Exercise Bike or Treadmill

[TerryP]

Hi
I just wanted to check the general opinion on which would provide the most benefit if only 1 could be purchased (I don't want to be outside walking in the forthcoming winter months) . So an exercise bike or a treadmill?

PS. I'm only doing about 3000 steps a day.

Thanks

 

[helli]

There is no wrong answer.
The best exercise is the one you will maintain.
Maybe you need to consider things like how you will ensure whichever you chose does not become boring. For example, during lockdown my partner bought a bike trainer with sensors that connected to Zwift to make the cycling much more interesting and motivating than staring at a wall or even a tv.
The other thing I would consider is space. We have up our small front room to bikes and bike trainers. But not everyone has a spare room. If that's the case, you don't want to be tripping over it and making you feel guilty in your living room, especially if it is a fair size.
You say you do not want to be outside in the winter months. Whilst I am not a fan of rain, even on a cold, blustery day, I feel the mental health benefit of fresh air and getting out of the house. Maybe it would be a good idea to see if you can motivate yourself to get out throughout the year rather than wasting money.

My father in law had an exercise bike. He soon lost interest and it became an expensive clothes horse. There is no point wasting your money if that is likely to happen to you.

 

[Josh DUK]

Hi
I just wanted to check the general opinion on which would provide the most benefit if only 1 could be purchased (I don't want to be outside walking in the forthcoming winter months) . So an exercise bike or a treadmill?

PS. I'm only doing about 3000 steps a day.

Thanks

Hello @TerryP ,

I think it depends what you prefer or enjoy most or in my case what hurts the least. I have an indoor bike in my flat, but opted out of a treadmill because it really aches my feet. Like @helli said their is no wrong answer.

 

[Vonny]

And unlike @Josh DUK my feet are fine but an exercise bike makes my bum ache! So we opted for a treadmill. My son uses it regularly as he is pretty agoraphobic, but I prefer to be out and about whatever the weather.

 

[Drummer]

A trampoline is fun.

 

[Jodee]

I use you tube for exercise during bad weather months, also I do qigong daily. You tube has walk exercise videos. If over a certain age or have breathing difficulties include that in your search.

I used to have an exercise bike but I got rid of it as I didn't use it much and it took up quite a bit of space. If I had the room I may go for a treadmill, but for now just use you tube.

On you tube search qi gong beginners or 10 minute walking exercise for beginners etc.

Enjoy

 

[counsellorneil]

Hi
I just wanted to check the general opinion on which would provide the most benefit if only 1 could be purchased (I don't want to be outside walking in the forthcoming winter months) . So an exercise bike or a treadmill?

PS. I'm only doing about 3000 steps a day.

Thanks

Agree with the above thoughts about what will keep you motivated. Another consideration is what your aim is.
for example, to keep fit or burn calories? If it's to stay fit both will work to the extent you put in the same effort. If it is to lose calories, then spending the same time and effort running on a treadmill will burn more calories.

I think the comment about getting outside is spot on. Yes, it's harder to get out running when it is colder and wet, but much more beneficial both mentally and phyisically to be outside. Someone once said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, attributed to Billy Connolly. Spending some money on good running clothing, while it will be an upfront cost, will likely be less than a treadmill or exercise bike, and save you money in the long run. Another note is that from the many runners I know from the C25K programme it can be hard to transition from a treandmill to running outside, as you use slightly different muscles. Plus, can you find a running partnet to go outside with? For me it was having a running partner that got me outside when it was -6 earlier this year. Without her I'd have stayed in bed .

Wishing you well whatever you decide.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hope you find an option that suits you, keeps you active, and fits into your living space @TerryP 🙂

 

[alex30]

Hi, My first piece of equipment was a treadmill and I really get good use out of it. Initially for extended sessions (one to two hours) but now for exercise snacking ( ten minutes each hour). Later I bought an air bike and find myself using that for my post meal exercise (one hour sessions but I only eat once a day). It really gets my glucose in check by really working my major leg muscles. I can also do HIIT on the bike which I wouldn't try on my treadmill in case of accident. The only downside is that , despite buying gel padding for the saddle, it gets uncomfortable after a while and I'm glad to dismount after my hour.
All in all , if you do not intend doing HIIT, then a treadmill may be the more comfortable option.
I would recommend buying one with a good cushioned running deck in order to protect your joints and also try and go for one with an incline function. I always use mine at the maximum 15 degree which enables you to work harder without the added stress to your joints from more impact.
Good luck.

 

[Rob Wright]

I do both as some days I want to cycle others I want to walk. As others have said it was what you find you can maintain and it is not a chore to do as you will not maintain it long term if you do.

 

[helli]

The only downside is that , despite buying gel padding for the saddle, it gets uncomfortable after a while and I'm glad to dismount after my hour.

Have you tried padded shorts.
Despite feeling as if I am wearing a nappy as 8 walk to the bike, I can see why professional cyclists wear them.
You can get "bike liners" to wear instead of undies if you don't fancy the Lycra look. I bought mine from the mountain bike section of the bike store. They came with over shorts which are nice and baggy but you can just get the liners.
My only advice would be to remember the padding does flatten over a year or so of being sat on.

 

[Bloden]

I've always fancied a rowing machine cos it works arms and legs. And it could probably be stored under a double bed when not in use.

 

[alex30]

Have you tried padded shorts.
Despite feeling as if I am wearing a nappy as 8 walk to the bike, I can see why professional cyclists wear them.
You can get "bike liners" to wear instead of undies if you don't fancy the Lycra look. I bought mine from the mountain bike section of the bike store. They came with over shorts which are nice and baggy but you can just get the liners.
My only advice would be to remember the padding does flatten over a year or so of being sat on.

Hi,
Thanks for the advice.
I have tried padded shorts and ended up strapping them to the saddle. They are an amazingly good fit !
I would be interested in trying the ones you wear. I've tried searching The Bike Store with no luck. Would you be so kind as to post a link or explicit instructions to help me find the shorts you wear?

 

[RichardsUsername]

As far as impact on your diabetes, the exercise that is more intense will reduce your glucose levels faster. Other than that I would try both at a gym and base your decision on how you got on with both.

 

[helli]

Hi,
Thanks for the advice.
I have tried padded shorts and ended up strapping them to the saddle. They are an amazingly good fit !
I would be interested in trying the ones you wear. I've tried searching The Bike Store with no luck. Would you be so kind as to post a link or explicit instructions to help me find the shorts you wear?

I bought mine some time ago from a local dedicated bike store.
But this is the brand and style (I bought the women's version)

Amazon.com : Endura Men's Cycling Padded Liner II : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Amazon.com : Endura Men's Cycling Padded Liner II : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

www.amazon.com

They are definitely available from other stores as well as Amazon and there are probably other cheaper brands.

 

[alex30]

As far as impact on your diabetes, the exercise that is more intense will reduce your glucose levels faster. Other than that I would try both at a gym and base your decision on how you got on with both.

Interesting one this because we are all different. I have found that for me, and using a CGM, when I go beyond a certain intensity or duration of exercise then my readings start to rise. I put this down to the physical stress causing the release of cortisol and adrenaline which in turn tell the liver to pump glucose into the blood stream. One hour at between 60% and 65% max heart rate seems to be my sweet spot.

 

[alex30]

I bought mine some time ago from a local dedicated bike store.
But this is the brand and style (I bought the women's version)

Amazon.com : Endura Men's Cycling Padded Liner II : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Amazon.com : Endura Men's Cycling Padded Liner II : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

www.amazon.com

They are definitely available from other stores as well as Amazon and there are probably other cheaper brands.

Many thanks for that.🙂🙂🙂
I got to them straight away and will order a pair. Anything for more comfort !!!!

 

[RichardsUsername]

Interesting one this because we are all different. I have found that for me, and using a CGM, when I go beyond a certain intensity or duration of exercise then my readings start to rise. I put this down to the physical stress causing the release of cortisol and adrenaline which in turn tell the liver to pump glucose into the blood stream. One hour at between 60% and 65% max heart rate seems to be my sweet spot.

You can also have general rules and exceptions to them.

 

[pistolpete]

Interesting one this because we are all different. I have found that for me, and using a CGM, when I go beyond a certain intensity or duration of exercise then my readings start to rise. I put this down to the physical stress causing the release of cortisol and adrenaline which in turn tell the liver to pump glucose into the blood stream. One hour at between 60% and 65% max heart rate seems to be my sweet spot.

Anearobic threashold is usually over 80% VO2 max, it can be lower around 65-70% though. As your lungs can no longer supply enough oxygen as fuel the muscle will use only glucose as fuel hence the rise in BG, your liver will dump glucose to fuel your muscles rather than the aerobic state where muscles use oxygen and glucose. Its the fight or flight system working to ensure we have enough energy to stay and fight or run away, so yes all stress hormones will be released too. These levels will drop as quickly as they rise, when I walk my BG drops but cycling they always rise. A side effect from anearobic exercise is an increase in lactic acid in the muscle causing cramps and achy muscles. In fact any rapid or sudden activity will increase BG levels slightly as the body preps the system just in case.

Back on topic, you wont use either they will both become clothes horses. If you can get outside do it, the fresh air and metal stimulation from being outside is fantastic and you will feel much better even if its just a 10 or 15 minute walk. If I had to choose it would be an exercise bike though.

Cheers

 

[SimonP]

Interesting one this because we are all different. I have found that for me, and using a CGM, when I go beyond a certain intensity or duration of exercise then my readings start to rise. I put this down to the physical stress causing the release of cortisol and adrenaline which in turn tell the liver to pump glucose into the blood stream. One hour at between 60% and 65% max heart rate seems to be my sweet spot.

If you exercise for longer your liver will run out and you'll start going low. If I've only got a short time (like an hour), then doing something mainly aerobic will tend to reduce rather than increase BG, I also find that I'll go up if I exercise hard for an hour. My liver-running-out-of-glycogen point is ~1h30. YMMV as with all things diabetes-related!

Many thanks for that.🙂🙂🙂
I got to them straight away and will order a pair. Anything for more comfort !!!!

The other thing to be aware of is ventilation - in this very humid weather wearing shorts over the top of a padded liner doesn't allow the sweat to escape, which doesn't help the condition of one's skin in the contact areas.

A fan (or three!), and no overshorts while hot and humid would be my suggestions. The Endura ones that @heli mentioned are fine, I've worn those on some 5h+ rides and they were ok, I'd probably keep them for shorter rides than that though, but the majority of the problem was that I was wearing normal shorts over the top (as I was going to stop for drinks part way round) and it was warm.