subject: Cycling For Fitness And Pleasure [print this page] One of the primary things that cause people to return to activities is whether or not they gained anything from the experience that they want to repeat. While this is true of just about any activity, it is especially relevant to exercise equipment.
This rings true for people who use exercise bikes to improve their fitness levels. While for some people, the results are reward enough, finding a sense of fun or satisfaction is an area that must be focused on in order to break up the strain and monotony that repeated usage will inevitably bring.
Exercise bikes work by having the user pedal while leaning forward, much as they would while riding the real thing. The pedaling motion provides exercise benefit and the simulation of the experience without having to move the user or have them find a location to ride in.
This convenience allows people to use the equipment whenever they please, and the machine is also adaptable and customizable. Essentially, any person of any skill set can find challenge in the experience.
This customization comes from the options built into the bike that allow for more difficult pedaling, as well as the simulation of climbing gradients that one would normally find on the road. This creates variability and challenge, making every session unique, at least in theory.
The workout that the exercise bike provides is an aerobic one, which strains the user by working out their endurance and strength capacity that provides a benefit even before fatigue is felt by the individual. The challenge is found in the experience, and can be tailored to target specific muscle groups, however most will opt for the already excellent benefit that a standard ride provides.
The exercise bike increases endurance by constantly adding to the capabilities of the cardiovascular system. With every subsequent workout, it is strengthened and becomes more efficient in providing stamina and energy to the rest of the body as it adapts in preparation for future strain.
The key concept behind this improvement is one of incremental increase. The body adapts and betters itself in real time to deal with strain and fatigue that have been imposed upon it.
By constantly increasing either the difficulty of the ride or by pedaling for longer periods of time, the user forces their body to constantly adapt to make it more efficient. This means that the body is not allowed to become complacent or too used to any one setting, because once there is no effort required to pedal as the user becomes fitter, the complacency and regression begin.
It is only through a constant stream of increases that progress is made and kept. Pushing the same ratio of adaptation to capability is the best way to ensure positive results are achieved.
Along with endurance, the exercise bike is also an excellent tool for increasing strength levels in the legs, core, and abs. The obvious benefit to the legs happens as a direct result of the constant pedaling motion that the user is required to put out.
The benefit to the core and abs happen as a passive effect because they are tightened and strained as the legs work the pedals around. The massive amount of repetition ensure that these muscle groups develop, and increasing the difficulty of the machine and making a physical effort to involve these areas will also strengthen them.
There is an element of fun that most people require to be present to return to the activity. Luckily, using the equipment allows for an easily tracked series of progressions that offer satisfaction and the knowledge that real progress is being made for the individual.
It is perhaps true that the sense of fun and the sense of achievement are linked, and that link should be stressed as the fitness regimen is implemented. If the people using the equipment are able to meet their goals, they feel a rush and feel that they can repeat the sequence.
Using an exercise bike can be an excellent way to improve overall fitness levels while also being a pleasant activity for the user. While the exercise benefit and natural feelings of better health will come naturally with regular use, the satisfaction and enjoyment of the activity rely on the user.
