Is A Recumbent Bike Good For Stomach Muscles?

Using a recumbent bike can be a beneficial way to improve your cardiovascular fitness while reducing the stress on your ankles and knees according to the American College of Sports Medicine. One of the concerns when using a recumbent bike is the question, "Is the recumbent bike good for your stomach muscles?" The answer to this depends on your rational for using the recumbent bike; however, its beneficial use for the stomach muscles mostly stems from its ability to keep them free from injury.

Recumbent Bike Use

To use a recumbent bike, adjust the seat so that your legs reach the foot pedals when fully extended and then sit on the seat. Place your feet onto the foot holsters and tighten the foot straps so your feet are snuggly locked onto the foot pedestals. Lean back onto the back rest and grab the hand bars located to the left and right of the seat. Begin pedaling by pushing your right foot forward and allowing it to travel in a circular clockwise fashion. Start pushing with your left foot when your right foot has made a 180-degree semi-circle. Continue alternating pushes with the left and right foot to cycle the flywheel of the recumbent bike.

Improved Musculature

The recumbent bike is not suitable for use if you are trying to improve the strength of your stomach muscles. Recumbent bikes require you to assume a seated position and recline against the back rest. Both of these positions minimize the activation of your core muscles because you don't need your abdominals to hold your body upright or stabilize your legs as your pedaling because they are locked into place.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and trying to avoid engaging musculature in your abdominal region, using a recumbent bicycle for exercise is suitable. The American College of Sports Medicine states that prevention of abdominal injury is crucial for safety of both the mother and fetus during pregnancy and states that activities such as cycling are appropriate. Recumbent bike use also reduces the mother's risk of falling and is low impact on the ankle joints. Both of these benefits can help keep the mother safe and healthy during pregnancy.

Sports Hernia

Recumbent bike use is crucial in the safe recovery of the abdominals after treatment of a sports hernia according to Dr. Paul Caudill's review article appearing in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine." A sports hernia occurs when muscles in the abdomen tear, which creates sharp pain in the groin area. Post operation, stationary cycling is recommended to help train the hip flexor muscles, which assist the stomach muscles with flexion of the trunk. Again, the recumbent bike helps support your upper body and stabilize your lower body by reducing the load on your stomach muscles.