Exercise bike

[Jools15755]

Has anyone used an exercise bike to help with ataxia?

[Sailor_Girl]

I've got an exercise bike and I've signed up to the Ride Ataxia challenge which lets me post my progress on the Stravia website. I don't have any sponsorship as yet, the main reason was to try and aid motivation and track my progress. Generally with exercise I find it difficult to maintain strength and stamina but am determined to try.

[derekt]

Hi,

Yes, I bought an exercise bike during lockdown

I find exercise is incredibly important but gyms were closed

An indoor bike lets you exercise when fatigue allows and if you want a sit down and watch TV, you can

I read loads of reviews before I bought since some websites tell fibs and say they adjust to specific height (but dont) or suitable for a certain weight (but often unstable)

The one I eventually got is sturdy and stable. I’m 6’2 and about 110kg so works for me)

xs-sports.co.uk/xs-sports-s...

You can get cheaper but watch out for any height/weight issues for the bike and I’d avoid the foldable ones which I find pretty unstable

[chelpet in reply to derekt]

Yes, I’d agree that exercise is incredibly important.

I’ve been doing both Pilates and also Balance and Strength classes on Zoom, and I really notice the difference to my balance and physical confidence.

Zoom means I don’t have to travel to the gym, but I do miss the ‘outing’, as I do the face to face of ‘live’ classes.

Peter

[Amynah]

Hi

I have a mini only leg bike from Argos. I sit on a chair and use the bike to move my legs.

I can't sit on the actual exercise bike - make sure you try the bike before buying.

I can also use it as arm bike.

Good luck

A

[jaijai1963]

Yes I do but still bad with my balance. It is good to use I think it helps with my muscle memory. I walk with the aide of a walker. Was diagnosed in 2010 with SCA3.I think any form of exercise is good for you especially aimed for legs and arms.

[jaijai1963 in reply to jaijai1963]

I don't ride a bike but do the exercises on my exercise bike. Can't ride anymore, coz can't keep my balance on a two wheeler bike. I think I should look into a 3 wheeler bike lol.😂

[violasrbest in reply to jaijai1963]

I found a 3 wheeler incredibly difficult to balance on, being used to a 2 wheeler. I now have a recumbent trike.

[BrettDarby in reply to violasrbest]

I tried some hand trikes, the ones with battery boost go mega fast! and I mean fast

[Arlo20]

I bought one that sits on the floor not a bike as I'd fall off,i can sit on couch and peddle safely only £ 33 on Amazon an AMG .

[Collinhucn]

Yes. I ride my exercise bike almost everyday. The key point I guess is the intensity. I always ride to a distance 12 to 15 km at half an hour.

[Jenandbeth]

My daughter walks with a rolator inside and uses a chair outside and uses a floor cycle daily, it's been great for keeping her active especially in lockdown.

amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BBM4VZ3/...

[nigelrheath]

Well it’s good to see so many of us keeping up some exercise.

I too miss my local gym, especially the treadmill, which was giving me 30 minutes of good walking 3x a week.

I have a static bike and use it about once or twice a week.

With my wife I do 30 minutes yoga every day, before breakfast, and Peter’s idea of online yoga and Pilates is a good tip. If you’ve not done this before allow for your inherent stiffness and only do postures that are safe for you.

There’s plenty of online videos of “Feldenkrais” exercises, very good for loosening stiff joints.

I have recently bought a new wheelchair, which is all terrain, so I can go in the forest with my wife. On flat going I get out and push! Walking in the fresh air.

Good luck Jools.

Nigel

[Ginger1]

I have used a recumbent static cycle for years. It's quite big & heavy, so it would depend on room etc. I find it really helps to keep my legs going. I used to go ''spinning' but haven't been able to for years, as falling off could be an issue, besides the intensity! 😜

With a recumbent (seat normal height & handles) I can't fall off & I can go at my own pace & do as much or as little as my Ataxia allows.

My neurologist said it won't improve the Ataxia but surely maintaining fitness is a good thing, as it keeps you supple and gives strength for the Ataxia & other ailments too😁

[Smallblackdog]

Funny you should ask that: I got a semi recumbent exercise bike on Saturday, did a mile yesterday, two miles today - brilliant.

Too early to notice any physical benefits but am enjoying the feeling of being able to do some positive exercise in Lockdown.

I went for a semi recumbent, which means I sit more or less upright (can step in and out of it) but can use the backrest if I need to. Handlebars down by the seat for something to grab.

It has an adjustable magnetic flywheel which gives very firm smooth resistance, just like I remember riding a real bike.

Best of all is that feeling of physical tiredness after working out.

Not cheap tho' - a months PIP!