What is cycling for?

Many people don't like tiring exercises like running and walking, but prefer activities like cycling which are easier to complete. Many people think that riding a bicycle is actually not very useful. This requires us all to understand what kind of exercise cycling provides. So what exactly does cycling exercise do? Let’s take a look at the editor’s explanation below.

Cycling not only strengthens the body's internal cardiopulmonary function, but also exercises the upper and lower body. Today we will take a look at how the external parts of the body are exercised during cycling. When riding a bicycle, your legs and pedals move in a circular motion together, engaging different muscle groups throughout the body.

Cycling for a full body workout:

1. Thigh training: The quadriceps femoris (the four muscles on the front of the thigh) on the front of the thigh play an important role in the cycling process. They push the legs and knees powerfully every time you pedal down. The blue mark in the picture below is the location of the quadriceps.

2. The gluteus maximus (located in the buttocks) is engaged and exercised when you row your foot through the lowest point of the circle. The red area in the picture below is the location of the gluteus maximus.

3. The hamstrings (located on the back of the thigh), which are used when you bend your knees during the rowing process. Moreover, when pedaling in a circle, the hamstrings are best trained each time you pass the lowest point and then pedal backward and pull upward.

4. Calf training: The effect of calf training depends on where you place your feet on the pedals: if you place the forefoot on the pedals and pedal in circles, the effect of calf training will be much better than placing the heels on the pedals. If you place the middle of your foot on the pedal, the exercise effect will only be moderate. The calf muscles (located on the back of the calf) will continue to transmit the power generated by the quadriceps on the front of the thigh and the hamstrings on the back of the thigh through the soles of the feet and toes, especially when the pedal is at the lowest point closest to the ground, which can best train the calf muscles.

5. Exercise your core muscles

Cycling helps to shape a flat and fat-free abdomen because the abdominal muscles are exercised while riding. Cycling works your core muscles, which are the back and abdominal muscles that help your body hold a sitting position when riding. The correct riding posture can exercise the core muscles: keep your back straight, don't shrug your shoulders, and tuck in your abdomen. This posture is ergonomic, can avoid fatigue and sports injuries, and can maximize the use of your leg muscles.

The above is an introduction to the parts of the body that are exercised by cycling. Building muscle throughout your body not only helps you lose weight, but it also allows you to ride your bike faster and farther. Let's explain which muscles are exercised when riding a bicycle! It's easy for people to think that they only need to exercise their leg muscles, but in fact, riding a bicycle uses muscles all over the body. In order to fully transfer the lower body force exerted when pedaling to the pedals, the strength of the upper body is extremely important.