Article # 169. Benefits of Indoor Cycling

Benefits of Indoor Cycling

The benefits of indoor cycling, both physical and mental, can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.  Perhaps this is why indoor cycling workouts were the most significant new fitness trend of the 1990s, and continue to gain in popularity today.  And, while the many benefits may be enough to convince you to try this form of exercise, another equally enticing quality of indoor cycling is that it’s fun!  Participants report that time spent during indoor cycling workouts seem to fly by, as opposed to other forms of cardio, and that they gain a real sense of accomplishment after completing a “ride.”

Physical benefits of indoor cycling:

·         Weight loss

·         Increased energy levels

·         Stronger heart and lungs

·         Decreased risk for heart disease

·         Increased bone density

·         Better sleep

·         Improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Getting the most from your indoor cycling workouts:

To reap the most benefits of indoor cycling possible, you need to be sure that you are exercising in the right “zone.”  This is determined by measuring how hard your body is working at any given point during your workout, and can be done by two methods:

·         Heart Rate.  To find the correct zone using your heart rate, take the number 220 and subtract your age; multiply this number by 70% -- this number is your targeted zone to gain the maximum benefit from your workout.  To see where your heart rate is during a workout, simply find your pulse and count for six seconds, and then add a zero.  (Or, to take the math out of it, purchase a heart rate monitor that will tell you your heart rate at a glance.)

·         The Talk Test.  This is the simplest way to determine how hard you are working.  During your workout, say a full sentence.  If you can’t finish your sentence, you are probably exercising too hard; on the contrary, if the full sentence is very easy to say and you are not winded at all, you should pick up the pace for more calorie burn and benefits!

Mental & emotional benefits of indoor cycling

The benefits of indoor cycling are not limited to physical aspects; cycling bike workouts can do wonders for your mind, as well:

·         Relief from stress and anxiety

·         Eases symptoms of depression

·         Increased confidence about appearance

·         Improved ability to visualize and focus on a goal

·         The great variety of indoor cycling workouts

For many people who want to get in shape, cardio is something that simply must be tolerated to reach a goal – but with indoor cycling workouts, cardio is something to look forward to!  The varieties of different workouts that are possible on a cycling bike are limited only by the imagination.

Other important benefits are:

Cycling overall is a great exercise. But one of the main obvious reasons why I prefer indoor cycling is that “it lets you stay indoor” and still you can get all the benefits of cycling. One of the cycling exercise benefits is, Cycling increases the density of human bones. That’s why it is very helpful for the kids as well as the elder people to ride cycles.

Build Leg Strength

The program is also an effective exercise for building and toning lower body strength, particularly in the calves, buttocks and quadriceps, and the muscle tendons, according to Alive. It's especially beneficial if you want a cardiovascular workout that will improve your legs without any type of weight bearing exercise.

Minimizes the risk of heart disease

Another important benefit of indoor cycling is the decreased rate of heart disease. So those who are suffering from heart related diseases can consult with their doctors. Doctors sometimes suggest doing indoor cycling regularly. A survey by the American College of Sports Medicine proved that the people who regularly practice or perform indoor cycling are in less danger of being attacked by heart diseases than the usual people.

Long term well being

Regular indoor cycling can make ones’ heart and lungs stronger. As cycling ease the blood circulation process of human body, it makes heart and lungs stronger than usual. So, start indoor cycling from now on, without any confusion. Benefits of biking exercise are really very good for human health from every side.