Bought Recumbent Bike-have ?

[CasinoKathy]

Over the week-end hubby and I bought a recumbent exercise bike for me, to hopefully strenghten my weak leg and keep it more functional.

I knew I would have a problem keeping my weak foot on the pedal but thought the strap that comes on the pedal would be enough to keep the foot in place.

WRONG It just plops right off !! Hubby has to hold the foot in place and then I can pedal away. Course this is not a good way to use it.

We have to come up with somekind of strap to wrap around the foot and pedal to keep it in place. Hey-- I was thinking of telling him to get out one of his shorter rubber straps that he uses for various things and we could try that.

Even if he has to put my foot on the pedal and strap it on for me, that's ok- I just want to be able to use it. If I can only use it when he is here and not off and on whenever I want- I can live with that.

Does anyone have any ideas on what we could use to keep my foot in place? Heavy duty velcro straps?? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks, Kathy

[rdmc]

I have a nice recumbent bike/hand cycle combo machine.

Two strategies: first try pedaling the opposite way. Instead of pushing forward with your foot/feet, try pedaling like you were going backwards or putting on the brake. This works for me (but you really should be exercising both ways because each action uses a different set of muscles.)

Second strategy: If you wear the bulkiest pair of shoes you have and your foot still won't stay on the pedal (have you checked to see if there's an adjustment on the strap on the pedal...mine has about 5 settings) but if not, get a small bungee cord and run it from the strap, around the back your shoe and to the other side of the strap...that should keep your foot on the pedal

[DancingPhalanges]

Are the pedals on the bike removable, as in could go to a bike store and get different pedals to install? If you can do this I would suggest getting the kind of pedal with a clip on it, you would need to get special shoes, but the shoes have a piece that the clip on the pedal slides into. Good luck!

[gomer]

I WAS thinking of VELCRO straps. Home improv big box stores often carry some LONG velcro.

On second thought (blowing fuse) what about making a bracket of say aluminium. kind of a flat U shape for side (maybe also with a rear flange) support, yet still able to remove foot if needed. Another optinion bight be say a large pop bottle, 2 liter?, easily cut with a carpet/utility knife to make a U shape to fit your foot/heel in.

My concern is what if you NEED to get your foot OFF the pedal? I am more comfortable with you being able to get on/in and off/out by yourself if needed.

I took a smaller pop/water bottle cut down to make a cup holder (fastened to a thin board, fits under cushion) for my powerchair.

I am sure there will be even mor suggestins come along, stay tuned.

DocGomer Doctor of, Been There, Done That.

[elmo2010]

would you do better if you had more support for your foot? like a metal or wood plate the length of your shoe with a piece at your heal to keep from slipping back.

we used both for someone who didn't have the cognitive or physical ability to keep her foot on a small pedal, the longer support it provided along with a very minimal strap did the trick

[MrsBones]

How about instead of trying to keep your foot on the pedal, you keep just your shoe on?

Maybe you could sacrifice a pair of sneakers or something like that, attach the shoe for the weaker leg to the pedal and simply slip your foot in and out when you want to pedal?

Or you could look for something like these:
http://www.meijer.com/s/m-wave-toe-clips/_/R-151673

There are the pedals that special shoes fit into as another poster mentioned. They would be the most secure, but it may be difficult to find a pair that work with your bike. I don't know that the shaft the pedal fits onto would be a standard bike size.They're also a bit pricey, especially considering you'd have to get the shoes as well.

The ones I linked to are toe clips that fit onto the pedal and might be easier to fit to your recumbent.

There's also :
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...eProductSearch

[KoKo]

Hi Casino Kathy

When I got my recumbent bike a few years ago, I had similar issues.

My shoe would not stay in the plastic foot strap. I finally decided to remove the strap from the pedal.

In the beginning, I would keep adjusting my foot when I would feel it starting to slide off.

Over time, my leg and foot got used to being on the pedal. Now I can ride for 15, sometimes 20 minutes before I need to re-adjust my foot on the pedal. (I can see it starting to get to the edge of the pedal so I adjust it by lifting my leg under the knee and moving it over a little)

I'm not sure if this will happen for you, but after much repetition, my leg and foot became acclimated to that position much better than in the beginning.

Good luck to you! I really enjoy my bike as it is comfortable, quiet, and I can change the amount of tension. I watch TV while riding.

Take care,
KoKo

[wkikta]

Soft bungee straps should work better than the black rubber ones, too stiff. They don't have to be real tight, just snug.

I have found that not wearing shoes is the best for me. I just wear socks and my feet fit under the straps very well, shoes make them too big to fit under the straps completely, some people say I have big feet, but they just have small ones.

[REG53]

I had the same problem until I adjusted my seat up closer and I always were rubber sole shoes.

[kellijo]

We have a recumbant bike too. I actually have to use it bare foot. Tried with sneakers on and just doesn't work for me.

I must have little grippers for toes.

[CasinoKathy]

Thanks

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful suggestions! Hubby and I tried alot of them. Finally got the right combo to keep my weak foot on the pedal.

First, we moved the seat way forward so I don't have to stretch my legs out. This works the best for me. Hubby had some kind of strap, actually is 3 straps together. They are all adjustable and are flat so are very comfortable on my foot (I do wear my shoes, tried without, no good.) He can't remember where he ever got this strap, but it is similar to those you see on luggage.

He puts one part of the strap around the heel of my foot and the others are crisscrossed over the foot. Friday was the first day that I could actually get going half way decent on the bike. Did 5 minutes with only stopping for maybe 20
seconds here and there. Today did 5 minutes 2 times with the 20 second break afew times. Yee-Hah!!!

I am so glad I decided to get this and give it a try. When I get off I have so much more feeling in the legs and feet, it's unbelievable!! A much more lighter feeling and more tingling, not that heavy dragged out feeling that I have alot. This usually lasts for several hours too!

Hubby has to be here for me to go on it, because he has to put my foot on the pedal for me, and then strap it on. But that's ok, I never thought that leg would move like that again. What a great feeling!!

I would recommend a recombent bike in a flash!! We only paid $130 for it at Fleet Farm. Yippee- I want to become a pedal power girl!!

[CasinoKathy]

Update on Recumbent Bike

I think I got the hang of this--am up to 22 minutes in a sitting now- YEE-HAH!!! Wow, I never thought I would get this weak leg and foot moving anywhere close to this again.

Gotta say--I feel so much better both mentally and physically after riding the bike. It's like --Yes-- I can still function- it's different than before ms, but it's still good!

Hubby has to actually lift my foot and strap it onto the pedal, but where there's a will there's a way! I couldn't do it without him though and I make sure I tell him often how much I love him and appreciate him and all he does for me!

[KoKo]

Hi Cathy

Thanks for the update - I was wondering how you've been doing with your new bike.

Gotta say--I feel so much better both mentally and physically after riding the bike. It's like --Yes-- I can still function- it's different than before ms, but it's still good!

I can really relate! I love my bike too.

Take care,
KoKo