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.