Indoor cycling classes are among the staples of group-exercise classes at fitness clubs across the nation, helping participants burn a significant amount of calories. But not everyone can participate in the classes at a sustained level of intensity. For example, heart patients must follow a specific physical-therapy and exercise routine to improve their cardiovascular fitness level. But, with proper monitoring, they can also pedal at a high-intensity level but for shorter periods of time. Given the potential risks associated with heart patients, always consult a doctor before performing an indoor cycling workout.
Progression
All heart patients must follow a gradual progression when they are starting to perform indoor cycling workouts. Every workout should start with a full-body warmup and finish with a cool-down. According to the American Heart Association, heart patients should start with about five minutes of exercise per day and gradually increase to 30 minutes within several weeks. The 20- to 30-minute indoor cycling workouts should be performed three to four times per week, with a goal of 150 minutes per week.
Intensity
The traditional approach to cardiac rehabilitation calls for a low-intensity level performed for a relatively long duration of about 30 minutes. This approach is designed to increase exercise capacity while improving the overall fitness level. The Mayo Clinic recommends high-intensity interval training to their heart patients. The high-intensity intervals transport more oxygen and blood to the working muscles and produces more energy during exercise. These intervals are characterized by short bursts of indoor cycling to increase the heart rate followed by brief periods of recovery at a moderate pace.
Benefits
Indoor cycling workouts have numerous benefits to the overall health and wellness of heart patients. The workouts help to strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system, which improves the overall circulation throughout the body. As a result, blood pressure is lowered and cholesterol levels also improve. As the cardiovascular system is improving, other large muscle groups in the lower body are also improving strength and endurance. The workout also burns a significant amount of calories that can support healthy weight loss.
Monitoring
The most-important consideration for indoor cycling workouts and heart patients is constant monitoring before, during and after the workout sessions. The doctor or therapist must prescribe a specific workout program based on any medications, contraindications and other individualized factors. Some doctors may even prescribe a stress test to determine the fitness level of the heart and the ability to perform indoor cycling workouts. During the workouts, avoid extreme conditions and temperatures that may cause chest pain or difficulty breathing. Stop the workout if you experience unusual shortness of breath or extreme fatigue, and see your doctor immediately.
References
- National Jewish Health; Cardiac Conditions: Safe Exercise for Patients with Heart Disease; Dr. Freeman; January 2011
- LifeHeart.com: Exercise for Heart Health
- ABC News; Mayo Clinic Prescribes Intense Workouts for Heart Patients; Linsey Davis, SusanSchwartz and Kimberly Brown; June 2011
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What Does Stress Testing Show?
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