Joining an indoor cycling class at your local fitness club provides an opportunity to improve your overall fitness and cycling ability. Led by instructors, each class challenges your individual fitness level and you can burn about 400 to 500 calories per workout. The fitness club provides the bikes, but you can add your own cycling shoes to improve the overall effectiveness of the workout. Cycling shoes are available in a wide range of styles, making it essential to find the right pair that matches your individual goals and riding style.
Function
Cycling shoes serve one primary function, and that is to increasing the power output during every pedal stroke. By increasing power output, you also increase the number of calories burned during the workout. The cycling shoes have a stiff sole that improves the transfer of power from the leg to the bike. The clips on the cycling shoes also engage more leg muscles with ability to push on the down stroke and pull on the up stroke for all-around toning and strengthening of the lower body.
Features
Indoor cycling shoes have specific features and materials to maximize performance while improving breathability. The uppers are typically made from a mesh or a synthetic material that decreases weight along with maximizing air circulation during the workout. The sole is also made from a non-marking EVA that allows you to walk across the gym floors in the gym floors and the antibacterial insoles reduce odors by preventing bacterial growth.
Fit
A proper fit is essential for comfort and performance from your cycling shoes. The cycling shoes should have a snug fit for proper power transfer, but having the shoes too tight may restrict blood flow to the feet. This can eventually lead to numbness or tingling in the feet. To obtain the proper fit, most cycling shoes feature a specific fastening system made from Velcro straps, lacing system or buckles.
Considerations
While you can choose a basic pair for indoor cycling, there are other styles you can use for other cycling activities. For example, mountain bike shoes are ideal for off-road cycling and can also be worn for class. Similarly, you can choose a pair of road cycling shoes for maximum performance on your road bike. Choosing a versatile shoe allows you to use only one pair of shoes for indoor cycling classes along with regular cycling.
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