Recumbent Exercise Bicycles

Most efficient way to use my recumbent bike for results?

I am 5'5'', 135, and not in a good way. I dont have any body image issues, but since I injured my knees in highschool I cannot run like I used to and I am at my heaviest now. It was my preferred way to workout and get a handle on stress, but its now so painful to run and risky...(my knees go out so easily and i run the risk of falling if I run) I'm not saying that I'm BIG, but I've lost my prized muscle definition that I worked so hard for and replaced it with comfy squishy-ness. I was wondering what the best regimine is for me to combine cardio and strength training. (keep in mind I want lean muscle) Lunges are pretty painfull too. Any suggestions at all that involve my bike mostly and some low joint impact movement off the bike would be appreciated!

Public Comments

1. I've been riding Recumbents for the last 10yrs now. Bents as we say are primarily a low body workout. The key too keeping pressure off your knees is to maintain a high or higher cadence, somewhere around 90 rpms or a little higher, that will keep pressure off your knees and also keep up your HR and improve your lung capacity. Don't mash the pedals, Mashing the pedals will only put more pressure on the knees. Use the middle chain ring and that 26,28, or 32 tooth cog, remember it's high cadence. I would also try to stay with a long wheelbase (LWB) if possible or a Recumbent Trike like the Catrike would be a good choice. As far as the regimen goes, that's pretty much up to you.The good thing about bent riding is you can ride as far and as long as you want without fear of injury. Away from the bike I would suggest going to the YMCA unless you have a pool and start swimming that will also get you a great workout and is very low impact.