Hello - I have one in my computer room, I game and cycle at the same time, 2 ways to distract the mind and get a work out.

It has been my savior for almost 10 years. If I cannot go outside, I can always get 10-20 minutes inside and game with a few buddies.

Cheers - C45

I tried to use a recumbent bike and found that it does not work my body enough to give me any sort of aerobic benefit. Also the way it tilts my pelvis, causes my lower back to hurt after a few minutes.

I found an upright bike or treadmill do a better job with less to no pain and aerobic benefit.

"C"

I am not allowed to run. So I will modify the elevation and speed so that I can burn about 500-600 calories per session. I usually spend between 45 and 75 minutes 4 to 6 days a week on the treadmill. I put a flatscreen TV and sound system in with a DVD player and I will watch movies and TV series while getting some exercise.

I love it. I can get a good work out and add hand weights and arm exercises to supplement the lower body and core work. Sometimes I use a 2kg medicine ball to work on upper body and balance.

The treadmill has really helped me to overcome a lot of balance issues.

Hope this helps.

"C"

I use the recumbent bicycle for 30 minutes daily. I do take a few seconds breaks in between because to rest my foot. But I burn off 100 calories on low speed. It was helpful to burn off the lactic acid in my muscles like any exercise would do but it's relaxing to watch TV while on it. It was a good investment to me and my husband likes it also. i'm waiting to get a manual treadmill to use in the winter. Charry

I am post spinal fusion (lumbar) and found an uprigt bike really great in short periods i.e. 5-10 mins. really helpful for some post surg. nerve pain in the hip. The recumbant bike, I rode leaning forward, mainly b/c I was wearing a back brace, however, I found in this forward position, I also got a diff. work out that seemed to also stretch my hamstring muscles which are frequently compromised in low back coonditions. I keep my workouts now short, but presurgery, used both bikes to get into awesome presurgery shape I also did elliptical machine, and treadmill on slight incline to activate glute muscles to help support my low back. I gave up both of my loves, soccer and running for this whole thing and hope to one day rehabilitate myself back to those activities.
Try holding handles on recumbant bike so your body is leaned slightly forward and you can feel your hamstrings pulling slightly....
Laura

I think you'll just need to experiment to see what you can cope with. I have had different doctors tell me different information pertaining to a recumbant bike. The surgeon told me it would be fine, but my second surgeon was vehement about NOT using one, saying it would be very bad on the pelvis and hip areas and put too much strain on the lower lumbar and sacral discs.

But I imagine it depends on your specific issues as to which pieces of equipment are OK or not.

How are your injuries coming along?

Gwennie