Spin Bike for dummies

I have zero recollection of doing it, so it must have been a complete non-issue. The only thing I do remember is it was a hassle to get rid of the packing materials because the cardboard was too big for curbside recycling. 

Have you used a excercise bike before?

I have found that bike seats (excercise, spin, regular) very uncomfortable and felt like my butt was sore just from sitting on a bike seat for a long time. Yes even the nicer cushy ones that you can buy. The spin bike was the worst.

But lots of people have no issue with it so 🤷🏻‍♀️ YMMV

Also, get bike shorts that have padding for your butt if needed. Keep in mind that the first few weeks, your butt will probably be sore but you may get used to it if you keep at it. I was sore for about 3 weeks and now I'm never sore and I don't wear bike shorts.

We had an elliptical that we sold before moving here (big mistake—if we had only known!). It folded up into a footprint of about 30” x 40”. It was tall because of the screen and the arms, but it was on wheels that were exposed when folded and was really easy to fold and unfold. That thing was a brick and didn’t move when it was unfolded. Unfortunately, it was at least 15 years old, so no one will have it in stock anymore. 

Another thing to consider is a 24 hour access gym like Snap or the like. DH uses the gym on base and there are VERY few people there at 6am. Most show up as he’s leaving. I’m not sure if that’s an option for you. 

Also, don’t underestimate the benefits of just walking. You don’t need a piece of equipment to do that!

I'm absolutely in love with my bike. But I've lost ZERO pounds. This is because I eat too much. The saying on the peloton message board states that you can't outride a bad diet.

However, I am in the best shape I've ever been in my life. I FEEL a thousand percent better than I used to. I still have my days of laziness, but I feel so much better exercising.
I think sometimes that it's good I exercise because during that time I am not eating. I know you said you don't eat much so maybe you'll have better results than me.

It is my goal to get a better diet, but right now, I just am not committing to it. I'll get there eventually. I do believe my body WANTS to lose weight, but I have my moments of eating a whole bag of chips on the couch so I'm self-sabotaging. F-ing Covid.

Anyway, you can't go wrong investing in yourself. My bike has done wonders for my mental and physical health.

Ditto.  I have dropped 8 lbs this year through IF.  Otherwise, I'm a huge stress eater too. 

I have to download that app. I'm on the FB groups but I haven't put this all together yet.  I have a HRM arriving today or tomorrow.  I do Yoga via Youtube and most of my rides as well but I am using the free Peloton trial.  Just started week 2 of the strength training program.  

For yoga, it's a yoga mat. Usually a yoga block is suggested. Sometimes a blanket or pillow if you do recovery yoga. 

Meditation, it's come as you are. 

For strength, there are a ton of options. Some bodyweight, some light weights and others are more bootcamp like with heavier weights.  They have a few strength sessions that use a resistance band. There are also bootcamps, cardio and walks/runs. I downloaded it for the bike classes and stayed for the variety of classes offered.