Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
....And I HATE to exercise!, September 18, 2007
This review is from: Stamina Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike (Sports)
It's not that I don't know that I need to establish an exercise program, it's that I don't WANT to. Spending most of every day on my feet makes me less than anxious to stand up on a treadmill, elliptical machine, stair stepper--or even take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. What's a lazy girl to do?
Well, I did a lot of research and discovered that a recumbent exercise bike is a great option for people who are athletic as well as sedentary types like myself. I decided to buy a machine that was well-regarded here but that wasn't too expensive. Bells and whistles are not, in my opinion, what makes me want to exercise. After a month, I am pleased to say that I am no longer sedentary. Not that I've reached athletic, but hey, this is actually easy and enjoyable and is do-able long term! How many exercises can you really do while reading or watching TV? I've been on it many more days than not....probably at least 5 days a week. Amazing!
There are several programs that you can ride, and the screen tells you when and how much to speed up or slow down. Alternately you can just choose a resistance and pedal for as long as you'd like--for example, you might want to ride for 30 minutes, or 200 calories, or 5 miles. The pulse monitor works best if you take a 10 second reading every few minutes, otherwise each time it comes back to the pulse check segment (which is brief), it starts back with your pulse at the lower rate, then increases it to the current reading segmentally. Kinda clunky, but remember, you could easily spend 3-5 times as much on a machine that's not 3-5 times more functional. Get yourself one of those little clip-on pulse monitors if that's your main concern, and take a continuous reading.
I am very happy with this machine. Was simple to put together, seems sturdy and well made--haven't had any trouble with it at all. No squeaks, parts problems, etc. It is virtually silent as mentioned in other reviews, and feels very smooth and easy on your joints. It primarily burns calories by moving your big leg muscles, and helps with your cardiovascular fitness rather than building muscles. You could certainly lift weights, do arm circles, twist at the waist, or create other upper-body work if you feel the need.
Anyway, the bottom line is that if someone as lazy and exercise-allergic as me will get on and ride 5 days a week without whining, that's a pretty solid endorsement.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Space Saving Solution, September 7, 2006
If you want to exercise any time of the day without disturbing either the neighbors or your family in the next room, then the Stamina Silent Magnetic Resistance Bike is the perfect solution.
Not only is the quiet, it is comfortable and easy to assemble. While riding the bike, you can also see the TV since there is nothing in front of your face to look around. The main display panel is low enough and the seat is high enough to accommodate TV viewing. Most of the bike has been pre-assembled so it only takes a short time to finish the assembly.
The LCD Display area shows Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Program and Pulse. A little bike runs around the edge of the screen. Programs to choose from:
Fat Burn
Max Fat Burn
Aerobic
Hill
Interval
Mountain
The pedals are comfortable to push and the position you are sitting in seems ideal if you are worried about your knees being uncomfortable. Some bikes I've tried are too uncomfortable to use, so this one was a nice surprise.
The way this bike is made makes it easy to move. There are "wheels" or at least leveling caps that make the bike easier to move if you have to slide this back and forth on the carpet. Everything is included for assembly and once you get this bike all put together, it is very easy to use and quite convenient. Since it is so quiet, you can even use this bike in the middle of the night or while other people are sleeping.
In 32 minutes it seems possible to burn 250 calories, ride
4.6 miles and maintain a speed at about 8.2 or higher on level 2. There are many levels, you can work your way up to various levels or change the levels manually for cooldown.
One day I rode for 8 miles in an hour!
~The Rebecca Review
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comfortable, Quiet Ride, April 6, 2007
This review is from: Stamina Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike (Sports)
I purchased this over a month ago and have rode it on average 5 - 7 times per week. It was easy to assemble although I did get some help from my 4 year old son!
The heart rate monitor was a little flaky at first and would reset to zero when I was in the middle of a program but I later found that one of the plugs was not in all the way.
I usually use it in the early morning when everyone else is asleep and with it being so quite I dont have to worry about waking anyone. I'm 6 foot and find that the adjustments still have plenty of room both shorter and longer.
I'm 41 and had been doing light weight training for about a year but hadnt done any aerobic exercise for a long time. I started using it with the 20 minute programs at a resistance of 5 using the first program (1=Fat Burn, 2=Max Fat burn, 3= Aerobic) working my way up to the third program. The digital display shows you whether your speed matches the program with an easy to see light. I am now on resistance 6, second program after four weeks with two more resistance levels to go. During some evenings I just ride it for an hour at a steady 10 mph watching tv.
I would recommend this to anyone wanting an inexpensive, comfortable exercise bike to get back in shape on.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|