Need some advise.

[Iron Fist]

After been told by my doctor that I am over weight and my bp is to high he advised that I take up swimming or cycling. So was just wondering what the best bike to get for beginners is; it been many many years since I last had a bike, as the last one I had I rapped it round a tree going down a hill side to dammed fast.
Ended up with a broken ankle that has never been correct; even with the couple of operations on it and repeated visits to the physiotherapist. Now the ankle joint looks like it needs more surgery to correct other problems.
So would I be best to get back on my Bike or take up swimming.

 

[ELL]

and you don't feel the sweat with swimming

 

[ACS]

Having suffered with lower leg injuries from excessive road running, I would suggest that you get assessed by a sports physiotherapist specialising in leg /ankle injuries (football club physio for instance ) and discover if cycling will aggravate the injury /stress the joint/ cause additional damage before you spend out on a bike.

It may be that swimming will be you only option however, the physiotherapist may recommend cycling because to it is non weight bearing.

IMO expert advice is the best way forward

 

[andyfromotley]

Try a bit of both? Add in some gentle but longish strolls. Walk everywhere yo possibly can instead of using the car /bus and you'll soon be fit. That way you wont become bored with just doing one type of exercise, and if the weathers sh!t you can go swimming etc. But definitely include cycling in your program, it's great fun. Just plan your routes to avoid hills at first.

good luck

 

[garrilla]

I would try swimming and a spinning class. If you find that the spinning classes are ok, ie don't hurt your ankle, then it might be worth spending some $$$ on a bike.

 

[Beaker39]

I have had knee and ankle problems over the last 15 years or so, gone ACL , hardly any cartilage left, arthritis, ankle ligaments…..you get the idea and have started cycling about 3 months ago with no issues at all. It is almost like a miracle cure!!

It’s weird in that I can walk round Warwick Castle for 3 hours and my knee starts to hurt ….. but I can cycle 100 miles flattish and 60 miles in the Peak District hills without ANY problems at all.

Did try swimming but not only found it boring but the ranges of movement in the joints were a bit too large for me. I had more movement control cycling.

 

[Globalti]

A good cycling physio can sort out all kinds of posture and position problems to give you a comfortable ride.

 

[Arch]

My bro-in-law broke hi ankle badly playing football, and he can cycle ok (not loads but he sometimes commutes). I guess it depends on the injury, so +! for asking an expert.

You don't have to fork out a load for a bike either. Go second hand, get an old tourer or town bike, just to potter about on. If it works and you enjoy it, then you can splash out.

Best of all I guess, is to cycle to the swimming pool, then cycle home again afterwards....

 

[Tfp]

A good cycling physio can sort out all kinds of posture and position problems to give you a comfortable ride.

Can anyone recommend one in Cambridgeshire?

Just got back in the saddle and getting lower backache, Im thinking that I may just need to get my posture right.

 

[Globalti]

Ask your local physios if they know anybody who specialises in cycling.

 

[andyfromotley]

Or you could just borrow a bike and try a little cycling, see how you get on. To begin with virtually any bike will do (see my sticky at the top of this page).

You might just take to it without any problems.

andy

 

[The Jogger]

For your high bp you need to look at the dash diet, it is absolutely brilliant , can reduce bp in two weeks, I think there is a book on amazon for about £4.50 worth every penny!
Treat yourself to a halfords subway, resonably priced all rounder and well rated!