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Posts: 6,164
11/20/09 10:44 P

A recumbent bike has no real impact issues (especially when compared to tunning), so probably fewer concerns than normal.

But if you are recovering from a knee injury, I am guessing that the more important issue is using the bike on a low resistance setting, rather than the duration.

That said, if you are recovering from an injury, surely it is more prudent to undershoot in terms of the length of your workout, than to overdo things. you may want to try the first couple of workouts at just 15-20 minutes, and if these feel pretty comfortable, you can increase things from there.

M@L

current weight: 196.0

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Posts: 253
11/20/09 10:36 P

Take it very slow in the beginning and keeping building up your stamina and endurance.

current weight: 162.0

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Posts: 2,447
11/20/09 7:45 P

Start out and take it slow. If you can do 15 minutes without a problem, the next day do 20... and so on. I believe that the recommended level of activity is 30-60 minutes a day. I try and get a minimum of 60 minutes and more if I can. The more I exercise ~ the more energy I have. Good luck with your recovery.

Pounds lost: 70.0

0 18.75 37.5 56.25

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Posts: 131
11/20/09 1:57 P

I'm certainly not a doctor but I did have knee surgery five years ago (never did the rehab and I'm paying for it now). When I started the bike I initially could only go for 10 minutes at the lowest power level. I gradually worked my way up to 15 minutes, then 20 minutes...all the while keeping the power level at the lowest. Once I could master 20 minutes without pain and no pressure, I upped myself to 30 minutes and started adding some intervals. Mine you, they are not extreme intervals but they are at least higher than the bare minimum. The key is to start slowly and gradually increase the resistance. I did this on my own without the advise of a doctor only the help from my trainer who made sure I had proper form on the bike and monitored my increases.

Pounds lost: 56.0

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Posts: 41,259
11/20/09 12:50 P

Hi Lynne

I'd ask your doctor to tell you how much time to start with, and then you can build from there.

Coach Jen

Posts: 8
11/20/09 11:25 A

NO he didn't give me any guidelines. The only comment was that as long as I am in the brace my injury is protected.

current weight: 207.5

215 196.25 177.5 158.75

140

SparkPoints: (13,777)
Fitness Minutes: (13,070)
Posts: 812
11/20/09 11:18 A

When your doctor cleared you to ride, did he give you any guidelines on how much to start with? If he didn't, then I would probably start out slowly, maybe 15-20 minutes at first to see how you feel. You can always build up from there. The key is not to overdo it right away, or you'll be right back where you started.

Good luck to you!

Ruth

Pounds lost: 64.0

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Posts: 8
11/20/09 9:39 A

I was cleared this week by my doctor to begin using the recumbant bike with my brace on. But I am trying to figure out how long I should ride. I am a runner and I know how to begin training from scratch running but using other equipment... I am lost.

Should I do 20 min a day? 30? 60? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

current weight: 207.5

215 196.25 177.5 158.75

140