Indoor Cycles

Which body parts are trained with an Indoor Cycle?
An Indoor Cycle is fundamentally exercise equipment for the legs. The same movements are performed as required when cycling outdoors. However, because the Indoor Cycle remains in one fixed spot and features adjustable resistance, numerous other muscle groups can be engaged with such a model.

Conventional use of such fitness equipment trains almost all leg muscles. If movements are performed in a standing position, similar to riding uphill outdoors on a bicycle, strain is also added to the back as well as the arms and shoulders. Likewise, pedaling backwards can be done on an Indoor Cycle, which in turn engages different muscle groups.

The main components of an Indoor Cycle
An Indoor Cycle always features a sturdy frame. In addition to handlebars and a saddle, pedals are mounted onto it. These feature toe straps, and in most cases, the pedals can also be removed. This allows the attachment of clipless pedals so that professional cycling shoes can be used on the Indoor Cycle. The drive system on such exercise equipment usually relies on a belt (very quiet). However, chains (lower wear and low maintenance) are also sometimes installed.

With the help of this drive system, a flywheel is driven when using an Indoor Cycle. It should weigh at least 15 kilograms, as the effectiveness of the workout depends to a large extent on this component. If the flywheel mass is high enough, smooth pedaling is guaranteed. This is particularly important for the user at high resistance levels.

The braking system of an Indoor Cycle
An Indoor Cycle is a practical exercise machine. With the right model, steep hills can be simulated right in your living room, but easy pedaling can also be achieved. This is only possible if the fitness equipment is equipped with an appropriate brake system. In most cases, this works similarly to a rim brake on a traditional bicycle. Two metal pads lined with felt press sideways against the flywheel. Sometimes braking at the top of the flywheel is also offered. On both variants, resistance can be adjusted freely. Typically, adjustment is done via a dial, which changes the contact pressure of the metal pads against the flywheel. Many sports enthusiasts might know magnetic brake systems from other indoor devices. Such a system is not found in Indoor Cycles because the braking force is simply insufficient. This is due to the heavy flywheel mass, which is why we as a manufacturer still rely on classic pad or top-mounted felt brakes.

Safety precautions on an Indoor Cycle
Anyone performing a workout on an Indoor Cycle for the first time will quickly notice the absence of a freewheel. This means that the flywheel mass is fixed to the chain and crank arms. Thus, it is not possible to simply let your legs rest during training; pedaling always continues. If you still want to take a break, you have to slowly decrease your cadence.

But what if the user slips out of the pedal during a workout? To prevent injuries, such fitness equipment should always feature an emergency brake. Thanks to this unit, the flywheel can be stopped immediately. To ensure the button can be reached quickly, it is usually integrated into the resistance adjustment knob. However, the emergency button can also be located elsewhere, provided it is fast and easy to reach.

Effective training thanks to a heart rate monitor
Indoor Cycles convince users through their simplicity. In addition, these models usually do not require a power connection. The only useful electrical unit is a heart rate monitor. With such a device, your heart rate can always be monitored so that the workout can be controlled specifically. Thanks to a heart rate monitor, various training options can also be realized. Interval training or basic endurance training is only possible by monitoring your heart rate. As an alternative to an integrated heart rate monitor, a heart rate watch can also be used. Both options offer the same range of functions, so workouts can be perfectly controlled and monitored with a wrist-based heart rate monitor as well.