How Does Cycling Affect the Legs?
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of cycling is leg muscles. Pedalling primarily strengthens the quadriceps, while the glutes and hamstrings also receive an excellent workout. It is important to note that cyclists and runners develop leg muscle mass differently. Runners typically have more developed glutes and quads than cyclists, though this can vary based on training. Cycling is commonly regarded as a cardiovascular activity but also engages many skeletal muscles. The calf muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius) and the thigh muscles are included. The quadriceps are one of the primary power-producing muscle groups utilized during cycling, and they help to increase pedalling speed. Stronger quadriceps reduce fatigue risk during long rides and can be strengthened through resistance training. Cycling primarily targets the quads and glutes, but other muscle groups throughout the core and upper body are also engaged for stability and balance. These areas are less frequent, but...