Studio cycling is offered in more than 1,200 gyms in the United States. While there are different types of studio cycling, the underlying concept is the same: a simulation of an outdoor bike ride over a

variety of terrain, led by an instructor, and accompanied by motivational, driving music.

Everyone finishes the road race at the same time, regardless of ability, and gains a sense of reaching the top. About the only thing missing is an occasional pothole to dodge!

Instructors lead students through basic movements that combine various hand and body positions and different types of pedal strokes. Periods of all-out sprinting are alternated with slower, uphill work, which serves as a type of interval training. This variation in intensity continually shifts from moderate to intense and back again several times throughout a typical workout, and changing intensity is as simple as turning the knob on the bike. In addition to training the primary muscle groups of the legs (glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves), may instructors include movements to work the upper-body muscles as well as the abdominals.

Most classes are open to all levels of ability and age because you set the bicycle’s resistance to your individual fitness level. Men have found group cycling to their liking, many fled aerobic-dance classes because of the complicated dance-step routines and intimidation by the number of women participants. Bodybuilders, athletes and overweight individuals find cycling in this manner preferable because of the reduced joint strain. Research shows the participant can burn an average of 500 calories in just 45 minutes and become extremely fit. (Actual caloric burn depends on age, gender, fitness level, and physical condition).