by Emma Hogan www.lesmills.com
Shred three centimetres (cm) off your waist without lifting a finger. In fact, you can do it sitting on your butt.
You can lose three cm from your waist without lifting a finger.
This may sound too good to be true but science has proved it. Participants of a Loughborough University research investigation reduced their body fat by 13.6 percent and their waist circumference by an average of three cm in just eight weeks. They did this without getting off their asses. They did it by cycling!
The study analysed the effects of three indoor cycling classes a week for eight weeks. The decrease in body fat was impressive but wasn’t the only inspiring outcome. The group’s cardio fitness also improved by 11.8 percent and their bad cholesterol dropped by 23.3 percent.
While the physical results were impressive, the attendance rate was remarkable. The participants involved in the research had a compliance rate of 95 percent – almost unheard of for a fitness trial.
This compliance rate indicates the enjoyment, satisfaction and quick results that can be achieved with indoor cycling workouts. Maintaining commitment and motivation is just as important as physical results.
If you’re looking to change your fitness or physical shape, while sitting down, this is the thing for you. No intimidating weights or jumping around a studio, just a bike seat, some great music, and an encouraging instructor.
On the flip side, if you’re a gym junky or a cardio queen, don’t think this is just for easing into fitness. The results are substantial no matter what way you look at them. Nearly all the participants involved in the trial reached peaks of 95 percent of their maximum heart rate, showing the effectiveness and intensity of the program.
Wherever you are on your fitness journey, indoor cycling can get you closer to where you want to be.