Gym Cycling, Good For Fitness?

[Adeyy]

Good evening, I was just wondering if you guys could help me...
I have recently, two months ago, started at university in a pretty large city.
Before I came to university I was rather fond of cycling, when the weather was nice... However, since I have got here I haven't cycled once and I doubt I ever will while I am here, due to the factI will probably end up getting hit by a car knowing me...
But to my question, I was just wondering, will cycling on a bike in the gym help with cycling when I get home or would I be best off using a cross trainer/rower or maybe even a treadmill?
It is just that I have read, in some places, that gym bikes are pretty naff haha

Cheers guys

 

[Diggs]

The bikes in the CV area my gym are not great but I'd rather nip down there at lunchtime than do nothing. If you have the opportunity, I find spin classes pretty good. The spin bikes are closer to actual riding and you have that addition benefit of the encouragement of the instructor and those around you.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Better than doing nothing.

 

[Adeyy]

The bikes in the CV area my gym are not great but I'd rather nip down there at lunchtime than do nothing. If you have the opportunity, I find spin classes pretty good. The spin bikes are closer to actual riding and you have that addition benefit of the encouragement of the instructor and those around you.

Aye that is fair enough, I shall try and look for some spinning classes.
Cheers

 

[Noodle Legs]

I did a spin class as part of a spa day package with the Missus, highly recommended!

 

[ttcycle]

Why don't you have a go at cycling on the roads? What city are you in? I'm sure it really isn't as dangerous as you think it is.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Good evening, I was just wondering if you guys could help me...
I have recently, two months ago, started at university in a pretty large city.
Before I came to university I was rather fond of cycling, when the weather was nice... However, since I have got here I haven't cycled once and I doubt I ever will while I am here, due to the factI will probably end up getting hit by a car knowing me...

University cycling club..?? There aren't many Unis that don't have one, or at least have links to a local one...

 

[fossyant]

Some bikes are better than others. Our gym has had a load of them (new gym) but none are really suitable for a cyclist - very sit up and beg, huge saddle (over twice the width of my saddles) and the 'inbetween legs part' is way too wide. I find them quite painful, as I can't get a good saddle set back. I'll usually use a cross trainer, tread mill or rower for cardio.

 

[Adeyy]

I am in Manchester

Cycling in any city for me would be bad, my concentration is appalling.
There is a cycling club here as well that I was considering, but to this and the previous response, I haven't brought my bike so it is just me wondering what would be best until I brought it for when I grow a pair and go out cycling (Y)


That is what I have heard about the bikes in gyms. Unless there is a spinning bike there I might just get back in to running and start using the rower/cross trainer more

 

[Licramite]

I use an exercise bike at home as by the time I get home its dark in the winter - and cold wet and horrible and sod it - no fun
so yea hit the gym - bang on the ipod , burn music and enjoy it,

 

[gbb]

Some bikes are better than others. Our gym has had a load of them (new gym) but none are really suitable for a cyclist - very sit up and beg, huge saddle (over twice the width of my saddles) and the 'inbetween legs part' is way too wide. I find them quite painful, as I can't get a good saddle set back. I'll usually use a cross trainer, tread mill or rower for cardio.

The saddle bit's true, they are so so different from what we're used to. That said, i always seek out the hotel gym when i'm on holiday and spent some good time spinning on a machine. The positionings completely different, the saddle's a pain, but you still get a lovely sweat on after an hour. Good for the legs, good for the lungs. Better than nothing eh ?

 

[Albert]

I go to the Gym once a week. It has some terrific Gym Bikes with simulated routes, race simulation - the works. Personally I never use them as I cannot adjust them accurately enough to be sure of avoiding injury. I prefer to do the weight machines for upper body/core conditioning and leg strength training + cross trainers (skiing), running and rowing machines to work the muscles that cycling might not reach. I do use a turbo trainer at home when the weather is too miserable in the knowledge that the "fit" is spot on.