For the Heart: Cycling Fitness Training

When many people go to the gym, the first thing they step on is the treadmill. Running is seen as the ultimate conditioning exercise; marathon runners are seen as the epitome of peak conditioning, and a few miles on the treadmill must be better than any other exercise. However, even marathon runners train beyond running. The body, if put repeatedly through the same exercises, will adapt and plateau—eventually, running will no longer do any good. Long-distance runners spend time on the elliptical machines, the stair machines and even in the weight rooms. And one of the best types of exercise, even better than running in many ways, is cycling fitness training. Exercise bicycles provide cardiovascular exercise, but also extensive resistance training for the leg muscles. Cycling fitness training works the body in different ways, it works the heart in different ways and it works the mind in different ways—no matter an individual’s fitness goals, it is the perfect supplement to any routine.

Total Body Workout

Cycling fitness training is growing more and more popular, especially among female athletes. Spinning classes are some of the most popular group fitness classes, even compared to aerobics. Cycling fitness training requires no complicated moves to learn—most people remember how to ride a bicycle from childhood. This means that from the first class, or from the first few minutes on an exercise bicycle in the gym, anyone can beginning getting his or her heart rate up. There is also no extra equipment needed. Almost every gym has Spinning bicycles, and often entire rooms dedicated to the exercise.

Cycling fitness training classes aim at making exercise fun. While anyone can walk into a gym and sit down on a stationary bicycle, Spinning classes help motivate individuals by pumping music into the room and creating an environment of shared fun and enjoyment. The exercise is simple, and the bicycles can be adjusted to personal height and resistance. And there is always an instructor there to both guide the “terrain” and to help individuals who may have problems during the class. Cycling fitness training, while a great cardiovascular exercise, also provides intense muscle toning, and muscle, even in the legs, raises metabolism and helps increase overall calorie burning.

Cycling fitness training is also very useful for people who want to get into the sport of cycling. Be able to build muscle and endurance in a safe, indoor environment, long before ever getting on a real bicycle, is a good way to start. And it also provides continued training during bad weather or the off season. Many of the stationary bicycles available today are built to resemble the real thing, and both professional athletes and amateurs can benefit from cycling fitness training.