Three wheel bikes are a more comfortable, stable ride. However, they can still be a great workout, targeting specific muscles. If you’re in the market for 3 wheeled bikes, it’s good to know that they can also help work certain muscle groups.
What muscle groups are targeted when riding a three wheel bike?
- Glutes Even though you’re seated comfortably on your tricycle, your glutes are still getting a workout. An extension movement, when a thigh is straightened and then pulled into the body, engages the glutes.
- Abs Since you’re in a comfortable sitting position on a three wheeled bike, you wouldn’t think you’d get a good ab workout. Pedaling will engage your core, and they’ll become further engaged when going over hilly terrain. Since regular ab workouts, such as crunches, can put a strain on your neck, bicycling is an excellent way to engage your core.
- Hamstrings Your hamstrings are found on the back of your upper thighs. Anytime you bend your knee to pedal, the hamstring muscles are activated and engaged.
- Quads Your quads are one of the most engaged muscle groups when riding. Found on the front of your thighs, quads work to flex your knees. Pedaling will engage these muscles.
- Calves Calves tend to weaken as we get older. Riding a tricycle will engage your calves with the movement called plantar flexion. This movement occurs when your toes are pointed downward to complete a cycle.
- Tibialis Anterior These lesser known muscles are located near your shins. The tibialis anterior is activated when your toes are pointed toward the body when pedaling.