Hi, I don't like going to the gym after my HA but I have an exercise bike at home, the only problem is that the saddle is just so uncomfortable that after a short time I've had enough. I tried a gel saddle cover but couldn't get it to fit properly, anyone else had this problem and how did you solve it?
Also have been looking at a treadmill on the late night TV shopping channel. (you can tell I never get a proper nights sleep) has anyone bought one of these, are they worth it?
Hello VelvetSky
I've got an exercise bike and a treadmill.
My bike has quite a wide and well padded saddle so I'm afraid I can't help you with that one.
As regards a treadmill, when I started going to rehab back in March 2019 I decided to get a treadmill so that I could try and get my fitness level up while not having to go out in the cold and the rain.
Having finished rehab I now use it almost every day, 20 minute a time, 2 to 3 times a day if possible. Have now developed a routine in the morning, walk down the shop for a paper, come back, take medicines, had a cup of coffee then do 20 mins - feel it wakes me up and sets me up for the day.
I think it was well worth the investment.
hi. i got myself a treadmill last year after my heart attack as it was during the beast from the east and i couldn’t get out. it was great. i still use it any wet days which is quite frequently living in scotland. i’m contemplating getting a bike just to break up the monotony of walking every day. i’m not a natural walker even though it’s really lmproved my fitness i don’t really enjoy it. i need a change as i’m still not allowed to go to gym or classes. only walking. as to your saddle i had that problem years ago but you can get a much better choice nowadays. i’d pop into halfords and check them out. it that fails put a comfy cushion or pillow over seat. tried and tested🤣. good luck ❤️
Shoshov is spot-on - Halfords will be able to sell you a replacement saddle that will look as though it's meant for three people (I know this because that's where I got my replacement saddle 
). In the meantime, a plump cushion (or two) tied onto the existing one also works-ish.
As for the treadmill, oh I miss mine (no room at the inn, we've recently downsized and all I've got left is the stationary bike)!
When you go to make the purchase, make sure the grip bars extend at least halfway down the tread, has flat to incline settings for the tread, and do give deep consideration to purchasing the motorised version with settings for very slow up to 'brisk'.
You need those features so you can steady yourself in case of angina or dizziness, the adjustable incline makes a huge difference in how comfortable you'll be as you get started using a treadmill, and the motorised version with adjustable speeds means your work-out comes from actual walking, not forcing the tread to mill (sorry, could not resist that one).
I made the mistake of buying my first treadmill with no real grip bars at all, a fixed incline, and no motor - couldn't get that thing to the charity shop quickly enough! A good quality motorised adjustable incline with long grip bars will set you back a three digit figure (starting with 'entry level' around £175 for one that will give you a good work-out) and really is worth every GBP and pence for a piece of long-lived home gym equipment.
I couldn’t use an upright bike but found the Marcy Start ME709 Recumbent Exercise Bike very comfortable to use.
I own a treadmill and it is excellent!
If you are in the UK try Argos, they sometimes have good deals going for treadmills.
If you do decide to buy one make sure it can go up to a running speed not just a walking speed.
I'm my opinion they are worth every penny.
I need to replace my treadmill. Mine was a Reebok that had a number of programmes that I never used!! But it did have auto incline & was able to fold away. Any recommendations?
I've got a Reebok One GT40, loads of programmes, incline from 1-12, speed up to 12 km. The track folds up to save space. Fairly quiet in use, easy to assemble. It's in my back bedroom, so took 4 of us to get it up the stairs - bit on the heavy/awkward side!
Got it from Argos, the current model is GT40S (can't see what the difference is! ) £399.99
That's pretty much the latest version of what I had, that came from Argos and came with a 2 year guarantee, they are very heavy!! Fortunately I don't have to worry bout stairs. Do you use all the programmes?
I have tried a few of them, but I tend to stand there looking out of the window with my mind wandering, so the constant change of pace keeps surprising me 😕 So I tend to spend most of the time doing x mins at a set incline and speed. As they say stress is the enemy- the constant incline/speed change is a bit stressful if you're mind is elsewhere!
That's what I was thinking, I pretty much only used bout 2/3 programmes so thought I might find something a bit more basic
They're not cheap!! I was looking for a more basic one, don't need 15 programmes (don't think it was 15 but it was a lot!) just really want an electric one that will incline and has a go faster stripe!! Which one do you have? 😂
That told me 🤔
We’ve literally bought a bike this week! Its a recumbent bike so has a comfy seat rather than saddle & is supposed to be better gor your back 🤞🏽 Early days but we’re very happy with it. Its a Marcy ME-708 It was £160 from Argos. Good luck🚴🏼♂️
Hi I have a conventional road bike but I suspect your problem is similar to one suffered by me. IE sore butt after cycling.
What I have learnt is that if I do not use the bike for a while then when I get back on again I need to "break my butt in" so I do a few short trips (5 minutes) over a couple of days, usually leaving a day between each go. Slowly build up, maybe a week and then you should be butt pain free!
Hi folks, mighty impressed with all the helpful suggestions for an exercise bike, definitely going to get one now. Many thanks.
I've been going to Phase 4 cardiac rehab for two and a half years now, usually 3 times a week, and still can't use the bike as it's too uncomfortable! I initially bought a treadmill but only used it a few times as I do a reasonable amount of walking in between classes anyway. I also do the 'warm up' exercises at home. The only thing I've bought which I use are the weights.
Sorry, meant to say going to get a treadmill, not exercise bike, bad night, wish I could get more sleep since HA.
I would be interested in knowing which one you buy & your reasons for choosing it, if you don't mind
Hi Lezzers, I’m now looking at theBluetooth Nero Pro Treadmill, I think the Reebok is far more than I need, it’s quite large, heavy and expensive. The Nero is £164 delivered, it’s not so complicated and it’s smaller as I don’t have much space. There are some minus points in the write up but it gets four and a half stars.
Also it comes 99% ready assembled. Having read up on some of the others that you have to fully assemble yourself I think that as 72yr old widow with other chronic health problems it might be more than I could manage on my own. Just spent an hour assembling a dress rail and I’m still not sure it won’t collapse!
Have you had any further thoughts on what you would choose?
Thank you for letting me know, I'll check it tonight, it sounds promising. I'm hopeful that mine will be a Christmas present so will need to start dropping hints soon to build up to the "this is exactly what I want". Yes reebok was heavy, although it was on wheels I never attempted to move it!! I'll let you know. Thank you again.
Hello VelvetSky,
We have a cross-trainer so you can ‘sit and sort-of pedal’ or you can stand and walk. Our local rehab no longer use treadmills following a couple of falls, they have bikes and cross trainers. One machine- two jobs!
Go on Amazon and search Soukesports cycling underwear. My husband uses these when cycling long distances and they make him feel very much more comfortable . Good luck!
Have you got the seat low enough and at the night angel? Oncyi got adjustments sorted I found it much more comfortable.
Hello Velvetsky. I would recommend a Treadmill too. And also i found a Rowing machine very good for getting the spare tyre down. Also works the legs and the whole body. And a comfy seat. Listen to some music while exercising. Take your mind away from everything.BRIAN
Get some proper cycling shorts, they have a padded rear.
Get yourself some fitted padded proper cycling shorts. Makes a big difference..
I'd had an exercise bike for a while, I begin by approaching the problem as if I was using my normal bike. Check your saddle height and make sure the saddle is level. If they aren't, you can get "hot spots" on your bum.
You may just need to break yourself in and develop a "bum callous", as I call it. Do a wee bit every day (or what suits you) until the discomfort eases.
You can also buy padded shorts and chamois creams. When it comes to shorts, you don't have to pay a fortune. Have a look on Amazon- I got a great pair in Lidl. They do have to fit properly though. Look for shorts that are anatomically cut - I don't know if you're male or female.
Who knows, this might spark an interest in outdoor cycling.
Best of luck with your recovery.
Put a big thick towel over it. It is an exercise bike so doesn't matter if it falls off.
I have a spinning bike with a wide comfortable saddle so plenty of choices to change to. Before paying out for a treadmill
I would look at your Facebook local market I often see these for sale at give away prices. Most look barely used. £80 pounds seems average price for a good one with elevation for increased gradient. Good luck.
I have an exercise bike left behind when my son moved. The seat 😳 is definitely not for a woman’s bun 😩 I sit on a towel. I have a cross trainer and did love it, sadly I’m needing a partial knee replacement at the end of October and must not use the cross trainer as it’s weight bearing, can use exercise bike but with no pressure. Never thought of changing the seat 🤨
You should patent that little verse and sell to gyms, medical waiting rooms, maybe even the BHF, This time next year you could be a millionaire. You could buy your own treadmill then ☺
Hi Lezzers, Gunsmoke is getting carried away again. Currently looking at the Reebok 40 at Argos but it’s a bit expensive and rather too complicated. I agree with you something with just a few things you’d use regularly.
Rather like my all singing and dancing washing machine, only use two programmes on it.
Exactly, why would I want a machine thats more intelligent than me!! Originally I had a manual treadmill but couldn't get the belt to even move, so definitely need electric. Don't really know where to look though, argos is mostly reebok, JL machines costs more than my house did!!! Where else are they sold?
I was told to do a lot of exercises when I had my heart attack last June I’m prone to a stroke so been told exercise now got osteoporosis arthritis in knee been told to ride a bike to keep my my muscles at back of leg right. Did you go to the cardio class after your heart attack. You’ll probably know walking quick is good for you, dancing, housework is classed as exercise. Good luck.
No still go gym but sometimes it's difficult, so having my own treadmill is useful. Plus, at the gym I prefer to do weights, having my own treadmill I can do cardio every day at home...and before you say it, I'm not gonna go gym every day! ☺ What bout you?
😂 I had a very squeaky x trainer once! the treadmill was OK though. All gym equipment will go in the new shed so clothes horse issues won't happen 😊
I can second the decent cycling shorts or bib's as I have , worth every penny and don't get cheap ones, they are a waste of time.
I was regularly cycling and spending 5 to 7 hours on a road bike saddle, and it all changed when I upgraded to good quality padded pair (Asos, Castelli, Rapha etc) i.e. more than £50, my current pair were over £100 but I could ride for 8 hours plus and get off feeling fine. If you would have told me this before I got into cycling I would have laughed.
Cycling is a great way of getting fit, low wear and tear on joints and you are seated, and can freewheel on the downhill! Indoor cycling is a also great, get a cheap second hand bike and a bike trainer and you have the best of both worlds.
Wow! 45 replies. I’m impressed with all the interest and helpful suggestions. Many thanks.
One thing to remember is not to rely on exercise bikes alone. Some strength training is beneficial. I would recommend a set of dumbbells (I use 5kg but for many 2.5kg or less may be appropriate) and exercise bands. All these are available from your local sports store or Big River!
Using an outdoor bike is better for Balance. I found I was finding it harder on an outdoor bike than a static gym bike, it’s because of the terrain, you have to do more.
Being a car driver, I’m hoping outdoor cyclists have read the Highway Code and wear bright colours so drivers see them! Lights are also compulsory!
This might seem like sucking eggs, but where I live, cyclists don’t use lights and wear clothing that can’t be seen and lights are optional 😳
Hi l found a good gel filled seat cover in Halfords that has worked very well in fact have had it on for 2 years now and l use bike practically everyday..
Love my exercise bike, I watch the repair shop while pedalling and it’s the perfect escape.
There is a problem for hearties ( explained by cardio nurse) that we all loose weight, bum goes first so we are not as padded as we used to be😅.
Not allowed a treadmill (one dodgy knee, the good one is replaced!)
Best value was a large blow up ball (about £12 with pump) use for squats and side bends against a wall, push away with hands or legs against a wall, or push back against the chair you are sitting on. Excellent value, and you can let the air out and pack it ( with pump) if you go away.
I’m thinking of making an exercise video, if anyone wants to crowd find me. ‘Ball-ercise’? 😂😂😂😂 I think it might sell 😂😂😂😂
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