Is it worth doing the bike?

[Zarabelle]

Hi

I had my first child in April and am now trying to get rid of the baby bulge! I currently do 40 mins cardio 2-3 times a week.

15 mins - cross trainer (random program)
15 mins - treadmill (hill program)
10 mins - bike (speed program)

My question is - how come you burn so many less calories on the bike? It is my least favourite out of the three machines and 10 mins of peddling like there's no tomorrow only burns about 60 cals as opposed to the treadmill 135 cals and the cross trainer 300 cals.

Should I just go on the cross trainer longer?

Any advice would be appreciated

[Richt]

Re: Is it worth doing the bike?

To be honest, I dont know why you burn less calories on the bike. I'm assuming thats its just down to the fact the you are working your legs. Where as on the cross trainer you are working your arms too.

Personally I think you have a good mix there. IMO its always good to have a number of different routines because that way there is less chance of getting bored.

Rich

[ladyinred]

Re: Is it worth doing the bike?

Hi Zara! I don't usually waste time on the bike. I go on it more in the spring b/c I want to get my legs ready for any biking we may do at the cottage. Other than that I walk on the treadmill on an incline (which is great!) and I do the elliptical. What's the cross trainer? Is that where you pedal and move your arms back and forth? Whatever that's called, I use that sometimes too b/c it really works up a sweat. So my 2 cents (or 2p in honour of you being a Brit - lol) is that I wouldn't do the bike if you don't enjoy it and you aren't training for some kind of biking marathon. Exercise should still be fun.

[Zarabelle]

Re: Is it worth doing the bike?

Thanks Guys

LIR - I think the cross trainer is also called an Eliptical trainer. You stand on it and move your legs in a kind of ski/round movement and move your arms back and forth.

x

[Richt]

Re: Is it worth doing the bike?

Thanks Guys

LIR - I think the cross trainer is also called an Eliptical trainer. You stand on it and move your legs in a kind of ski/round movement and move your arms back and forth.

x

Zara, I can confirm that yes our cross trainer is the same as an eliptical trainer

Rich

[Zarabelle]

Re: Is it worth doing the bike?

Thanks Rich - blimey, it's not easy to try and explain it is it?!!

[Richt]

Re: Is it worth doing the bike?

Thanks Rich - blimey, it's not easy to try and explain it is it?!!

Its a nightmare! These Americans all have strange words

[2big4mysize]

Re: Is it worth doing the bike?

if you really want to know why your biking burns so many less cals stand up and bike. When correctly biking the weight load on your legs is minila only the leg itself while when you do the others your legs are loaded each motion with your whole body weight so the force is much greater.

DO what you like to do. if you'd rather spend your whole cardio on the eliptical then do it if you want the treadmill then do it.
Most trainers try to get you to switch it up for 2 reasons working different major muscles and boredom.

Happy low carbing.