Best Exercise Bike for Parents 70+

wau2 on 20/06/2023 - 19:59
Last edited 20/06/2023 - 19:59

Hi
My dads (70+) gp recommended using an exercise bike for future exercises as his knees are starting to hurt when going for walks each day. Alternate days with bike and walks.
I have been researching but most google and forum recommendations are for spin or getting Fit. Can anyone recommend anything that’s suitable for the older generation ? I presume they won’t be able to lean (so not spin), and slow speed, low resistance.
Also being my dad he doesn’t want to spend much at all (but I’m happy to buy an ok one and just tell him a cheap price )

Thanks in advance

Sports & Outdoors Exercise Bike

Comments

  • Aap Ke Papa on 20/06/2023 - 20:13
    +2

    what do you think of something like this
    https://www.amazon.com.au/DeskCycle-Under-Exercise-Pedal-Exe…
    Simple small, can be used while sitting, watching tv, on the bed/chair

    Ensure you dont get a light weight one. 10kg min.

  • Bing0 on 20/06/2023 - 20:15
    +3

    Recumbent bike of some type sounds his best bet. I have a Concept 2 bike, but it's pricy… really great though.

    • wau2 on 20/06/2023 - 20:29

      Great idea!

      • Protractor on 20/06/2023 - 21:43
        -3

        Really? Down low like that? You'd want to be riding somewhere safer than most urban death traps.
        Honestly if his knees are already getting sore via daily walks, alternating between walking and cycling will not fix the issue.
        Unless of course he's doing massive walks.
        Presumably your fathers GP has ruled out structural issues and all other possible reasons his knees are failing. Such as arthritic,workplace wear from earlier life,previous injuries.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2023 - 20:49
    +4

    Why don't you book an appointment for your Dad with an exercise physiologist who can better determine the best exercises & the appropriate equipment that is fit for purpose?

    • Protractor on 20/06/2023 - 21:43
      +1

      This.Or get a second GP opinion.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2023 - 22:06

        GPs would have no idea. They google your symptoms for a stab in the dark diagnosis, at the best of times.

        If exercise is an option to improve mobility then the best thing is to be seen by a specialist in that field for tailored advice.

        • Protractor on 20/06/2023 - 22:09

          I totally agree. My hint was first step 'find a new Dr'.
          Pretty sure their advice would be > physio consultation.

          • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2023 - 22:16

            @Protractor: Finding a good GP is key & a lottery. Everyone needs to advocate for themselves and their loved ones as placing your health in their hands, in good faith, does not bode well for many people.

            • Protractor on 20/06/2023 - 22:19
              +1

              @[Deactivated]: Maybe that explains why ppl happily outsource ascertaining important medical ( actually insert any profession you like) advice to shopping hackers with Cert 2.2 in rechargeable battery acquisition.

              • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2023 - 22:24

                @Protractor: lol - If only it was as simple as eneloops!

    • wau2 on 20/06/2023 - 22:36

      Thank you I will do so. I will get him a second opinion with my own GP who use to be a physio as well. I’ll also look at Physios around

  • Protractor on 20/06/2023 - 20:50
    +1

    I'd be looking at some hydrotherapy, rather than pounding the crap out of dodgy or painful knees on any form of bike. You need good healthy quads and gradually build it up. Also physio advice at this point makes far more sense than GP or a forum

    • jumpypotato53 on 20/06/2023 - 22:19

      This makes more sense. When people buy these equipments they rarely use past the first couple of months.

    • Euphemistic on 21/06/2023 - 05:53
      +1

      If you are pushing the pedals hard and have the seat at the right height bikes aren’t that hard on your knees.

  • sumyungguy on 20/06/2023 - 20:58

    Consider: Horizon Comfort 3 or 5

  • CyberMurning on 20/06/2023 - 21:36

    whatever you buy just get them to try dont just buy online.
    try make sure they like and can do it

  • morse on 21/06/2023 - 04:10
    +2

    I misread the heading as ‘Best Exercise for Parents 70+‘ and missed the bike part and had already written the comment below re exercise for older people with knee pain, so see below even though it’s not what you were asking (sorry), might be something he goes for (especially the falls prevention exercises). Re exercise I’d get him to try a few types in a gym setting first to see how he goes, e.g. spin, recumbent, standard. A physio should also be able to advise.

    Aqua aerobics, deep water running or swimming. Most local pools do classes of the first two and it’s pretty good for the social aspect too. He might be out numbered by ladies, but he may not mind that. Very often council will subsidise some classes.

    Weights and a resistance training program put together by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, there’s a lot of centres now specialising in gym programs for older people. He may be able to get some paid by Medicare through a Chronic disease GP Management Plan, the GP can set this up. He may want to go to a gym, or have some hand weights and resistance bands at home. It’s also a good idea to do some basic falls prevention exercises daily (or multiple times daily) once getting into this age range if not particularly active otherwise https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdf/Falls_Pre…

    Tai Chi or Qigong

    Presuming the knee pain is osteoarthritis the mantra is ‘move it or lose it’ best not to avoid movement due to the pain. https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/managing-arthritis/living-…

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