Exercise Bicycle for Couch Potato

[bigtiller]

My Dr said if a man can't walk a 1/4 mile in 6 minutes he will be much more likely to die in 5 years than one that can walk it in 5 minutes or less.

So I started walking 7 days a week almost 3 years ago. I average just under 4 miles a day now.

I breath easier, sleep better, and my back does not hurt much any more.

 

[dave1949]

Thanks for all the replies and shared experiences.

I've taken (some) of the advice to heart and decided to join the gym/fitness center at the local branch of the UMaine system in Farmington. They have a nice, fairly new gym and olympic size pool, $200 for a 6 months, couples membership, 10 miles away. It is equipped with the complete range of workout machines, cardio, weight training, etc. They are open any reasonable hour I would get there from early am to late pm winter and summer.

As a bonus, I will get some return on our high Maine taxes , and it could be fun to be around more people.

I think that's a good way to start.
Dave.

 

[bstrom]

Sounds good. I think it will keep you motivated being around other people while you are exercising.

 

[Cougar300]

It's hard to get in the habit of exercising but once you do you will look forward to workouts.

Something I didn't see mentioned is, sodium.
Since I started watching my sodium intake my BP has dropped about 15pts and I lost 9lbs. All my pants fit good again.

Keep track of what you eat for a few days you will be surprised at the amount of sodium you're eating.

 

[rmully]

It does come down to diet and exercise. I have a treadmill that I was all exited to get ...it has been in garage for 2 years and i used it all of 2 months. I go to Golds gym and it works for me as I am more motivated to go. Good luck!!

 

[dave1949]

Just updating.

I joined the gym, went to Walmart and bought some exercise shorts, nice long, baggy ones like NBA style. Two pairs for $18. Also some dedicated exercise tennies - $28

Been to the gym 6 times so far. I am suprised how easy it has been to make progress. I currently do two 10 min. recumbent bike sessions, 10 min., then 5 min on the ellipse machine. In between, I have been doing resistance weights for legs and upper body. No way I could do that with home equipment, so the advice to join a gym has been golden for me.

There are some real energizer bunnies there I see on a regular basis. I don't know if they are runners or whatever, but they go on and on without breaking a sweat. Mostly younger women. Then, there is the gray hair guy crew that could not pass as energizer bunnies. :laughing:

Thought I would give feedback incase it would be useful for anyone. Thanks again for the advice.
Dave.

 

[Egon]

Friend of mine got to going to the gym regularly. Now he's married!:laughing:

 

[MarkV]

Just updating.

I joined the gym, went to Walmart and bought some exercise shorts, nice long, baggy ones like NBA style. Two pairs for $18. Also some dedicated exercise tennies - $28

Been to the gym 6 times so far. I am suprised how easy it has been to make progress. I currently do two 10 min. recumbent bike sessions, 10 min., then 5 min on the ellipse machine. In between, I have been doing resistance weights for legs and upper body. No way I could do that with home equipment, so the advice to join a gym has been golden for me.

There are some real energizer bunnies there I see on a regular basis. I don't know if they are runners or whatever, but they go on and on without breaking a sweat. Mostly younger women. Then, there is the gray hair guy crew that could not pass as energizer bunnies. :laughing:

Thought I would give feedback incase it would be useful for anyone. Thanks again for the advice.
Dave.

Good for you Dave. I am looking at doing the same thing. The Doc says I need to do something to supplement the blood pressure meds.

MarkV

 

[dave1949]

Friend of mine got to going to the gym regularly. Now he's married!:laughing:

Well, that's not so bad I guess. Aren't married people supposed to live longer?
Dave.

 

[jayste]

Can't help on your question but I've got a treadmill that had more clothes hung on it than miles walked on it.....buy used. Most units don't have too many miles on them.:thumbsup: