Introduction to Group Cycling Classes

Group indoor cycling classes are one of the bestthe handlebars. If the know is turned to the right, the
exercise activities that you can participate in. Peoplepedaling resistance increases.Conversely, if it is turned
with all levels of fitness and endurance can benefitto the left, the resistance decreases.
from these workouts.The cycling session begins with an easy warm-up. As
Indoor cycling classes are terrific alternatives toyour heart rate and breathing starts to increase, the
aerobic classes that require you to learn tricky moves,instructor begins the session of simulating hill climbs and
or running on a treadmill, which can cause discomfortinterval work.
for some in the leg muscles and joints.For hill climbs, the instructor will have the class increase
There are no complicated movements that you mustthe resistance of the cycle simulating the effort you
learn to enjoy this exercise program. Cycling is awould encounter as you pedal up an increasingly steep
low-impact exercise that most anyone can do andhill. Interval work will require fast pedal revolutions for a
participation is not reliant on a preset fitness level orspecific amount of time as if you are sprinting. Each of
ability. It is an activity anyone can join.these exercises are incorporated into the session to
Indoor cycling classes are lead by an instructor andbuild leg strength, endurance and overall fitness.
incorporate high-energy music for added motivation.Note that the effort you do should be only as much as
The instructor will guide you through the cycling sessionyour body can endure. Some come to the classes to
indicating what resistance and speed you should try towork out extremely hard and others are just beginning
achieve.their quest for better fitness and may not be in top
For first time participants, the instructor should be ablecondition. You should only work as hard as you can
to help set up the cycle properly. As a general guide:and not try to compete with the person next to you.
1. Your seat height should be positioned where there isMost indoor cycling classes last around 45-minutes.
a slight bend in the knee as the pedal is at the bottomInstructors will generally have you ride at least two hill
of the pedal stroke.climbs and perform two interval groups. A cool down
2. The lateral seat position should be positioned so theof five minutes on the cycle follows the climbing and
elbows are at a slight bend and, on rotating the pedalsinterval work. A simple and quick stretching routine
until they are level with the other, your knees should betypically ends the cycling session.
directly over each pedal.A group indoor cycling class is a fantastic way to
3. The handlebars should be level or slightly below theexercise in a fun, low-impact and high-energy
seat. Certainly you do not want the handlebarsenvironment. Strength, endurance and overall fitness
positioned where you might feel discomfort in yourcan be achieved with regular sessions on the indoor
lower back.cycle.
The cycling resistance is controlled by a knob below