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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 7, 2021 16:33:18 GMT
I have been using the Peloton app since December 2019. I initially downloaded it after seeing a thread here, and intended to use it with my treadmill. But the first time I tried it, the treadmill decided it was done. I had an elliptical sitting here that I had not used in years, so decided to "do" the cycling rides on my elliptical. I have been doing that since. I was going strong until about May and then became really inconsistent due to work schedule changes, plantar fasciitis, and just lower motivation. I have been trying to get back into it ever since but just don't seem to have the same energy for my workouts.
I have been debating about getting a spin bike but am hesitant for a few reasons. I am wondering if the bike would be better or worse for my foot pain? Will it be too hard? Will my butt hurt too badly? I know (hope) that if I got one, I would love it and it would help renew my interest in the workouts. But I guess I am also nervous that I will hate it and it will just sit here unused. What are your experiences between elliptical and spin bike in terms of workout, impact on knees, back and feet, etc? Thanks!
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Post by scraphappy0501 on Dec 7, 2021 17:51:33 GMT
I don't have an elliptical but I do have a Peloton bike so I can share my experience with that. I'm imagining if you have a spin bike but not a Peloton your experiences might be similar.
You can get a really good workout on a spin bike - it all depends on the effort you put into it. Faster cadence and/or more resistance will give you a better workout. I have mediocre-at-best knees (surgery for a torn meniscus on one knee and totally ruptured ACL on the other) and bad feet (3 surgeries on one foot, one on the other.) My back is in decent shape. I don't have any issues with my knees or feet with the Peloton. My knees actually feel a little better than before I had the Peloton because I've strengthened the supporting muscles in my legs. Unless you do a lot of out-of-the-saddle riding there's not a lot of weight on your knees or feet - your butt takes most of the pressure. That being said, when you first start to ride your butt will hurt. That goes away after about two weeks and then it's fine. There are so many Peloton classes, you should be able to find an instructor and a class type that suits your needs, at least in my opinion. I'm an old, out-of-shape wimp and even I've found classes/instructors that work for me - I still get a good workout, my heart rate stays in the correct working zone for my age, and I don't feel exhausted or in pain during or after the ride.
Hope this helps a little!
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Post by papersilly on Dec 7, 2021 17:52:34 GMT
for me, the elliptical is kinder to my knees than the bike.
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Post by worrywart on Dec 8, 2021 3:48:31 GMT
I like both but at least on the elliptical you will get more weight bearing exercise - good for the bones.
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pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993 
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Post by pancakes on Dec 8, 2021 13:29:25 GMT
Do you have a front or rear flywheel elliptical? I don’t typically have joint issues, but I couldn’t use a front flywheel elliptical because it puts extra strain or pressure on my joints when I use it. I’m wondering if that could be contributing to any pain.
I don’t have as much issue with a spin bike. First, if you have the bike shoes, they clip in and make it less difficult to pedal. Second, for me, the movement is smoother.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 8, 2021 16:29:17 GMT
Do you have a front or rear flywheel elliptical? I don’t typically have joint issues, but I couldn’t use a front flywheel elliptical because it puts extra strain or pressure on my joints when I use it. I’m wondering if that could be contributing to any pain. I don’t have as much issue with a spin bike. First, if you have the bike shoes, they clip in and make it less difficult to pedal. Second, for me, the movement is smoother. It is a rear flywheel. I often have to get off and on the elliptical so I am wondering if clip-in shoes would be a PITA? |
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,710
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Dec 8, 2021 16:38:44 GMT
Do you have a front or rear flywheel elliptical? I don’t typically have joint issues, but I couldn’t use a front flywheel elliptical because it puts extra strain or pressure on my joints when I use it. I’m wondering if that could be contributing to any pain. I don’t have as much issue with a spin bike. First, if you have the bike shoes, they clip in and make it less difficult to pedal. Second, for me, the movement is smoother. It is a rear flywheel. I often have to get off and on the elliptical so I am wondering if clip-in shoes would be a PITA? Possibly? If you buy a Peloton, it comes with delta pedals. The cleats on the shoes stick out, so they are not necessarily easy to walk around on - especially if you have hard surface flooring. I switched my pedals to SPD, and those cleats are recessed in the shoe, so you can easily walk around in those. You can ride with flat pedals with the straps, so getting on and off would be a non-issue, but you just don't pedal efficiently this way IMO. |
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,507
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Post by ellen on Dec 8, 2021 22:28:52 GMT
I bought a spin bike last winter - a Schwinn IC3. I was using it with workouts from the Les Mills app. They are great workouts and they taught me how to use my bike. I sprained my ankle in the spring and I was able to continue spinning without trouble. At the end of the summer I used healthcare reward $ to buy a pair of good spin shoes. That was kind of a game changer. My pedaling became much more efficient. Then the weather became colder and I got the Peloton app to mix up my workouts. I have a renewed love of my bike. My bike keeps track of the cadence (RPM) and I have to adjust the resistance by what feels right. I figure if I'm following the cadence and if feels like I am doing what the instructor says I have adjusted the resistance correctly.
My butt got used to the seat. I bought a pair of padded bike shorts and that makes a big difference, but I don't use them all that often anymore. The workouts are challenging, but you can decide how hard it will be. If you are using the Peloton workouts, do a 10 minute warm up ride followed by a 10 minute cool down ride. It'd be productive, but you won't be feeling like you are going to die. You'll get used to biking for 20 minutes. Then start doing their 20 minute rides. Build up to doing a 20 minute ride followed by a 10 minute cool down ride. Then move onto a 30 minute ride. There is so much flexibility with the app.
I have only used an elliptical a couple times and I hated it. I don't know if I'd like my bike if I was just riding in my family room while watching tv, but I really enjoy the classes. It goes by fast.
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Post by beaglemom on Dec 9, 2021 0:06:13 GMT
I'm totally biased, but I love my Peloton. I have had it since January 2019 and just hit 1,200 rides a week or so ago. I ride daily 30-90 minute rides. I was having huge issues running and needed something that didn't hurt. I have been so happy with it. Bike fit is really important and can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Any of us with one can give you a code for $100 off the accessory package. We bought the original bike Jan 2019. This summer we drove (in a trailer) that bike out to CO to have it to use at my sil's. We left it there for them and ordered a bike+ for us to have at home to replace it. We just ordered a second bike+ so that my dh can ride too.
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paget
Drama Llama
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Dec 9, 2021 0:25:59 GMT
It is a rear flywheel. I often have to get off and on the elliptical so I am wondering if clip-in shoes would be a PITA? Possibly? If you buy a Peloton, it comes with delta pedals. The cleats on the shoes stick out, so they are not necessarily easy to walk around on - especially if you have hard surface flooring. I switched my pedals to SPD, and those cleats are recessed in the shoe, so you can easily walk around in those. You can ride with flat pedals with the straps, so getting on and off would be a non-issue, but you just don't pedal efficiently this way IMO. Or you can be like me and continue to use delta clips (but different shoes because I didn’t like the peloton ones) and just always leave them clipped on the bike so I just slip my feet in/out each time 😂 |
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Post by heathers on Dec 9, 2021 0:29:51 GMT
I'm totally biased, but I love my Peloton. I have had it since January 2019 and just hit 1,200 rides a week or so ago. I ride daily 30-90 minute rides. I was having huge issues running and needed something that didn't hurt. I have been so happy with it. Bike fit is really important and can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Any of us with one can give you a code for $100 off the accessory package. We bought the original bike Jan 2019. This summer we drove (in a trailer) that bike out to CO to have it to use at my sil's. We left it there for them and ordered a bike+ for us to have at home to replace it. We just ordered a second bike+ so that my dh can ride too. If you and your husband live in the same house, you both can have a profile on the same bike. Maybe there’s a different reason for ordering a second bike (and none of my business) but just in case others read this, thought I would give a heads up  I was a peloton app user during the early parts of COVID on a very cheap setup. After ‘riding’ for almost a year, I decided to upgrade to a peloton and I absolutely love it. The original bike has dropped in price and for me, having the metrics built in was worth the few hundred extra dollars. Personally, I feel the bike workouts kick my booty way more than an elliptical did. I can’t comment on the foot pain but peloton does have a 30 day return policy so if it doesn’t work out, you can always return it. |
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Post by beaglemom on Dec 9, 2021 0:50:12 GMT
I'm totally biased, but I love my Peloton. I have had it since January 2019 and just hit 1,200 rides a week or so ago. I ride daily 30-90 minute rides. I was having huge issues running and needed something that didn't hurt. I have been so happy with it. Bike fit is really important and can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Any of us with one can give you a code for $100 off the accessory package. We bought the original bike Jan 2019. This summer we drove (in a trailer) that bike out to CO to have it to use at my sil's. We left it there for them and ordered a bike+ for us to have at home to replace it. We just ordered a second bike+ so that my dh can ride too. If you and your husband live in the same house, you can both can have a profile on the same bike. Maybe there’s a different reason for ordering a second bike (and none of my business) but just in case others read this, thought I would give a heads up I was a peloton app user during the early parts of COVID on a very cheap setup. After ‘riding’ for almost a year, I decided to upgrade to a peloton and I absolutely love it. The original bike has dropped in price and for me, having the metrics built in was worth the few hundred extra dollars. Personally, I feel the bike workouts kick my booty way more than an elliptical did. I can’t comment on the foot pain but peloton does have a 30 day return policy so if it doesn’t work out, you can always return it. Yes we know. We currently ride next to each other, me on the Peloton, him on his road or tri-bike using a smart trainer and zwift. We have a number of profiles set up on the bike. We just like getting to ride together. There is an adorable couple on the main Peloton fb group that have bikes side by side and cast to a large screen to bike together. I was more trying to say we love it so much we are getting a second bike so we can ride together. If you have any foot, knee, etc pain I highly recommend a bike fit. You may be able to find someone local to do it, otherwise Matt Wilpers' (one of the instructors) has a a group that does them. Having the correct fit makes a HUGE difference! I made it about 100 rides with the shoes that came with my bike and then started having issues. I have had my current pair (specialized) since about ride 200 with no issues. I can tell when the cleats on the bottom of my shoes have shifted because I start having knee and/or glute issues. So I make sure to check things monthly to make sure that I am all good. |
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,507
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Post by ellen on Dec 9, 2021 1:25:04 GMT
The Schwinn IC4 is currently on sale for $800 which is a pretty good price if you were interested in a non-Peloton bike that is well set up to use with the app. If I lived in the same location the entire year, I would probably have a Peloton bike. but I spend the summer and all fall and spring weekends at our lake place - I run a lot during the summer. I just can't justify spending that much money for something that I will only use part of the year. If I miss my bike a lot this summer I probably will get an IC4 and have one at home and one at the lake.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 9, 2021 4:21:52 GMT
Thanks everyone!
A Peloton isn't in the budget so I have been looking for other options with good reviews that are also good for very short people. From reading different threads on FB it looks like the Joroto x2 is a good option. They have one with SPD pedals. I assume that would be the better choice based on what you guys are saying?
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,507
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Post by ellen on Dec 9, 2021 21:16:09 GMT
I think it sounds like most spin bikes use the SPD clips. Definitely get shoes for spinning. They make a big difference. My bike came with the SPD clips. I have Tiem shoes and it was easy to attach the clips to them. The shoes were expensive, but I used reward $ to pay for them and will use them for a long time. I read a lot of articles on spin bikes before I got mine and remember reading good things about the Joroto bikes. One thing I think I like about not having a Peloton is that my bike doesn't convert to the Peloton resistance levels. I go with what challenges me and allows me to keep up with the cadence. I have a feeling that if I were using the true Peloton resistance levels that I would be dying on my bike. Instead I pedal away feeling like I'm getting a great workout.
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,507
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Post by ellen on Dec 29, 2021 15:53:49 GMT
Did you buy a bike? I saw that the IC4s have come down in price again - you can use a $100 coupon with Amazon. Target also has a deal where you can purchase one for $799 and they'll give you a $100 gift card. I'm kind of tempted to get one and move my other bike up to the lake.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 29, 2021 20:30:49 GMT
Did you buy a bike? I saw that the IC4s have come down in price again - you can use a $100 coupon with Amazon. Target also has a deal where you can purchase one for $799 and they'll give you a $100 gift card. I'm kind of tempted to get one and move my other bike up to the lake. I actually just ordered an Echelon GT from Target today. I was ready to get the Joroto because I like the price and it sounds like it is good for short people, but my brother told me that he got an Echelon so I started looking at those. I like that it is a more well-known brand and I wouldn't need a separate cadence sensor. I hope that I love it! I will be picking it up in a little bit. When I was doing research, many people said that the IC4 didn't work for someone my height (and I have tried to sit on one at the store). The person in the Echelon chat told me that their bikes are good for someone 4'11" and above, so I hope that is accurate. I am 4'11". Wish me luck! |
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,507
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Post by ellen on Dec 29, 2021 21:41:04 GMT
Did you buy a bike? I saw that the IC4s have come down in price again - you can use a $100 coupon with Amazon. Target also has a deal where you can purchase one for $799 and they'll give you a $100 gift card. I'm kind of tempted to get one and move my other bike up to the lake. I actually just ordered an Echelon GT from Target today. I was ready to get the Joroto because I like the price and it sounds like it is good for short people, but my brother told me that he got an Echelon so I started looking at those. I like that it is a more well-known brand and I wouldn't need a separate cadence sensor. I hope that I love it! I will be picking it up in a little bit. When I was doing research, many people said that the IC4 didn't work for someone my height (and I have tried to sit on one at the store). The person in the Echelon chat told me that their bikes are good for someone 4'11" and above, so I hope that is accurate. I am 4'11". Wish me luck! I'm excited for you! I just checked it out. I think you'll be happy with it. I'm 5'4" and I have my bike seat on the lowest setting, so I can see where that could have been an issue for you. I also bought my bike without having ever done a spin class and was worried that I might not like it. It's great. |
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