How to tone your abs on a stationary bike

Many don’t realize that using stationary bikes can be one of the best ways to tone their abs! People will often ask: does an exercise bike tone your stomach? Sure, they are perfect for toning your back, arms and legs, but there are stomach exercises that can be done while riding any piece of exercise bike equipment. Here are a few core-strengthening moves you can do at home on your bike:

Keep your abs tight
Throughout your workout, it’s important to keep your abdominals contracted to help tone your midsection. Although you may not be doing sit-ups or any specific exercise, simply tightening your abs could make a world of difference for your core. However, it’s easy to forget about keeping them tightened throughout your entire workout. Fox News recommended focusing solely on contracting the abdominal muscle you feel when you cough.

Try it one-handed
Fox News suggested only using one hand for balance on your bike instead of two. By doing this exercise, you can take your fitness regimen to the next level.

“Keep your abs contracted as you lift one arm off your handlebars and place it behind you. Switch arms after one minute,” Fox News explained.

This switching of hands will not only help to tone your arms, it will give you a quick ab workout without even realizing it!

Sit up straight!
Simply having good posture while working out on your stationary bike can make a world of difference. Colorado Adventure credited correct posture with helping to tone the right muscle groups.

Making a habit of sitting up straight throughout your workout rather than slouching helps your abs look more defined and gives you a better workout.

Opt for a recumbent exercise bike
If you wish to give your abs an even more intense workout, try a recumbent exercise bike rather than an upright one.

“The semi-reclined position on a recumbent requires you to use your ab muscles as you pedal, especially the lower abs and obliques,” said AZ Central.

Stand up
Complete intervals of lifting your bottom of off the seat and pedaling then sitting back down to bump up your workout to the next level. This exercise really works on your balance and forces your core to kick into gear.

Crunches
When people think of crunches, they usually think of doing crunches on an abdominal crunch bench or even doing crunches on the floor. Yes – it’s possible to complete a variation of crunches while on a bike! Simply pedal while contracting your abs inwards. Do this for one minute or so, then continue with regular pedaling. This is an easy way to tone your core while getting a great cardio workout at the same time.