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:

 

[keegs]

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.

Dave,

I was going to suggest smaller portions, jogging in summer, cross country skiing and snow shoeing in winter but it sounds like you've hit a home run here. Taking advantage of the state subsidized facility, a variety of high end equipment and energetic young ladies....dang!!

I'm sure you're already aware that exercise can help with BP problems but you may want to keep track of your BP anyway in case it doesn't.

Good luck and good health to you.

 

[dave1949]

Dave,

I was going to suggest smaller portions, jogging in summer, cross country skiing and snow shoeing in winter but it sounds like you've hit a home run here. Taking advantage of the state subsidized facility, a variety of high end equipment and energetic young ladies....dang!!

I'm sure you're already aware that exercise can help with BP problems but you may want to keep track of your BP anyway in case it doesn't.

Good luck and good health to you.

Thanks, Chris,

The exercise is primarily for BP improvement. I was having funny feeling spells that turned out to be BP spiking. I am on a low dose of BP meds and a statin. My liver readings have gone a bit in the wrong direction since starting the statin. I guess about 10% of statin user's have an adverse reaction with their liver. So, my Doc is watching that to see what's what. Back for another blood test draw later in July.

But yes, the university gym is a winnning choice. Ran into my dentist and her husband there this morning. That will get me brownie points since she always wants to know if I am taking care of my health - in addition to flossing endlessly of course.

Dave.

 

[2manyrocks]

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:

Where's Bird when you actually need him to delete a post?

 

[dave1949]

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:

Where's Bird when you actually need him to delete a post?

Come on - that was all innocent observation by someone who has never used a gym before
Dave.