FarHorizon

My better half and I are looking for an indoor exercise machine. My wife has heel spurs, and has some doubt that she can sustain her current treadmill workouts. She prefers not to exercise outside, so we're looking for indoor equipment. The equipment that has impressed us so far are the recumbent exercise bikes and the Octane Fitness XR6 "xRide." The latter has the benefit of allowing upper body workout as well as the legs.

Has anyone experience with recumbent exercise bikes and/or the Octane equipment? I'd appreciate you sharing if you would.

Thanks - FarHorizon

jppe

Sorry but not with me, other than the hotel stuff-just bikes on trainers-and that is rare for me!!

stapfam

The machine that gives me the best workout at the Gym is the crosstrainer. It is also the most enjoyable as you use legs and upper body as you wish. There is also no jarring as on the treadmills.

5 years ago when I started using the gym- I hated this machine. took a while to get adjusted to the movement and smoothness that is required to operate it correctly but once that was done- it was the one machine I could use without putting strain on any part of the body- but you can make it do that if you operate it incorrectly or if you want to.

Knale

My indoor workout equipment exists of a Sports Art C531r recumbent exersize bike
https://www.sportsartamerica.com/SAF/...cles/c531r.asp
and a Weider 200 power tower (pull up, dip, leg lift, push up station).

My first preference is to ride any of my bikes outdoors along with an upper body workout with the power tower. But when that is not possible I use the recumbent.
I have had the Sports Art c531r for 4 years. Because of the unique adjustability of the seat, this is probably the most comfortable exercise bike I have been on. These bikes are commercial quality bikes, and are built like a tank. The c531r has all the bells and whistles on it. If you do not need all of that, the c520r is basically the same bike with less bells and whistles.

ukmtk

I have a good quality cross trainer (York x301).
I really like it. It can work you as hard (or as easy) as you want.
It is a brilliant way of exercising - especially as there is no impact on one's joints.
See here for more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_trainer
I normally use it a couple of times a week in interval training mode. I cycle 4 days a week.
I also use the cardio + fat burn programs.
I'm hoping to use it more if the weather gets really nasty.
Just don't get a cheap one - get one with programs.

FarHorizon

This: https://home.octanefitness.com/produc...15&ITEM_TYPE=E
is the doodad that we're looking heavily at. It isn't cheap, but seems to be well made.

ukmtk

Looks like a very nice piece of kit. Should last forever.

FarHorizon

For their price, it ought to!

Schwinnsta

An elliptical machine would be better but look at Schwinn Airdyne. It is bike with an air resistance fan (faster pedaling produces more resistance) and gives an upper body work out too. Easy find cheap on the used market.

My wife uses one I picked up for $40 off Craigslist.

FarHorizon

Thanks - This is probably the most cost-efficient choice. My wife likes the Airdyne models, and I think that Schwinn has even made some in recumbent style with the back support. Craigslist is definitely an option!

The Weak Link

My 0.02 USD: Airdynes are Satanic. Had one for a few years and hated it. They make you feel like you've falling into a jet turbine. Way too noisy.

late

Have you looked at the Octane Q series? No impact, incredibly smooth.

I have a Concept 2 rower and can't say enough good about it. It's terrific.
https://www.concept2.com/us/default.asp

wrk101

I had a Tunturi Recumbent, very comfortable, and very quiet. I sold it on Craigs List cheap.

I would keep an eye on Craigs List and the thrift stores, as used exercise equipment has little resale value.

Consularrider

I also use a Tunturi Recumbent. If you go the exercise bike route, I think you need to get a model that you can program for varied resistence during your workout (or easily adjust on the fly).

cranky old dude

We have both an Eliptical Trainer and an Airdyne at home.

The wife has M.S. and loves her Eliptical Machine and routinely does vigorous 30 minute workouts with it. She gets an excellent cardio workout without any of the impact punishment of running either out doors or on a treadmill. Riding a bike or the Airdyne often bothers (hurts) her weakend leg. I hate her Machine and don't use it at all.

I use the Airdyne and have a T.V. and DVD player set up in front of it with a set of headphones. I choose to just sit upright and let my hands ride on top of my thighs but that's my option. I enjoyed a good 20 mile ride on it after work this morning while viewing the Director's cut of Woodstock, The Movie. I've often wondered if I would enjoy a Recumbent trainer more, but for now I'll stay with what I have.

Both machines have both upper and lower body workout capabilities in addition to the cardio workout.

oilman_15106

Don't know about the quality but Wally mart has some at good prices.

ewesel88

I've owned and used a LifeCycle for about 10 years and have had no problems with it. It's quiet, and the HR monitor works well. The seat could be better, but it's not a major problem.