Is bicycle riding good for slimmng hips and tummy?

Question

I know it should be good for thighs, which is grest, but it's that spot below the waist on the hips I need to tackle.

Answer 1

Sorry to spoil the party but I think not!

Being a keen 'roadie' and training regularly on hills I find that stomach muscles are not really tested. As for hips, if you swing your hips when you cycle then your saddle is too high and could cause injury to ligaments.

Cycling is beneficial in many other ways though.

I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but I hope I've been off some guidance.

Enjoy your cycling.

EDIT: Thanks William for your vote of confidence but as a Virgo, I am always right!! lol. Maybe I have a strong core but it something I haven't consciously developed, I do ride out of the saddle on more occasions than I care to admit but it's false economy to swing the bike from side to side whilst climbing or sprinting. I still stand by what I said!!

Answer 2

I have to say the guy who answered that bike riding isn't good for hips and tummy and those who think so are "deluded" is being a bit extreme. It depends on your metabolism and the rate at which you personally are able to burn fat. Bike riding is the only exercise I do. I don't measure miles. I ride for about 30-45 minutes a day. I've been doing this for about 2 months on a regular basis. I have gone from a size 8 to a size 6 (pants) with minimal change in my eating habits. I've noticed a huge difference in my hips and badoinkadoink. So that's me but you may need to do proper crunches and/or situps. And I disagree with the idea of having to be a marathon biker in order to get good exercise. Anything that gets your heart rate up for a bit, makes you sweat and makes your muscles burn is exercise.

Answer 3

Depending on the type of cycle you are riding (mountain, tour, race, ect) determines the type of work out you are going to get on your bike.

The forces applied by your arms and legs must pass through the core of your body (abs and lower back). If your abs and lower back are strong, then you will be able to climb and sprint well. This is not going to come from riding your bike alone. You will still need to do resistance training.

onlyme Mr G is partially right. The answer he gives is if you are "sitting on your seat", however if your are trying to "dance on the pedals" or "power through" when climbing or sprinting, you will get a small workout because you are standing on the pedals, which causes the bike to shift from side to side.

Also if you are feeling an ab workout “burn” when you are "aero", then one of two things is happening.1. You have a really weak core or 2.You are riding tensed up, which means you are losing "power" on your climb. You need to try to relax when you ride. The motions from your body to propel your bike up a hill or to sprint should be as natural as breathing. This ensures that you can react better to road hazards with out crashing. Remember, the bike moves with the slightest encouragement, being tensed up can cause you to over compensate.

Bottom line is this. The bicycle will help you maintain your weight, as well as promote weight lose, but to lose the love handles, you still need to do resistance training on your core section. Top athletes use weight training, why shouldn’t you give it a try too?

Answer 4

Yes, it defitetly is. Especially true for those who ride in an aggressive postion - when your upper body is lower, and you are bringing up your legs towards your chest. This is like lower ab crunches (the ones where you lift your legs)

Climbing hills is really good for the stomach! You can feel the burn after a long climb...

Also, you will become more trim the more you excersice...period.

If it makes a difference I'm a mountain biker

Answer 5

Heck yeah! It's fun too. Did you ever see a fat cyclist? Of course not. That's because cycling burns fat very efficiently. The more you ride, the more fat you lose. The more fat you lose, the better you ride. Try to keep your legs moving at 90 RPM whenever possible. It will save your knees and give a better aerobic workout.

Answer 6

yes it will help because it will burn calories.. You can try also doing lateral leg raise, while lying on your side on a bed or floor raise your leg and slowly bring it down. do 12 repetitions of 2 sets in each side.. good luck!

Answer 7

It contributes to general weight loss and toning, which will help on hips and stomach.

Answer 8

im sure it is, have you seen the Tour de France, victorias secret models could take those guys in a fight...

Answer 9

Sure, anything that get your heart rate up