Exercise bike or Treadmill ??

[fbg40]

Hi
I suffer from quite bad Osteo Arthritis (one knee has been replaced, the other will probably need to be done in the next couple of years) but need to exercise to lose some weight and strengthen my quads. Can anybody offer any suggestions as to what they would consider to be my best option - exercise bike or treadmill.I'm not one for going to the gym nor walking the streets. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
FBG40

[Hopkirk]

I would have thought swimming was a good idea, as there is no impact or weight on the knee.

[sandyRoe]

The exercise bike would take weight off the joints. It seems the best option but I'm no expert.

[ChuckFickens]

^ agree.

[ChuckFickens]

I was agreeing with hopkirk.

[wolf63]

Are you sure that you are going to use the machine? I have an exercise bike in my wardrobe and prior to that I used it to hang clothes on.

[fbg40]

Thanks for such prompt replies folks !
FBG40

[Old_Geezer]

Agree with most here. Swimming is a good choice if you like making your way to damp atmosphere swimming pool smell places, and using changing rooms. But if you can find the willpower to set aside a time each day to use it then running has you thudding down on the treadmill each pace whereas you simply sit and push on a cycle, which must be the better option. Or if you feel up to a bigger challenge there are always the rowing machines.

[daffy654]

I'd probably choose the treadmill as you don't have to run on it, walking would help the weight loss, cycling may cause more joint pain in a shorter period of exercise.

[Brinjal]

Rowing machine.

[johnk]

Swim or row

[Kiki-frog]

I've got osteoarthritis as well and I use an exercise bike, which is great as the movement is fluid and the saddle of the bike takes my weight so there is no pressure on the joint. I have tried a treadmill, but I find it makes my joints ache. Even though the impact is fairly cushioned on a treadmill, it still puts more stress on the joints than a bike.

[fbg40]

Many thanks for all the advice folks.
FBG40