Even with the recumbent stationary bikes? 
The rowing machine could be a good experiment, if I could get loose before getting into the workout. NordicTrack made a treadmill with a really springy deck that I was interested in a couple of years ago. I don't think I could run on it, but maybe I could work up top it or at least incline it.
Regular bikes (I think) would be rough because of the neck needing to basically look "up" to be looking forward - and the arch of the spine sounds uncomfortable as well. I have a regular mountain bike in the basement from college that hasn't been ridden since.
I should look into the recumbent bikes - although I'd probably go for a road one vs. the indoor. However, I probably not looking at anything that's going to need that kind of financial investment this summer due to some recent reversals.
Being outdoors is really the key for me. As important as the cardio and moving around stuff are, the fresh air and sunshine seem to be what my body is really after. I'm the guy who works at home and can easily go several days without leaving the house. Anything that is not a desk, computer or drawing table has appeal.
Honestly, I was feeling really down last October. I wanted to move, I wanted a new job - nothing was good enough or seemed to be working out. I was depressed. I was about to go to a doc and ask about medication - that's how bummed and hopeless I was. Luckily, I talked to a friend about it first who I knew had a similar experience several years ago.
He asked if I was eating well. "No". Sleeping enough? "No". Exercising? "Uh, no".
Pretty obvious I needed to change lifestyle before looking into meds, but I was so turned around I'd try almost anything.
That's why I got the ski pass. The fresh air is huge, and it's great to have time on the chair to think. I usually only go for a couple of hours, which works out because I don't need to spend myself trying to get my dollars out of a day pass that runs about $50. I bought my pass in October for $280.00. It gives me two days a week (Tuesday and Friday) all season long.
And Deanpaul, doesn't the skiing jack your fusion problem all up too? Surprising that a few of things would, but that skiing doesn't. I guess I just don't know too much about the fusion thing really...
You know, it is weird. I went bowling last year and paid for days with a pinched nerve because of all the muscle guarding around my lower back. I was doped up on Lortab and flat for 3 days. Basketball would also be rough, with the hard floor, quick stops and pivoting.
Skiing is actually pretty low impact for my spine, and my knees are still solid. At least the way that I ski. I don't ski ice or hard moguls, never jumps, and I'm good enough that I don't really fall anymore. I do go fast. Powder and groomers are where I spend most of the time. It's really a pretty smooth and graceful ride, and my back gets a good range of movement making turns down the hill. I also hike a little to get to fresh snow in some of the areas, but never back country.
My sacroiliac joints are completely fused, so bending over to get the boots unbuckled is tough, but putting them on isn't bad.
Here's a
little video I shot of my daughter skiing. Note that I'm the one skiing backwards, with the camera.
