I’ve been confused for a while now by theindoor cyclingcraze.
Namely: What is going on with those on-bike push-ups?
I mean, seriously…why?
Getty / Matt Lincoln
Whats this move even doing?
Is it really a push-up if Im sitting down?
How muchupper-body strengtheningam I even getting?
And is there any possible downside?
I also reached out to SoulCycle for comment, but didnt hear back before publication.
Heres what I found out.
Trying to do push-ups on the bike can mess with your cycling form.
In other words, the exercise should not be taught.
Its a full cycle stroke so it should be nice and smooth, explains Kruse.
I would never combine those two, he says.
Tensing your upper body can further takes your focus and energy away from pedaling powerfully.
Doing push-ups in this scenario could trigger shoulder, back, and/or neck pain.
Theres also the risk that you could lose your balance.
You are seated on a very narrow bike thats a little bit of an unstable surface, explains Kruse.
They may make class more interesting, but significant strength benefits are unlikely.
The biggest benefit of doing push-ups on the bike seems to be that it makes class more interesting.
Or maybe you want another way to move to the music.
Either way, pressing your arms to do push-ups along to the beat might do it for you.
I understand people incorporate it because its trendy and its fun and its different, says Kruse.
But beyond the excitement factor?
You wont get muchif anystrengthening benefits.
For the average exerciser, it would take more substantial weight to actually challenge and thus strengthen your muscles.
Its most effective to separate indoor cycling workouts and upper-body strength work.
Either way, Kruse doesnt recommend this pop in of strength-training-slash-cycling combo either.
Other options: bent-over rows, bent-over flys, and front raises.
(This upper-body workoutis a great place to start.)
Doing moves to strengthen them can help counteract some of the tension indoor cycling class can cause.
For the majority of folks, a bike should serve as cardio, says Sanchez.
