Group of people doing a spin class

Looking for a low impact form of exercise, that is an efficient and effective method of losing weight? Take a break from the treadmill, and jump on an exercise bike! 

Whether you are practising interval training, or just having a ten minute warm up, a piece of equipment such as exercise bikes can work your abs, arms, and legs simultaneously. 

In this guide, we discover why exercise bikes are beneficial to the body and recommend some of our top equipment to help you get started on the pedals. 

A woman using an indoor spin bike being encouraged by two others

What Parts of The Body Benefit From Stationary Bikes? 

Exercise bikes are great for your cardiovascular system but also very beneficial for parts of your upper and lower body! Exercise bikes are a form of strength training which is great for those looking to improve their muscle mass.

Does Working Out on a Exercise Bike Strengthen Your Lower Body? 

Exercise bikes are sensational at strengthening the muscles in your lower body while helping you lose body fat. 

Working out on an exercise bike can improve these lower body muscles: 

• Hamstrings 
• Quadriceps
• Glutes
• Triceps

Working Out On An Exercise Bike Can Improve Your Quadriceps and Hamstrings

When working out on an exercise bike, the main muscles being stimulated are in your legs. The muscles on the front and back of your thighs are known as your quadriceps and hamstrings. These muscles are constantly engaged as you push the pedals around the bike. 

Working Out On An Exercise Bike Can Improve Your Gluteal Muscles

The gluteal muscles, which are the muscles located in your buttocks, are also engaged whilst using an exercise bike. These muscles are activated most at the top of your pedal stroke, as you force your leg round and down.

Working Out On An Exercise Bike Can Improve Your Calves and Triceps

In addition, the muscles in the back of your calves, known as the triceps sural, are also used during cycling. These muscles maintain a strong and balanced base for your hamstrings, quads and glutes. You can increase the pressure on these muscles by standing up from your seat. 

A woman performing an indoor chin up

Does Exercising on an Exercise Bike Improve Your Upper Body?

It is not just your lower body working on an exercise bike. Multiple muscles in your upper body are also engaged! 

Working out on an exercise bike can improve these lower body muscles: 

• Abdominals 
• Diaphragm 

Working Out On An Exercise Bike Can Improve Your Abdominals

The initial positioning and posture of the exercise force your abs to engage to ensure you do not lose your balance. If you want to intensify the work that your abs are doing while training on an exercise bike, you can do little crunches leaning forward while riding to get that upper body burn. 

Working Out On An Exercise Bike Can Improve Your Diaphragm

Another upper body muscle that is engaged when you ride is your Diaphragm. The Diaphragm is the muscle that separates your chest and lungs from your abdomen. When exercising, you are constantly contracting and relaxing this muscle. So, your Diaphragm will get a workout if you are doing a thirty-minute ride. 

A woman lying down with a medicine ball behind her head

Does an exercise bike tone your arms?

Let's discuss arms! Whilst they won't be burning like your legs, the muscles are still being worked. Specifically, your biceps and triceps are on the front and back of the top half of your arms. 

These muscles are engaged when you are lightly holding the handles. You can increase this resistance in your arms by using light weights, handlebar press-ups, or resistance bands

The Best Exercise Bikes For Your Muscles

Find the bike that's perfect for you and the rest is history! With a healthier heart, better mental health, improved sleep, and higher energy levels you will never look back. 

At Gym Equipment, we supply diverse strength training and cardio equipment suited to all levels of gym goers! Take a look below for our top picks of exercise bikes. 

Life Fitness C1 Lifecycle Bike

The Life Fitness C1 Lifecycle Bike is lightweight, compact and easy to move, which makes it an ideal piece of home exercise equipment

Attack Fitness Air Attack Air Bike

The Attack Fitness Air Attack Air Bike (or the hammer strength air bike) is a high intensity interval training bike. The dual actions of arms and legs give you a full body explosive workout. 

Spirit Fitness CU800+ Upright Bike

The Spirit Fitness CU800+ Upright Bike is a diverse and durable fixture. It can accommodate any level of training with up to 20 different intensity programmes! 

The exercise bike is a great piece of equipment to design your workout around, whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, or just workout for the fun of it! 

If you want to purchase any of our exercise bikes, please do not hesitate to contact us. We provide many finance options for those looking to build their dream gym.