Indoor Cycling - Which Cycling Accessories Do You Really Need?
Indoor cycling is one of the best ways to improve your fitness level and overall health. Whether you participate in a cycling class or just peddle on your own, there are certain accessories which will help your performance. But which accessories do you really need, and which are just extra baggage? Let's find out...
Common Indoor Cycling Accessories
If you enjoy indoor cycling, you already know it is a great, low impact aerobic workout. The popularity of cycling indoors is surging, particularly among those who seek effective, non jarring exercise programs.
Like any other fitness activity, indoor cycling has taken on a life of its own. No longer is it just that old stationary bike in the corner of your basement. Indoor cycling classes are extremely popular and a suitable alternative to biking outside among the traffic. Just as outdoor bikers have their share of gadgets and accessories to make traveling the road easier, so do indoor cyclists. Here are a few of the most common accessories...
Heart Rate Monitors: Heart rate monitors have become extremely popular as a way to measure how hard you're working. They are not just limited to cyclists, as they are adaptable to many other fitness pursuits too. They are useful if you want to stay within a target heart zone or need to closely monitor your activity.
Gel Seat Covers: The first few times you ride indoors, particularly in an indoor cycling class, your tail bone will ache. While most bike seats are generally designed for comfort, those used in classes tend to have harder saddles. A gel seat cover is designed to slip over the saddle and provide extra cushion for comfort.
Indoor Cycling Shoes: Much like specialized shoes for running, there are shoes to wear while cycling. Typically, they are lighter weight for breathability and offer more arch support for pushing down on the peddles.
Shoes designed for cycling indoors have special clips on the soles. These clips allow you to secure your foot atop the peddles instead of having to strap your feet inside. Doing so enables you to exert greater effort by securing your foot and not have them wiggling around in the peddle straps.
Which Do I Really Need?
Our recommendation is simple. Ask yourself whether you will be cycling indoors consistently. All too often, people waste money on fitness gadgets only to see them gathering dust a few short months later.
But if you really plan to be serious about cycling, each of the three accessories can be very useful. Heart rate monitors let you closely monitor your effort level, while gel seat covers provide an element of comfort.
Finally, indoor cycling shoes are very helpful if you plan to participate in classes frequently. They will allow you to exert greater effort and get more from your workouts, and frankly they are safer for your feet and ankles. The bottom line is simple. Don't buy what you don't need and won't use. Conversely, take advantage of these accessories if they will make your workouts safer, more effective, and comfortable.
Common Indoor Cycling Accessories
If you enjoy indoor cycling, you already know it is a great, low impact aerobic workout. The popularity of cycling indoors is surging, particularly among those who seek effective, non jarring exercise programs.
Like any other fitness activity, indoor cycling has taken on a life of its own. No longer is it just that old stationary bike in the corner of your basement. Indoor cycling classes are extremely popular and a suitable alternative to biking outside among the traffic. Just as outdoor bikers have their share of gadgets and accessories to make traveling the road easier, so do indoor cyclists. Here are a few of the most common accessories...
Heart Rate Monitors: Heart rate monitors have become extremely popular as a way to measure how hard you're working. They are not just limited to cyclists, as they are adaptable to many other fitness pursuits too. They are useful if you want to stay within a target heart zone or need to closely monitor your activity.
Gel Seat Covers: The first few times you ride indoors, particularly in an indoor cycling class, your tail bone will ache. While most bike seats are generally designed for comfort, those used in classes tend to have harder saddles. A gel seat cover is designed to slip over the saddle and provide extra cushion for comfort.
Indoor Cycling Shoes: Much like specialized shoes for running, there are shoes to wear while cycling. Typically, they are lighter weight for breathability and offer more arch support for pushing down on the peddles.
Shoes designed for cycling indoors have special clips on the soles. These clips allow you to secure your foot atop the peddles instead of having to strap your feet inside. Doing so enables you to exert greater effort by securing your foot and not have them wiggling around in the peddle straps.
Which Do I Really Need?
Our recommendation is simple. Ask yourself whether you will be cycling indoors consistently. All too often, people waste money on fitness gadgets only to see them gathering dust a few short months later.
But if you really plan to be serious about cycling, each of the three accessories can be very useful. Heart rate monitors let you closely monitor your effort level, while gel seat covers provide an element of comfort.
Finally, indoor cycling shoes are very helpful if you plan to participate in classes frequently. They will allow you to exert greater effort and get more from your workouts, and frankly they are safer for your feet and ankles. The bottom line is simple. Don't buy what you don't need and won't use. Conversely, take advantage of these accessories if they will make your workouts safer, more effective, and comfortable.
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