(no subject)

So, in an effort to deal with my weight and blood pressure problems (~270, ~150/90 respectively), I have taken up exercise. Specifically, I got an exercise bike, and am trying to use it on a regular basis. It weighs about 140 pounds, and the heart attack I got carrying it up to my 3rd-floor apartment (elevators are for the not-poor) should shave off a few. However, I've noticed that, according to its little counter, each minute's exercise on the resistance level I can handle (2 out of 10) is only worth 2 calories. So, at the recommended workout time of 20 minutes, that's a whopping 40 calories. Now, maybe that counter's inaccurate, and I'm burning off more because I get my heart rate nice and high, but it's discouraging nonetheless.

Also, it's weird: most of the strain while using the bike feels to be in the knees, and yet when I stop and start walking around, my knees and shins feel fine ... but my hips and thighs feel as though they're packed with lead. Odd.