Exercise Mini-bike & muscle strengthening

dorcas

Hi everyone,

I would really like to make a start on improving and strengthening my leg and arm muscles in preparation for a future TKR.

Has anyone tried/ used one of those 'V-fit exercise mini -bikes' ?

The ad 'blurb' says that it can be used to improve muscle tone in both arms and legs and I wondered if anyone knew anything about them... and whether they're worth buying?

thanks,

Iris xxx

hileena111

Hi Iris
I've seen the ads as well and wondered the same thing [thats before this was delayed} so I would be interested in peoples opinions as well.
I've no room for an exercise bike and it sounded good.

Love
Hileena

skezier

Hi Iris,

Haven't seen these but tis worth ago I think...... I want a quick fix One between now and next week would be good......

Cycling is good for legs and knees and rowing for arms (used to do a lot of that kind of stuff in a past life when muscles were really needed) but really don't know if these work or not.

I know one thing the more muscle you have the less it all hurts ad the quicker you recover they say.

You got something that will replace a 6 pack in 4 days though When I think back even a year ((( ))) Cris xx

dreamdaisy

Toning tables are good, though they can be thin on the ground. Our LA doesn't have any, I have to go to a private health club, which is currently unaffordable thanks to arthritis! If you are thinking of one of those little machines that can be used on the floor or a table top then I would say go for it. They are not hideously expensive and some form of exercise for these muscles can only be good. Let us know how you get on! DD

dorcas

Thanks Hileena, Cris, Delboy, Lynn and DD.

I've not tried toning tables and was looking for something I could maybe start gently to do at home. I realise I am not at all fit, have much reduced upper limb strength and need to do something about it if I've any hope of coping with a TKR.

When I saw the mini-bike advertised I thought it might be a good option for me with it's variable resistance function. It costs about £30.00 so wouldn't break the bank either!

I'm seeing a physio in a couple weeks time .... so I guess you're right and I could/ should ask for a professional opinion first.

The fact that no-one here has used one speaks volumes too!

thanks all!

Iris xxx

ps... six pack Cris.. are we talking lager or beer?

sharmaine

Hi Iris

I have! In the worst weeks of my TKR I could only use it lying down. Those of us with arthur of the knees need to ensure our thigh muscles don't waste away prior to this operation. When using it put it against a wall or something very firm as they will slip on carpets.

You may be able to use it whilst sitting upright but I just couldn't manage it. My husband had to help be lie down on the floor and to get up again. It was good just to be able to do some exercise and get the blood flowing especially as I was in a wheelchair prior to my TKR.

I would certainly advocate having one.

PS I would add that this was the only exercise I could manage. I wasn't able to walk anywhere only in the house with my crutches.

With regards
Sharmaine

julie47

Hi Iris

Hope you are well

I have had a mini ex cycle (one that you use sat in a chair) Not V fit
another kind that was in ar*s. I found it uncomfortable to use. I also had to have it against the wall to stop it sliding awauy. Also the pedals were not grippy enough so feet kept slipping off. I have now give that to mum and I have now got a magnetic Ex Bike and that is much better. was only cheap from asda and that is really good. Tells you how far, calories and time. Will get back to using it soon when stump is better.

Good luck in finding one and remember this is only my opinion.

JuliePF x

dorcas

Hi Sharmaine and Julie

thanks for letting me know of your own experiences with the mini-bike & for your advice!

I'll maybe need to look into this a bit further before deciding.... I wonder if A***s would take it out of the box and let me have look at it.... try before you buy :?: .... probably not. :roll: but no harm in asking!

hope you're having a good Saturday

Iris xxx

ps. Julie I am feeling so much better since my last infusion & having the knees 'done' a week ago. I'm trying to keep the momentum going .thanks!

speedalong

Hi Iris,

I have seen people in argos asking to see products before they buy them ...not sure about the try before you buy bit - no harm in asking though.

I have also seen people taking things back because they are not suitable - so that is another option. Take it home and if it is no good take it back - in the original packing etc..

HOpe you find a model that suits, if you are anything like me, once you have one of these ideas - you want to crack on with it straight away.

Speedy

dreamdaisy

I was put on one of those mini bikes after both synovectomies. The major problem I have with all exercise bikes (apart from a specialist model in the hospital gym) is that my knees do not bend far enough now to complete a revolution of the pedals. You need at least a 110-120 degree bend to cope with the pedal at the top position, and I am way below that in both. The specialist bike was a breeze however, the pedals could somehow be adjusted so that even a 40 degree bend was enough to cycle. (I think I have all my degrees right - it's years ago now!) I think they should let you try, after all they want you to buy it! If your knees bend sufficiently then this could be a good thing for you. DD

marion1952

Thanks for raising this topic Iris.. I am wanting to increase my muscle strength too, so I am interested in these replies..

Marion x

hileena111

Hi
Its me back again....Like i said I had seen them advertised and thought about them......so still would be really interested to know what you do and if you do get one how you find it?

Love
Hileena

elainebadknee

Iris

Havent seen these yet, thought you meant little cycle thing you put on floor which I purchased ages ago and used it about twice cos it was so inadequate!!
Have you not got a hydrotherapy pool near you, you can be chair lifted in and out....I go once a week and its great for an old stiffie like me!!

So if you pruchase this thing will we see you like ET silhouette over the moon? LOL...Last seen heading south!!!!

Elainex

tonesp

Have you casked yourdoctor about exercise.The sugeon who did my hip said rest before the op and execise after My GP said the same

dreamdaisy

I was thinking about this earlier dorcas - are you thinking you could use it to strengthen your arms? Would your hands be able to cope? I think you really do need to ask if you could try one, I know that walking with sticks and crutches is a no-no, so you do need to check this. I wish you well in your experimentation! DD