Cross Training Questions

Is exercising on a Stationary bike a waste of time?

I was listening to a radio talk show on the way into work this morning and they mentioned something about stationary bikes being useless. Obviously I know that there are exercises more beneficial and provide better results than the bike but i have bad knees and find that the bike doesnt put as much stress on my knees as a much as an eliptical or cross-trainer machine. So I am wondering if I have just been wasting my time or if the radio talk show host doesnt know what he is talking about.

Public Comments

1. What a load of rubbish !! I do spin classes at my gym which is indoor cycling, really fast sprints and hill climbs and I sweat like never before and to be honest, my fitness has improved and I have toned up big time since doing this. Everyone is different and it does depend how hard you work but generally speaking, it is a damn good cardio class !!
2. If you suffer from some form of osteoarthritis, then the elliptical trainer will be better for you than the bike.
3. The stationary bike is great. It is wonderful that you found something you can use without hurting your knees. Keep up the good work.
4. Your thighs will become fat and unpropotional to your body. Look at those Bicycle riders.
5. Was the talk show tied in with an ad for another exercise system? Never trust advertising.
6. He has no clue. Any kind of aerobic activity will be beneficial. Bike, running, plyometrics, whatever! The reason people like the bike is because it's LOW IMPACT. About 2 years ago I was on the treadmill and the bike and I lost 30 pounds in about 3 months. Again, don't believe everything you hear. Any kind of physical movement is beneficial nowadays.
7. i am a hardcore mt biker and a stationary bike is useless to me because i am used to the real thing which requires power stationary bikes dont workout my legs as much.... but it is better than nothing best regards
8. I enjoy walking and do 2 miles every day, weather permitting. Today I have 4" of fresh snow and will spend 20 min on a stationary bike. I'm diabetic and know that the bike will lower my sugar, but not as much as walking. A stationary bike is a good form of exercise, I don't care what anybody says. Aside from the legs, it gives the heart and lungs a good workout. Remember , any form of exercise is better than no exercise!!
9. Running is the best form of excercise to gain stamina and endurance, but bicycling works just as well for stamina but will take a little longer. Cycling is a lot easier on your knees so stay with the bike it is a very good excerise of aerobic and anerobic.