Exercise Bikes and Ab Rollers

Quoted message said:

Hello.

I just wondered if anyone can recommend any decent exercise bikes, and
also a good ab roller?

Obviously😉!

Quoted message said:

I don't have a clue when it comes to keeping
fit. I am looking to get an exercise bike and an ab-roller for home
to help me get back in shape.

What is your current shape? What are your intentions? Do you want to lose
fat? Do you want to get fitter? Do you want to get stronger/bigger?

Quoted message said:

Thanks

John

--
Bully
Protein bars -- http://www.proteinbars.co.uk

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy
enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

John said:

Hello.

I just wondered if anyone can recommend any decent exercise bikes, and
also a good ab roller? I don't have a clue when it comes to keeping
fit. I am looking to get an exercise bike and an ab-roller for home
to help me get back in shape.

Ab roller? Is that one of those abdominal exercise gadgets? Forget it.

Developing abs will not make you fit, and will not do anything to reduce
stomach fat. And crunches are the best way to develop abs anyway.
And you won't see them until you get your body fat down to about 12%.

This newsgroup really doesn't have much to do with stationary excercise
bikes, although I hope you get some useful replies. Have you considered
getting out on a real bike?

Personally, if you're serious about this, and really "don't have a clue",
I'd recommend joining a gym for a while.

Gym membership is anathema to many people here, and I don't want to start
a big debate on the subject, but you will have access to training and
fitness advice, plus you will be able to try stationary bikes, running
machines, rowing machines, cross trainers etc etc.

Good luck.

--
jc

Jeremy Collins said:

This newsgroup really doesn't have much to do with stationary
excercise bikes, although I hope you get some useful replies.
Have you considered getting out on a real bike?

The best solution would be to get a basic road bike and a turbo
trainer. Then, when the indoor riding becomes mind-numbingly boring he
can take the bike out on the road.

Quoted message said:

Personally, if you're serious about this, and really "don't have
a clue", I'd recommend joining a gym for a while.

Gym membership is anathema to many people here, and I don't want
to start a big debate on the subject, but you will have access to
training and fitness advice, plus you will be able to try
stationary bikes, running machines, rowing machines, cross
trainers etc etc.

There's nothing intrinsically wrong with the gym, particularly for
serious athletes, but for most people who go to one, probably well over
90%, I feel they would do better for themselves by simply cycling or
running there then turning round and cycling or running home again
without bothering to go in.

--
Dave...

dkahn400 said:

There's nothing intrinsically wrong with the gym, particularly for
serious athletes, but for most people who go to one, probably well over
90%, I feel they would do better for themselves by simply cycling or
running there then turning round and cycling or running home again
without bothering to go in.

True - I go to the gym only for weight training, (I don't want all that
equipment in my house!). Just thought the OP should consider it, another
reason being that it takes a certain amount of courage to join a gym
and actually use it if you feel out of shape. Making the firm commitment
to actually go somewhere and exercise three times a week can be a Good
Thing, rather than getting on an exercise bike at home when you feel
like it.

I reckon even if I *did* have all that weight training stuff in the
house I wouldn't train as often as I do now.

--
jc

Jeremy Collins said:

Making the firm commitment to actually go somewhere and exercise
three times a week can be a Good Thing, rather than getting on an
exercise bike at home when you feel like it.

I don't disagree with that at all. The reason I suggested the bike and
turbo option is that it's more likely actually to be used (the bike
part of it anyway). A pure exercise bike would probably not get used
more than half a dozen times in total before it started gathering dust
in the corner, at least that's what happens to nearly all of them.

Similarly with gym memberships. Most gyms will be happy to give you a
tempting discount if you offer to pay for a whole year in advance. Why?
Because most new members are never seen again after 3 months. It must
be hard to stay motivated for all that sitting around on the weight
machines and those 1 kilometre strolls on the treadmill.

--
Dave...

Quoted message said:

I reckon even if I *did* have all that weight training stuff in the
house I wouldn't train as often as I do now.

Each to their own I guess.. but the main reason I dont have the kit in
the house is cos I'd overtrain !
(well, that and the cost, space, noise etc etc)

NC said:

Quoted message said:

I reckon even if I *did* have all that weight training stuff in the
house I wouldn't train as often as I do now.

Each to their own I guess.. but the main reason I dont have the kit in
the house is cos I'd overtrain !
(well, that and the cost, space, noise etc etc)

Blimey, I've only just noticed that this thread is crossposted to
uk.rec.bodybuilding. I suppose if I had a large basement and lots
of cash, a home gym might be nice, if only because I could play
my own music, rather than the [censored] I have to put up with at my
otherwise likeable gym. Hm, might be worth the money... ;-)

--
jc

A strange species called 'Bully said:

Quoted message said:

Hello.

I just wondered if anyone can recommend any decent exercise bikes, and
also a good ab roller?

Obviously😉!

Quoted message said:

I don't have a clue when it comes to keeping
fit. I am looking to get an exercise bike and an ab-roller for home
to help me get back in shape.

What is your current shape?

Not very good. I believe I am a bit overweight. Probably 1 stone
overweight. I am 12.5 stones, and should be around 11.5.

Quoted message said:

What are your intentions? Do you want to lose
fat? Do you want to get fitter?

I want to lose fat and get fitter yes.

Quoted message said:

Do you want to get stronger/bigger?

I would like to get stronger, but am happy with my size, mainly
getting in shape again is the priority.

Why is an ab-roller no good? Crunches are were you are on your back
with your knees bent, aren't they? And you have to get your elbows to
your knees with your hands cupped behind your head? Doesn't an
Ab-roller just have the same effect as crunches?

What would you say are the top 5 exercises or equipment you can use to
get in shape? Would a rowing machine be near the top?

The reason I want to have strong abs is because I would eventually
like to go boxing again. I have only been three times before. I went
in 2003 and really liked it. I moved away from the boxing gym though.
When I am back in shape I would like to start going again, and I need
to have good abs for what they put you through.

You need to get your body fat to 12% or lower to do crunches? I don't
suppose anyone can recommend a cheap body fat monitor and where to
buy? What do I need to do to reduce body fat?

I prefer not to join a gym, but to just buy my own equipment. I
actually like the idea of having a bike with a bike trainer it sounds
good. Would I be able to get information displays though like on an
exercise cycle... eg distance travelled, speed, calories burned, heart
rate and all of that stuff?

Thanks

John

John said:

Not very good. I believe I am a bit overweight. Probably 1 stone
overweight. I am 12.5 stones, and should be around 11.5.

That's not *too* bad - you've made the decision at a sensible time.
Aim to lose at most 2lb a week, so in a couple of months you should
be in much better shape.

There's a lot of diet [censored] out there, and what it boils down
to is burning more energy than you consume. Reduce your fat intake,
and do more cardiovascular exercise. Run, cycle, skip, whatever.

Start today. Go for a brisk walk, or short run, and eat the
healthiest evening meal you've had this year. Don't wait until you
buy equipment.

Quoted message said:

I would like to get stronger, but am happy with my size, mainly
getting in shape again is the priority.

A bit of weight training wouldn't hurt. You'll gain confidence and
positive feedback from a better physique, and extra muscle tissue
means more fat burning potential (you still have to do the cardio!).

It doesn't *have* to be weight training per se. I'm sure even the
uk.rec.bodybuilding chaps will acknowledge the benefit of bodyweight
exercises like crunches, press-ups, chin-ups, lunges etc etc.

Heavy weight training will skew your weight-loss plan, as muscle
is heavy compared to fat.

Quoted message said:

Why is an ab-roller no good? Crunches are were you are on your back
with your knees bent, aren't they? And you have to get your elbows to
your knees with your hands cupped behind your head? Doesn't an
Ab-roller just have the same effect as crunches?

Probably, you'll need someone else to confirm this. I prefer KISS ;-)

Quoted message said:

The reason I want to have strong abs is because I would eventually
like to go boxing again. I have only been three times before. I went
in 2003 and really liked it. I moved away from the boxing gym though.
When I am back in shape I would like to start going again, and I need
to have good abs for what they put you through.

I agree - I do Taekwon-do, and core strength is very important. For the
reasons you mention, and others, including improved balance and resistance
to injury.

Boxing is fantastic exercise, I recommend you get back to it as soon
as possible. Even though you feel out of shape the buzz of belonging
to a club will give you a damn good reason to get fit, whilst helping
you get fit. A virtuous cycle.

Quoted message said:

You need to get your body fat to 12% or lower to do crunches? I don't
suppose anyone can recommend a cheap body fat monitor and where to
buy? What do I need to do to reduce body fat?

No, no. Anyone can do crunches. The reason I said that is that abs (six-
packs) are very in fashion at the moment, and many people want to develop
abs for aesthetic reasons. Many of these people don't realize that you
can develop your abs all you like, but they won't be *seen* (like a Men's
Health cover model) until you lower your body fat percentage.

To reduce body fat, you eat less fat and do more exercise ;-)

For body fat monitoring I use a set of Tanita electronic weighing scales.
I'm sure there are other gadgets out there.

Quoted message said:

I prefer not to join a gym, but to just buy my own equipment. I
actually like the idea of having a bike with a bike trainer it sounds
good. Would I be able to get information displays though like on an
exercise cycle... eg distance travelled, speed, calories burned, heart
rate and all of that stuff?

Can't help you there, I prefer to go out cycling. You can get very good
speed / distance computers for bikes, and coupled with a heart rate monitor
you can estimate calorific burn.

Hope you get some useful replies regarding your equipment questions.

--
jc

Quoted message said:

The reason I want to have strong abs is because I would eventually
like to go boxing again. I have only been three times before. I
went in 2003 and really liked it. I moved away from the boxing
gym though.
When I am back in shape I would like to start going again, and I
need to have good abs for what they put you through.

That puts a different slant on it. Boxers in training are incredibly
fit. Your coach will give you exercises that will develop your abs like
you wouldn't believe, and will also tell you what exercises to do at
home, and advise you what equipment you should get. Listen to him and
to other boxers rather than asking questions on cycling and
body-building newsgroups.

Quoted message said:

You need to get your body fat to 12% or lower to do crunches?

No - to have a visible six-pack.

--
Dave...

Quoted message said:

A strange species called 'Bully said:

Quoted message said:

Hello.

I just wondered if anyone can recommend any decent exercise bikes,
and also a good ab roller?

Obviously😉!

Quoted message said:

I don't have a clue when it comes to keeping
fit. I am looking to get an exercise bike and an ab-roller for home
to help me get back in shape.

What is your current shape?

Not very good. I believe I am a bit overweight. Probably 1 stone
overweight. I am 12.5 stones, and should be around 11.5.

But are you overfat? Presumably so or you wouldn't have started this thread!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

What are your intentions? Do you want to lose
fat? Do you want to get fitter?

I want to lose fat and get fitter yes.

Quoted message said:

Do you want to get stronger/bigger?

I would like to get stronger, but am happy with my size, mainly
getting in shape again is the priority.

What is this "getting in shape" ???

Quoted message said:

Why is an ab-roller no good?

No good for what? Painting walls? You tell me what it is good for!

Quoted message said:

Crunches are were you are on your back
with your knees bent, aren't they? And you have to get your elbows to
your knees with your hands cupped behind your head?

Sort of.

Quoted message said:

Doesn't an Ab-roller just have the same effect as crunches?

Yes, but if you are fat, you are fat. Regardless of if you can do 2000
crunchies!

Quoted message said:

What would you say are the top 5 exercises or equipment you can use to
get in shape? Would a rowing machine be near the top?

What is this "get in shape"?

Quoted message said:

The reason I want to have strong abs is because I would eventually
like to go boxing again. I have only been three times before. I went
in 2003 and really liked it. I moved away from the boxing gym though.
When I am back in shape I would like to start going again, and I need
to have good abs for what they put you through.

No, you have good abs from what they put you through!!!

Quoted message said:

You need to get your body fat to 12% or lower to do crunches?

Nope, to see your abs.

Quoted message said:

I don't suppose anyone can recommend a cheap body fat monitor and where to
buy?

Define cheap?

Quoted message said:

What do I need to do to reduce body fat?

Eat less.

Quoted message said:

I prefer not to join a gym, but to just buy my own equipment.

Budget?

Quoted message said:

I actually like the idea of having a bike with a bike trainer it sounds
good. Would I be able to get information displays though like on an
exercise cycle... eg distance travelled, speed, calories burned, heart
rate and all of that stuff?

Yup, on a bike computer.

Quoted message said:

Thanks

John

--
Bully
Protein bars -- http://www.proteinbars.co.uk

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy
enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

Jeremy Collins said:

John said:

Not very good. I believe I am a bit overweight. Probably 1 stone
overweight. I am 12.5 stones, and should be around 11.5.

That's not *too* bad - you've made the decision at a sensible time.
Aim to lose at most 2lb a week, so in a couple of months you should
be in much better shape.

There's a lot of diet [censored] out there, and what it boils down
to is burning more energy than you consume. Reduce your fat intake,

Ah, talking of diet [censored]. What if currently he is consuming 50g of EFAs
per day? Should he reduce his fat?

Quoted message said:

and do more cardiovascular exercise. Run, cycle, skip, whatever.

Although this won't actually burn very many calories.

Quoted message said:

Start today. Go for a brisk walk, or short run, and eat the
healthiest evening meal you've had this year. Don't wait until you
buy equipment.

Good call.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I would like to get stronger, but am happy with my size, mainly
getting in shape again is the priority.

A bit of weight training wouldn't hurt. You'll gain confidence and
positive feedback from a better physique, and extra muscle tissue
means more fat burning potential (you still have to do the cardio!).

And it's grrrrreat fun !

Quoted message said:

It doesn't *have* to be weight training per se. I'm sure even the
uk.rec.bodybuilding chaps will acknowledge the benefit of bodyweight
exercises like crunches, press-ups, chin-ups, lunges etc etc.

Yup. Plus various core exercises e.g. supermans🙂!

Quoted message said:

Heavy weight training will skew your weight-loss plan, as muscle
is heavy compared to fat.

Which is why it should be a fat-loss plan, not a weight-loss plan!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Why is an ab-roller no good? Crunches are were you are on your back
with your knees bent, aren't they? And you have to get your elbows to
your knees with your hands cupped behind your head? Doesn't an
Ab-roller just have the same effect as crunches?

Probably, you'll need someone else to confirm this. I prefer KISS ;-)

No. From what I've seen ab-rollers tend to be used to exercise the forearms
and wrist 🙂 !!!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

The reason I want to have strong abs is because I would eventually
like to go boxing again. I have only been three times before. I went
in 2003 and really liked it. I moved away from the boxing gym
though. When I am back in shape I would like to start going again,
and I need to have good abs for what they put you through.

I agree - I do Taekwon-do, and core strength is very important. For
the reasons you mention, and others, including improved balance and
resistance to injury.

Boxing is fantastic exercise, I recommend you get back to it as soon
as possible.

Sooner!!!

Quoted message said:

Even though you feel out of shape the buzz of belonging
to a club will give you a damn good reason to get fit, whilst helping
you get fit. A virtuous cycle.

Quoted message said:

You need to get your body fat to 12% or lower to do crunches? I
don't suppose anyone can recommend a cheap body fat monitor and
where to buy? What do I need to do to reduce body fat?

No, no. Anyone can do crunches. The reason I said that is that abs
(six- packs) are very in fashion at the moment, and many people want
to develop abs for aesthetic reasons. Many of these people don't
realize that you can develop your abs all you like, but they won't be
*seen* (like a
Men's Health cover model) until you lower your body fat percentage.

To reduce body fat, you eat less fat and do more exercise ;-)

Wrong on both accounts really. To reduce body fat you need to burn more
calories than you consume. Re. exercise for calorie burning. After a VERY
HARD 30 minutes interval session on the C2 I have probably burnt approx.
600-700 kcals. So IF I could do this every day, I would burn in the region
of 3,000-3,500 kcals per week. Bearing in mind most people could not
complete a session like this, much less do it 5 times per week, it would be
far easier for them to reduce their intake by 500 kcals per day!

Quoted message said:

For body fat monitoring I use a set of Tanita electronic weighing
scales. I'm sure there are other gadgets out there.

Quoted message said:

I prefer not to join a gym, but to just buy my own equipment. I
actually like the idea of having a bike with a bike trainer it sounds
good. Would I be able to get information displays though like on an
exercise cycle... eg distance travelled, speed, calories burned,
heart rate and all of that stuff?

Can't help you there, I prefer to go out cycling. You can get very
good speed / distance computers for bikes, and coupled with a heart
rate monitor you can estimate calorific burn.

Hope you get some useful replies regarding your equipment questions.

--
Bully
Protein bars -- http://www.proteinbars.co.uk

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy
enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

Bully said:

Quoted message said:

The reason I want to have strong abs is because I would
eventually like to go boxing again. I have only been three
times before. I went in 2003 and really liked it. I moved
away from the boxing gym though. When I am back in shape I
would like to start going again, and I need to have good abs
for what they put you through.

No, you have good abs from what they put you through!!!

Yes, that's the way it works.

--
Dave...