Cycling can exercise which places

Cycling is a total body aerobic exercise, and although it may seem like only the leg muscles are being stimulated, other muscles are actually moving in a coordinated way. Here's a look at what specific parts of the muscles are exercised by cycling.

Cycling mainly exercises the leg muscles

Exercise the quadriceps

The quadriceps are on the front of the thighs and play an important role in the cycling process. Every time you pedal downward, you push your legs and knees strongly by the quadriceps.

Exercising the biceps femoris

The biceps femoris, also known as the posterior leg muscle (located on the dorsal side of the thigh), is used when bending the knee during the pedaling process. Moreover, the biceps femoris will be stimulated every time you paddle backwards and upwards after the lowest point in the process of paddling round with the pedals.

Exercise calves

The effect of exercise on the calves depends on where you put the foot plate on the pedal. If you put the forefoot on the pedal and stomp in a circle, the exercise effect on the calf is much higher than if you put the heel on the pedal. If the middle of the foot plate is placed on the pedal, the exercise effect is only moderate. The posterior calf muscles (located on the dorsal side of the calf) will continue to transmit the force generated by the quadriceps on the front of the thigh and the posterior leg muscles on the back of the thigh through the foot plate and toes, especially when the pedal is rowed to the lowest point closest to the ground.

Exercise the gluteus maximus

The gluteus maximus (located in the buttocks) is engaged to get movement as you paddle the pedal through the lowest point of the circle. The location of the gluteus maximus is shown in red in the diagram below.

Exercises the core muscles

Cycling helps to create a flat, flab-free abdomen because the abdominal muscles are exercised while riding. The core muscles (latissimus dorsi + abdominal muscles), in addition to working hard to support your spine, keep your back straight and not shrug your shoulders, will ensure that the power generated by the upper body muscles is effectively channeled to the legs. Note: The muscles in this area should be needed to coordinate their action while riding. Correct riding position can avoid fatigue and sports injuries, but also to maximize the use of the leg muscles.

Exercise shoulder and arm

Exercise triceps and biceps

The legs are the main source of strength when riding, but the shoulders and arms also have to contribute. These two parts have to control the direction and brakes while riding, as well as support the upper body. The shoulders as well as the triceps and biceps of the arms are the key to keeping the body stable and balanced. When picking up speed or climbing a hill, the biceps and triceps femoris of the arms and the latissimus dorsi of the back get more of a workout, and these three groups of muscles produce the downward force that allows you to keep sending power to the pedals.

Exercise your forearms

The sustained grip on the handlebars and the squeezing of the brakes during a ride uses the muscles of the forearms. The process of sustaining your body weight is equivalent to holding a push-up position, and this movement works the upper arms and shoulders in particular.