Exercise bike – which muscles work

Content

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• How exercise on a stationary bike affects the body
• Muscle work on an exercise bike
• What is the difference between an exercise bike and a real bike?

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Increasingly popular in modern fitness clubs is gaining such a direction of cardio training, as the “cycle”. Cycle is a group lesson that is conducted using exercise bikes. During the lesson, the instructor controls the pace of the ride and the load, and also mentally supports the students so that they do not get bored during the performance of uniform movements. In turn, every rational practitioner thinks while sitting down on an exercise bike, which muscles work during training and how does intense pedaling affect his body? Today we will analyze these issues and put them all on the shelves..

Classes on a stationary bike are designed to simulate riding a real bike, but there are significant differences. So, for example, the risk of injury while exercising on an exercise bike is negligible, while fans of a real (especially extreme) bike ride periodically get into unpleasant situations. In addition, the effect on the muscles that exercise on a stationary bike and riding a real bike is different. This is due, first of all, to the fact that the bike is unstable and moves relative to space, while the exercise bike is stationary and stands firmly on the floor.

By pedaling the exercise bike, you can change the load by simulating a hill ride and gear shifting on a real bike. Also, most exercise bikes are equipped with displays that allow you to observe at what speed you are traveling, what is your heart rate, how many calories are burned, etc..

How exercise on a stationary bike affects the body

To begin with, it’s worth saying a few words about how in the complex exercises on a stationary bike affect the physical condition. Riding a stationary bike perfectly trains the cardiovascular and respiratory system, and also develops the muscles of the lower body – legs and buttocks. In addition, intensive cycling will help you lose weight and tidy yourself up..

Here I recall that in order to start burning fat, you need to intensively pedal for at least 20-30 minutes. After this period of time, the body will use up the available carbohydrates and get to the fat reserves. The exercise bike belongs to the cardio exercise machine, which, however, does not prevent those engaged at a high level of exercise from getting good muscle training.

Muscle work on an exercise bike

Gluteal and leg muscles

Buttocks, quadriceps (front of the thigh), biceps of the thigh (back), muscles of the inner thigh, calf muscles – all of them, working in combination, provide rotational movements of the legs when pedaling.

An exercise bike will not let you pump up volumetric muscles, since the principle of cardio training contradicts this. But to bring the muscles of the legs and buttocks into tone, betray them elasticity and relief, as well as reduce the thickness of the fat layer classes on an exercise bike are able to best.

Want beautiful legs and hips? Running on the bike! According to the intensity of the load, classes on a stationary bike are comparable to running in athletics.

Abdominal and Lumbar Muscles

These muscles are included in the work with intensive pedaling. The abdominal muscles, among other things, serve your respiratory function, and the lumbar muscles support the spine and provide hip flexion.

What is the difference between an exercise bike and a real bike?

What muscles do cycling have the most impact on and how it differs from what muscles work on a stationary bike?

Let’s first introduce an ordinary bike. Remember your feelings when in childhood you first moved from a tricycle to a two-wheeled bicycle? Such a bicycle in itself was a symbol of the transition from panties on the straps to the “adult” life. What did you experience first? That’s right – the feeling that now, in order to ride, you need to keep your balance, because a two-wheeled bicycle (as opposed to a three-wheeled one) strove to fall on its side, you just had to stop.

And now back to the exercise bike. In terms of sustainability, it is similar to a tricycle – you do not need to keep a balance. The simulator will not fail, it is stable on the floor and may well weigh more than you.

The exercise bike is designed to simulate cycling in tight spaces. Therefore, of course, he will not be able to completely replace a two-wheeled friend.

In particular, when exercising on an exercise bike, you do not need to maintain balance. You will not fall from it, unless, of course, you specifically set yourself such a goal. When riding a real bike, muscles additionally work, providing balance and an even position of the body – press and back.

The muscles of the arms and shoulders are practically not involved when exercising on an exercise bike. You don’t need to turn the steering wheel and keep it on a steep descent..

However, an exercise bike is able to give you what the ordinary is not able to give – almost complete safety. In addition, it is worth noting the unconditional comfort of training in the gym. There is no wind in your face, no dust from under the wheels and the prospect of “catch up!” and peel your knees. Cycle treats your joints and spine more carefully, the probability of getting injured when exercising on a stationary bike is very low.

Also, be aware that high leg loads endanger the knee and hip joints. Therefore, if you have had joint injuries or any concomitant diseases in the past, prefer a horizontal exercise bike.

Instead of a saddle, he has a comfortable seat, and your body is in a reclining position. The back during training on such a simulator is completely relaxed, the load on the knees is reduced.

So what to choose in the end? Peppy pedaling in the gym or riding a real bike? Considering all of the above, if you are not an extreme sportsman, tearing to the wild from the urban jungle, but just a person who wants to have a beautiful figure and healthy heart, cycling is what you need. The pleasant atmosphere of a fitness club, air conditioning and a shower after a workout are a welcome bonus.

Well, if the soul does not tolerate enclosed spaces, and city inconveniences do not prevent you from enjoying bike walks, make yourself a two-wheeled friend. In any case, you will not regret!