Advice on exercise bike : Hi everyone I was... - Ataxia UK

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Advice on exercise bike

12taz profile image
9 Replies

Hi everyone

I was thinking of buying a mine exercise bike to help with my legs any advice

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12taz profile image
12taz
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9 Replies
sheild profile image
sheild

Hi

It really depends on well you balance sitting on one of these exercise bikes. I have problems with this and have been using one of those little pedal machines that you can put under the table or sit at the sofa. They come in a range of prices from about £20 for a basic set of pedals up to just over a £100 for an 'office' version which has a bit more to it.

I had one of the basic ones but the pedal fell off one side as I was using it quite a bit for long spells, metal fatigue.

12taz profile image
12taz in reply tosheild

Did you feel it helped

sheild profile image
sheild in reply to12taz

I do, it helps give a bit of flex where I am stiff and tired, I feel a bit better afterwards but it's the fact it helps blood circulation that's best.

isabelalfaiate profile image
isabelalfaiate

Dear 12taz

Like the others that replied, I also have a little pedal bike (mini bike) I use it everyday for my arms and then legs. At the moment I am doing 5000 repetitions for the arms and 10000 for the legs. I do sets of 200 forward and 200 backwards for both arms and legs. This has helped me a lot and I find it great to use. My dad had a stationary bike, the one you sit on and ride but soon he was unable to climb and balance on it. So I opted for the minibike. It is great for the circulation. I found it helpful with a knee problem and I am please with it.

My advice is to try them both and see what is more confortable for you. At physiotherapy they have them both and I am certainly more confortable on the minibike, although I am able to use the stationary one. I have an elliptical bike (stationary) the one you have to stand and I am unable to use it at all, I find it to difficult and tiring to stand as well as balancing on it.

best wishes

isabel

12taz profile image
12taz

Thankyou do you find walking better

isabelalfaiate profile image
isabelalfaiate in reply to12taz

Dear 12 taz,

Yes I find walking easier, my legs feel lighter (they felt heavy) my knees and ankles feel better (kept having knee pain pain followed by knee or ankle failure) since the exercise bike I no longer have that. I am not sure if it is the arm exercises on the mini bike or all the crochetting I do, but my handwriting has also improved, it is neat now. So I find my small motor coordination has improved as well.

best wishes

Ginger1 profile image
Ginger1

Hi 12taz

I used to have a sit on high stationary exercise bike but gave it to charity as it was too much for me getting on & off plus balancing. I've now got a recumbent stationary bike so it's easy to get on & has an ordinary seat. Far better as I can hold on to the handles at each side of the seat. I only cycle for about 10 mins each day. It definitely helps my legs & keeps me supple. I used to go spinning years ago so I've always exercised. it's a good way to keep strong and is one of the best exercises for ataxia i believe along with swimming as it's non weight bearing.

I bought my mum a pedal cycle that goes under a desk or for use whilst sitting watching TV but it moves on the carpet which is annoying. When I tried it i put something heavy in front to try to stop it moving on the floor. Against a wall would be better!

I think it was about £40. I do know some people use mini cycles on top of a table to exercise their arms too.

I definitely find it's great for keeping my legs going & circulation too 🤗

paullymaie- profile image
paullymaie-

Hi, I've got a NordicTrack recumbent bike and it is really helping. Tbh I can only manage 15 mins on the min resistance but it gets my heart pumping and because of the recumbent position it is easier on the hips and back. Some days I'm too exhausted to do anything but just listen to your body and start slowly, perhaps just a few minutes, then try to build it up. I too have cerebellar ataxia so have good days and some really bad ones. There are loads of bikes out there but I would highly recommend a recumbent one. Anything to keep your circulation going and muscles used is a good thing. Xx

auntiesally profile image
auntiesally

hi taz

good idea, I have a floor one from argos, its really good and does help with your leg muscles, so my answer is yes, by the way mine is not a bike, just the pedal part,

happy cycling

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