Expert: Kim Farmer - 2/9/2011

Question
Kim
A few questions please?
I just purchased a stationary bike with handles you place your hands on to assist the pedaling. My arthritis wont let me run or use an elliptical for long.
I do work up a huge sweat on this, compared to my old regular bike, and according to the meter I can burn 1000 calores in an hour.
1.) This seems awesome but is it realistic?
I hit 1000 for the first time yesterday and today I am ravenous, even though yesterday I ate normally, I even over ate a bit.
2.) Does this indicate my metabolism is spiking or something else? If I have the willpower and can diet on these days I should lose weight right?
3.) This machine also forces me to sit upright, and I try to suck in my belly. On my old bike I slumped over the handlebars. During a walk my daughter though I looked taller and my posture was a little better.
3.) Is this conciously sitting upright with my belly in helping my posture too?
Thanks for your answers!

Answer
Hi Sue, unfortunately your meter is probably uncalibrated.  I don't really know an activity that can be done that would allow someone to burn 1000 calories an hour (if I did, I would probably be rich!)

You will lose weight if you have a deficit of calories.  A deficit of 3500 calories (probably over a week) will allow you to lose 1 pound.

It is true that you are helping your posture by sitting upright while contracting your abdominals.  Keep doing that and you will help strengthen your back and core muscles.

Hope that helps, thanks for the question.


Kim Farmer
ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
www.MileHighFitness.com
www.teambeachbody.com/coachfarmer