The stomach muscles are known in anatomical terms as the rectus abdominis and obliques. The rectus abdominis runs from the chest to the pelvis, and the obliques are the diagonal muscles on the sides of the rib cage. Stationary bikes are utilized from an upright position with the pedals beneath you. These bikes are low impact and work a variety of muscles.
Identification
When you operate a stationary bike, you repetitively push the pedals down with your legs. This not only works your leg muscles, but it also makes demands on your stomach muscles. They are used to help balance your body and to generate force. The main muscles worked are the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, rectus abdominis and obliques.
Interval Training
Interval training is a type of workout where you alternate back and forth from high to low intensity. When you pedal at a fast, intense pace, you are forced to contract your stomach muscles with more emphasis to maintain a high amount of power. To do interval training, start with a light warm-up, then pedal at about 80 percent of your maximum effort for 30 seconds. Reduce your intensity to about 50 percent maximum effort for 60 seconds, then pedal hard again. Alternate back and forth for the duration of your workout.
Resistance
Stationary bikes have a resistance adjustment. On electric bikes, you can press a button on the console to increase the resistance. On others, you need to turn a knob clockwise. By increasing the resistance and standing up while you pedal, you will be forced to contract your abs with more emphasis.
Benefits
A stationary bike works the stomach muscles and burns calories. A 180-pound person pedaling at moderate intensity burns over 570 calories in 60 minutes.
Considerations
A recumbent bike is a special type of stationary bike that has a bucket seat with a backrest. According to Spine-Health, users with mechanical lower-back pain sometimes find the support and reclining position of the recumbent bike more comfortable. If you suffer from lower-back pain, this type of bike may suit you better. You still work your abs to generate force, but with support at the seat, it will not be as intense as with an upright bike.
Considerations
When you use a stationary bike, make sure to execute proper form to get the best results. Do not hunch forward on the handlebars and create the drive strength by contracting your abs.
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