can one lose weight by riding a stationary bike?

[cateyes1]

I just started riding one and I was wondering am I waisting my time when it comes to losing weight? has anyone lost weight riding a stationary bike?

[yosav]

i also recently bought a stationary bike, i put it on the highest setting, and fell it working, so i guess it helps

[animikokala]

It can be done, so long as you eat healthy and spend enough time (at least 30 minutes/day 5/week) using the bike at at least a moderate intensity.  (no leisurely biking pace) So you aren't wasting your time; exercise is exercise.

However, you'll burn fewer calories per hour using a stationary bike than you would using a treadmill (running) or elliptical at the same intensity.  The extra moment in the rest of the body, particularly the arms, accounts for the extra calorie burn.  The stationary bike is a good choice if you are having health problems with weight-bearing exercises, already past the "walking to build up cardio" stage, or don't have access to anything else.  The bike is also easier to maintain a moderate to high intensity compared to an elliptical or treadmill, so if you can't do higher intensities on those, but can on the bike, then stick with the bike for now.

Really, using a variety of machines if you have access to them is best.  It changes things up so the muscles don't get too used to doing one thing.  Once your muscles adjust to the exercise, you don't get as much benefit (including calorie burn) as you would in the beginning.

[cateyes1]

It can be done, so long as you eat healthy and spend enough time (at least 30 minutes/day 5/week) using the bike at at least a moderate intensity.  (no leisurely biking pace) So you aren't wasting your time; exercise is exercise.

However, you'll burn fewer calories per hour using a stationary bike than you would using a treadmill (running) or elliptical at the same intensity.  The extra moment in the rest of the body, particularly the arms, accounts for the extra calorie burn.  The stationary bike is a good choice if you are having health problems with weight-bearing exercises, already past the "walking to build up cardio" stage, or don't have access to anything else.  The bike is also easier to maintain a moderate to high intensity compared to an elliptical or treadmill, so if you can't do higher intensities on those, but can on the bike, then stick with the bike for now.

Really, using a variety of machines if you have access to them is best.  It changes things up so the muscles don't get too used to doing one thing.  Once your muscles adjust to the exercise, you don't get as much benefit (including calorie burn) as you would in the beginning.

Thank you for all that, you really seem to know what you're talking about...much appreciated 

[oldbuddy]

Riding the bike is the first time I have been able to stick with anything for over a month, so it has to be worth something. I have lost a few pounds, but probably mostly from diet changes.

[Tresbn00]

I have lost weight riding a stationary bike but my stationary bike is a Lifecycle which goes through patterns designed to change your pace and provide more of a challenge.  After several weeks of doing the stationary bike the weight loss will stagnate so you need to try alternative excersizes like running/walking fast, rowing machines, swimming and I think that weights are a great way of getting in shape but not necessarily losing weight because you are gaining muscle which weighs more.

[ktheodos]

Why would you not be able to? It's not much different than riding a normal bike, except that you're not going anywhere (officially)....don't forget, you have to eat healthy too!

[oldbuddy]

I thought it was interesting how many exercise bikes are listed in Craigslist for pennies on the dollar that say they are hardly used.

[cloudsoup]

i think any kind of exercise that is powerful enough
to get your heart working faster is beneficial.
i've read up on how much weight you can lose by
walking and other simple exercises, and it all depends
on how much you push yourself. so, basically if you're
working up a sweat, you're doing something right  

[mattc4000]

The short answer is yes.  Anytime you increase your activity level you can lose weight (assuming you are eating correctly as well).  However, a stationary bike is the most efficient solution as you burn less calories per hour on a bike than you do typically on a treadmill, cross trainer, or doing a cardio kickbox class.  Good luck!

[raven1114]

Yes you can lose weight with a stationary bike. I would however add in some strength training to go with it. Even some light weights can help or yoga or Pilates is good for strength training.

[sherryinutah]

I just started riding one and I was wondering am I waisting my time when it comes to losing weight? has anyone lost weight riding a stationary bike?

I think as long as you get your heart rate up and keep it there for a good 20 minutes or more you can expect to lose weight.  If you perspire you can initially expect to lose water weight and if you have a 20 minute...or longer...cardio workout you'll also burn fat.  I like using my recumbent bike with a heart rate monitor.

[alwaysinstyle]

i don't know.but i think you should be able to.yu need to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and of course drink plenty of water.it will help.
beasides i also think any type of sport makes something good to us.good luck to you