Is it really possible to get fit on a stationary bike? This is a question many people want to know the answer to. How do you get in shape when cycling indoors? Well, this really is a great form of exercise and not something that can only be done outside best treadmill under $1000.
Although you might find more enjoyment out of cycling outdoors, you can turn the indoors into a great cycling experience. Ever heard of spin classes? They seem to be all the rage. Here's what makes a good spin class.
How Indoor Cycling Gets You in Shape
Endurance riding helps build and tone muscles. To achieve this you'll need to increase resistance which will simulate hill climbing.
Indoor cycling burns fat with quick bursts of energy. You ride real hard and fast for that fat burning workout in indoor cycling. Doing this in short bursts for like a minute with a 15-second rest in between three times makes for a great workout.
What You Need for Indoor Cycling
You need a stationary bike, obviously. If you don't have a lot of room in your home, then you might want to join a gym and do actual spin classes, but if that's not your thing you can get a decent stationary bike cheaply at a second-hand shop or tag sale of some sort. Test it out first.
Plenty of water is required. You're going to need it because you are going to work hard and you want to stay hydrated.
Cycling shorts will be more comfortable. They won't move around a lot like other shorts. And since you will be working up quite a sweat you will want to be in something comfortable.
Sneakers or specialty cycling sneakers with an SPD cleat on the bottom that can be attached to the pedal can be used with indoor cycling. Either one will work and will give you results. The specialty cycling sneaker will just give you more stability when riding.
A heart rate monitor might be helpful. It's not necessary, but you might want to keep track of your heart rate because you are definitely going to get it going. It will also tell you how many calories you have burned. It will help you to not overdo it, too, especially if you know your target heart rate before you begin.
Indoor cycling is something that you can do all year round. It does not matter what the weather is like outside, it just matters that you do it. Whether it's too cold, too hot, raining, or snowing, you can still cycle. And it's something you will see results with. You can mix it up where one day you work on endurance and build and tone your muscles, and the next you do the fat burning.
Turn on the music and pump it up loud. Watch a movie, catch up on email even while you're cycling indoor. It is something fun to do and it is an excellent way to get yourself in shape.
