Fitness

Today is a day I am normally allocated/allowed to go and swim. I am gaining, so I can't do too much exercise but I am still okay to do three days of cardio work for a half hour each time maximum if I eat it all back. It's also a boon as I am wobbling about with my depression right now - including at this very moment - and the exercise helps me focus on other things. 

I cannot reach my pool today. My mum is really unwell and to walk in this weather... well, I might as well have taken the swim before even reaching the centre.

But our home equipment is limited. We have a stepper, though this makes an awful lot of noise for what it is and as mum is sick I am not happy to disturb her. The only other thing we have is like a primitive stationary bike. It is just a set of pedals, on a small frame, no display, nothing fancy. You sit in a chair and put it in front of you and voila, it's a cheap take on a bike. I've not really used it before.

My question is this.

Is there really any point in me using this little frame and pedals as a means of light cardio exercise or should I just suck it up for a day? And for future reference, is it really any good for exercise at all?

Take it easy today and go to the pool tomorrow!  You will feel cheated if you do something you don't like doing.

Can you cobble together some weights and do some weight training at home?  As a former anorexic, you need to regain muscle.  Melkor has posted some links to sites that have recommendations of how to improvise weights from stuff you can find around the house.  Weight training would be better for you than cardio.

Clharr: Ah, I do weights as well, I should have said. I'm allowed cardio no more than three times a week for a max of 30 minutes each time, monitored by someone else with me - and usually don't manage more than one of those - but I also lift weights three (different) times a week somewhat religiously with rest inbetween.

Yogagirl: I likely will do that, but it's not that I don't enjoy cycling or anything - I'm just honestly wondering if such a piddly little thing would even DO anything! Heh.

EDIT: ... 30 hours? Uh, fixed!

I was just thinking that since you can only do cardio 3 days a week, use the time for something you enjoy doing!   - 30 hours - must be a typo.

hey LALABANANA,

  Sorry to be off topic, but I always check on what you are doing because everytime I see your posts it reminds of my daughter who's about your age and who's nickname is Lala.  You seem to have such a great head on your shoulders. (American for Awesome). You are always helping others with some very heartfelt advice and you always comment with thoughtfulness and intelligence.  May I suggest something on your recovery road?  Yoga.  If there is any way you could take a class of any type I know you could benefit.  It would take you mind off of the "calorie burn"  and put it into where it needs to be.  What is this doing to benefit lalabanana?  You have come SO far.  I admire your determination and wish you all the best!

Whoops. That's 30 minutes at a time. Not 30 hours. I'd be dead. D:

Betzc: Aw, thankyou. :] And you have a point. It's not about burn and effectiveness but what it'll do for me. I have been going to a couple of yoga/pilates classes with my mum as our GP recommended it to her as physiotherapy (sciatica). I have been looking at this little bike wondering if it'd ultimately help with my depression when I want to get active, but it's raining or the gym is out of the question. It... doesn't seem that way, though, so I will probably get rid of it or donate it to somewhere :s Heh.

AHA! I found a picture of something like it.

http://www.yooralla.com.au/DVAGRAPHICS/AV02-0 001.jpg

... yyyeah...