Ergometers measure how much work or power you produce. Bicycle ergometers also measure improvements in aerobic fitness such as an estimate of your VO2 max, or the maximal amount of oxygen you consume, according to the American Council on Exercise. Bicycle ergometers are easier to use than those of treadmills, stair steppers and rowing machines. Ask a training partner or assistant to record your heart beat rate, the tension used and your revolutions per minute.
Heart Beat Rate
Step 1
Secure a heart rate monitor around your chest, wearing the wristwatch so the display is facing you. Use the heart rate monitor throughout your session on the bicycle ergometer to determine your heart beat rate.
Step 2
Have your partner alternatively count your pulse on the thumb side of your wrist for 15 seconds then multiply it by four to get your heart beat rate per minute.
Step 3
Check your heart rate at the end of the second, third and subsequent minutes until the readings are within five beats of each other.
Work Rate
Step 1
Set the tension on the flywheel, the large, front wheel of the cycle ergometer, to your desired resistance, for example, 2.5 kg.
Step 2
Get on the bike. Pedal for one minute and count the number of times your right leg makes a full revolution, for example 60 revolutions per minute.
Step 3
Calculate the distance you traveled in one minute by multiplying the measure of a standard cycle ergometer flywheel, 6 meters, by the number of revolutions in one minute, advise William McArdle and his colleagues in their book, "Exercise Physiology, Energy, Nutrition & Human Performance." Multiply 6 meters times 60 rpm to give you 360 meters.
Step 4
Multiply the tension, 2.5 kg, by the distance-, 360 meters, to give you 900 kg-m.
Step 5
Divide your product by one minute to get your work rate, or 900 kg-m per minute.
Things You'll Need
- Heart rate monitor
References
- "Personal Trainer Manual"; American Council on Exercise; 1997
- "Exercise Physiology, Energy, Nutrition & Human Performance"; William McArdle, Frank Katch and Victor Katch; 2007
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