yesterday I decided to try a short walk with one crutch, suffering today. Thought it would be easy as I can walk 4 miles with 2. Only did quarter of a mile with one. Obviously not ready for that. I am 4 weeks in so taking it easy today but will take a short walk attached to both my dependable crutches

Hi Hilary, I already had a bicycle but feel unsafe on the roads now so I bought a special stand for it so now I can exercise in the garden. Good luck

Valerie

I haven't had myTHP yet Hilary but I recently bought a secondhand exercise bike locally.  Do you have Gumtree or the like in your area?  The important thing with bikes is comfort of the seat and getting the height of the seat right for you.  I think the seat should be level with your hips when you stand beside it,  but I will check this for you today when I go to the gym.  Is there a pool near you?  I'm not a very mobile person in my late sixties but I love aqua aerobics and my surgeon has said this is a great way  of preparing for and assisting after the op.  Will contact you again when I have more info.

Hi Hilary.

There is a good value mid range bike with an excellent console showing HR, BMI,calories bunt ,avg speed,

distance and much more..cost around £200..I liked it so much I bought one for my daughter as well,thoroughly recommend this one.

Paul.

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Look on ebay to save money 😊

Hi Hilary, as promised I asked about the bike this morning and was told that the seat must be at hip height and when you sit on the bike your legs should always be slightly bent at the knee.  If the seat is at the wrong height then your knees will come up towards the handlebars or you may have to straighten the leg to work the pedals.  Hope this is helpful.  As exercise bikes tend to end up gathering dust in the spare room before being sold I would suggest you buy secondhand and if you really take to this form of exercise you could always invest in a new posh model at some time in the future.

I asked my consultant at check up he said exercise bikes were fine but not allowed on a proper bike yet. I've ordered a recumbent one for support on my back after spinal surgery. Hopefully this type will work well for me. I used to use this type at the gym and found it very comfy, enabling me to stay on for long periods. It won't work for everyone.

Maybe you could ask your physio. My physio dept has a small gym attached and if yours does too, you could maybe try one under the supervision of a physio to ensure you aren't likely to hurt yourself in any way.

Good luck xx

Hi Hilary,

i bought an inexpensive model, and like you I was 5 weeks post op. Paid about NZ $200, which would be about  £100. Didn't want to spend too much as wasn't sure how much I would use it. But it's in the living room and I use it for 5-6 minutes twice a day, so it was money well spent. I'm now 13 weeks post op. and have really benefitted as in addition to doing the usual hip exercises, the bike helps build the leg muscles. Good if you can't go for a walk because of bad weather, etc.

They have height adjustable seats, so try it out doing one pedal rotation with your unoperated leg to make sure you've got it right. I mostly use mine on the lowest resistance and work up to the next level when I feel I can manage it. 

If you go for a second hand bike, make sure you try it out first. Mine has an odometer reading which can't be changed, so that will be an indication of how much it use a bike has had.

As for your discomfort with standing, that will lessen as your muscles get stronger. I was walking without assistance around home and at work at 5 weeks, but using 1 crutch and a week later a walking stick when on exercise walks. A couple of weeks later didn't need any support.