Can I get as good a workout on a recumbant bike as a treadmill?

Question

I am 60 and completely out of shape

Answer 1

neither one of them are to good for anything other than rehab. but like they say something is better than nothing.

Answer 2

A recumbent bike (I take it that you are referring to a stationary "bike" here) can give you a workout, and it will be easier on your joints than a treadmill.

You will not likely work as many muscles, though, and will work more of your leg muscles than any other muscles.

Still, as a lay person (non-doctor), I can say that the recumbent will give you a good workout, whether or not it compares in parallel with a treadmill.

Each machine will give you the resistance you need to work your muscles.

As a fellow life traveler, I would suggest that you go with the machine that holds your interest and keeps you reaching for just a little more each time you use it.

Please don't dismiss the benefits of walking, either. Taking a walk around the neighborhood or to and through a park can be as esthetically satisfying as it is healthful. And how about getting a recumbent bicycle (not a stationary machine) once you've shaped up your legs a bit, and riding it along bike paths? I have one and I enjoy it (EZ-1 SC Lite by Super Cruiser).

Good luck with your program. Whichever way you go, work up to higher levels from lower levels of effort. Give your body a chance to grow accustomed to it along the way. If you get sore, you are probably overdoing it.

Answer 3

Depends on the bike and treadmill. If it's a stationary bike, the treadmill is better. If the bike is real and you ride it outside, the bike is better because you have to move your whole body around, expending more energy, and over different terrain (hills).

If you are mainly trying to improve your stamina, blood pressure, heart, etc., they are about the same if they are used to push your existing limits.