But what if you're SHORT??

  •   #1  
    pmhlb's Avatarpmhlb , 11-15-2008 09:13 PM
    Would appreciate any advice on finding exercise equipment suitable for someone with short legs! I would love a recumbent bike, but can't find any where I can REACH the peddles comfortably.

    Thanks!
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  •   #2  
    chunckymonkey's Avatarchunckymonkey , 11-15-2008 09:36 PM
    Hi, at the gym I go to almost all the machines are adjustable in one way or another. I'm not much taller than you and I go to the gym. My trainer only has me on cardio just before our sessions to get my heart rate up (usually I'm on the elipitcal) and then we work on weights. The machines he says help burn calories but don't do alot for building muscle - and I feel his point the day after every session...believe me! Haven't been sore using the machines as I am after working out with him. Anyway, hope this helps...Colleen

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  •   #3  
    srmb60's Avatarsrmb60 , 11-15-2008 09:40 PM
    One of the first things the gym owner did was show me how to adjust everything for short people. The recumbant bike I like goes two notches shorter than I need even.
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  •   #4  
    pmhlb's Avatarpmhlb , 11-15-2008 11:28 PM
    Looking to *buy*
    Guess I should have made it clearer: I am looking to purchase a recumbent bike. Generally, lots of stuff at the gym can indeed be adjusted to fit me, but when it comes to *buying* a recumbent bike, I am hitting a wall!
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  •   #5  
    cbmare's Avatarcbmare , 11-15-2008 11:42 PM
    We are NOT short! We are vertically challenged!
    Reply
  •   #6  
    lizziep's Avatarlizziep , 11-15-2008 11:46 PM
    I bought a True Performance Series PS 900 recumbent bike. It is adjustable even lower then I need and I'm also 5 foot 2- AND my 6 foot 4 husband also uses it comfortably. Very easy to adjust and is the best bike we found. We also looked everywhere and couldn't find anything that we thought was good enough for the price. We bought a floor model from a professional store and it cost us about $2000.00
    We had to search for anywhere that even sells professional grade stuff- but well we're heavy and we want it to last and it was worth the money for us.
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  •   #7  
    pmhlb's Avatarpmhlb , 11-17-2008 03:31 PM
    Biting the bullet
    Thank you! I guess I won't find a bike at Sears or WalMart. There are several serious fitness places here, so I may just have to bite the bullet and fork out some big $$.
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  •   #8  
    LandonsBaby's AvatarLandonsBaby , 11-17-2008 06:18 PM
    Even with adjustments, I have to sit on the edge of the seat.
    Reply
  •   #9  
    ghost's Avatarghost , 11-17-2008 07:54 PM
    I'm shorter then you and have no problems on recument bikes (hint: there is usually a lever under the seat to adjust it).
    I enjoy the treadmill and the elliptical also.
    Reply
  •   #10  
    pmhlb's Avatarpmhlb , 11-19-2008 06:00 AM
    Hi Ghost,
    The seat adjustment does not make a difference for me; the problem is that my legs are proportionately shorter than most 5'2" folks. Yestderday, I found a very low SCHWINN bike with a HUGE adjustment range. So it looks like my problem is solved!
    Reply
  •   #11  
    pmhlb's Avatarpmhlb , 11-23-2008 07:17 PM
    Ironman 'Charger' recumbent bike -- soliciting comments!
    I decided against the Schwinn, as I learned that parts are not readily available for it (older model). I have decided to buy a *new* bike! I went shopping today and found a very unique recumbent bike: the 'Charger' by Ironman. It fit me (!), has some nice gadgets, is easy on the eyes, and has a fantastic seat. Has anyone had any experience with Ironman equipment? See it at ironmanfitness.com/product.php?id=charger&cat=bikes
    Looking forward to your comments. Thanks!
    P
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  •   #12  
    kelly315's Avatarkelly315 , 11-23-2008 09:57 PM
    Are you wearing sneakers with decent sized soles when you try the bike? I'm 2 inches taller than you, true, but I can usually get the bike to more into a small enough position to make me comfy.
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