Recumbent - Does recumbent riding offer an ab workout as well?

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Jay D
12-15-09, 10:39 PM
I've noticed after fairly long rides that my abs feel like that they've had a workout as well. I don't know if this is because I'm using my abs to help lift my legs as I do not use clipless pedals, or because I sit up frequently to look behind me to view traffic since I mainly use my recumbent as a commuter.

Anybody else experience this?

Bent Ben
12-16-09, 12:38 AM
I find that my abs do get a work out if I focus on them with each pedal stroke. I lost some weight around the gut so I've been working them out on my rides. If it hurts, I must be working them out, right?
BlazingPedals
12-16-09, 05:45 AM
Doing crunches so you can get your shoulders up and look behind you would certainly give you a workout. But that's not a necessary part of riding a recumbent. I think for most riders, 'bents don't work the abs as much as an upright bike.

cat0020
12-16-09, 08:02 AM
If you use clipless pedals and pull the pedals with your feet towards your stomach as you pedal your recumbent forward, that's working your abs.

Getting on and off the recumbent riding position is also working your abs.