Cycling is done from an upright position or reclined position with your feet out in front of your body. Either way you perform it, there are common muscles that get used. Even though cycling is generally known as an aerobic exercise, you can also build muscular endurance through dynamic, repetitive contractions while pedaling.
Quadriceps
The quadriceps are the large muscles found on the front of the thighs. When your legs go from a bent, or "flexed" position, to a straight, or "extended" position, the quads are being worked.
Hamstrings
The hamstrings are on the opposite side of the thighs as the quads and they do the opposite movement. When your leg goes from an extended position to a flexed position, the hamstrings are being worked. You would feel this when your knee bends and your foot is coming toward the top of the pedaling motion.
Gluteals
The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are known collectively as the gluteals. These muscles get called into action when you are pushing down on the pedals. This movement is called hip extension.
Calf Muscles
The calf muscles are found on the backs of the lower legs and they are involved with plantar flexion. This muscle recruitment would be seen when your toes are pointing down every time your foot comes around the front of the crank.
Shins
The muscles that run down the fronts of the shins are known anatomically as the tibialis anterior. When your toes point up, these muscles are being activated.
Rectus Abdominus
The rectus abdominus is the large muscle that runs from your lower chest down to your pelvis. Commonly referred to as the abs, the rectus abdominus is being worked the whole time you pedal a bike. It helps stabilize the body and promote drive strength when you are pedaling.
Adductors
The adductor longus, gracillis and satorius are muscles found on the insides of the thighs. All of these muscles get worked when you are pushing down on the pedals.
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