Cycling indoors might seem dull to serious cyclists, but it’s a good way to work on conditioning when the weather is too hot or cold to ride outside. Stationary bikes were specially developed to mimic road riding conditions. They provide a sweaty, calorie burning workout for both cyclists and ordinary gym goers.
Indoor Cycling Program
Jonathan Goldberg, who usually goes by "Johnny G," is the road cyclist who developed the first indoor group cycling program while training for Ride Across America. Since his first center opened in 1989, indoor group cycling has increased in popularity and is offered at many gyms across the nation.
Training for Cyclists
An indoor cycling bike often has a fixed gear and a nearly 40 lb. flywheel. This means no coasting down a hill or on flat ground. The seat and handlebars are adjustable for people of most sizes. This stationary bike replicates the feeling of a road bike. You may wish to use a heart-rate monitor while indoor cycling for biofeedback training.
Benefits of Stationary Bikes
Indoor cycling provides many benefits, including improving physical and mental endurance, lung capacity and the cardiovascular system. It is much lower impact on the joints than running outside or on a treadmill, and may be easier for people with arthritis. On average, 45 minutes of indoor cycling will burn 500 calories, but this varies due to size and other individual conditions. The group togetherness of classes can also uplift and motivate participants.
Types of Bikes
Stationary bikes used in indoor cycling classes used to be manufactured primarily by Schwinn, but are now also made by Star Trac. They range from heavy-duty commercial models to lighter styles made for home use. Commercial bikes without a computer run about $1100 to $1400, as of early 2011. Bikes for home use are in the $500 to $800 range.
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