Is bicycling a good way to train your condition?
daviddesmedt asked:
I don’t like to run or jog, but I love bicycling on my hometrainer while watching TV or listening to music. Is this a good way to improve my condition though? I mostly do this during 1-1,5 hours and my heart rate is over 150/minute the whole time.
I don’t like to run or jog, but I love bicycling on my hometrainer while watching TV or listening to music. Is this a good way to improve my condition though? I mostly do this during 1-1,5 hours and my heart rate is over 150/minute the whole time.
What exactly improves your condition? Does it have to do with your heart or is there more to it? Is there a reason why I should jog instead? What’s the right heart rate in order for your condition to improve and how long should each session be? The only thing I know is that I should not do it more than once every 2 days. Correct me if I’m wrong.
March 28th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
You are improving your cardiovascular system (heart, blood pressure etc.). It is strengthening your legs. 150 per minute should be sufficient. It depends on your age and general condition though.
As to once every two days, you can cycle every day if you want, you don’t have to take a day off. You probably want to vary your routine though by doing some other exercises. Even basis ones like push-ups and sit-ups.
Have fun.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:40 am
Yes it’s helping you but generally you need to take you age into account when you figure out your HR. Yes you are getting in better shape than doing nothing! What are you trying to do, loose weight, get fitter, get healthier. You need to define your goals and that will determine your workout, or at least how you workout.
Running will generally burn more calories than cycling and can be very enjoyable especially if you hook up with a good group.
The length of your sessions really depend on what you are trying to get out of them. A 45 minute “interval” workout is pretty tough session. You can cycle everyday if you like, it’s not as hard on the body as running.
If you jog you will develop different muscles and also improve your bone density due to the impact from running. If you are looking at weight loss or generally better physical conditioning try mixing up the running and cycling, Also throw in some weights when you can. You’ll need to improve that upper body so you don’t look lopsided!
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 am
Surf the net and look for “Target heart rate calculator” enter your stats and find your min.,max etc. heart rates. Also look for simple guides on training programs for stationary cycling.
Improving your conditioning might mean not just cycling, but diet,weight training,cross training and recovery. How much and for how long depends on your goals. Good luck!
April 5th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Bicycling will greatly help your condition.
But I would advise you to Buy a multi speed bike and do some out door cycling.Plus it would be great if you could jog at least three times a week.This should greatly develop your leg muscles and increase your STAMINA.