What Muscles Does Bike Riding Target?

Bike riding works the body every time you step onto a bicycle and hit the road. This is especially the case when riding up hills and on challenging terrain. Bike riding can increase your cardiovascular strength and balance, and it also recruits a lot of muscle fibers.

Quadriceps

One of the main muscles that is targeted in bike riding is the quadriceps. These are the large muscles on the front of the thighs. Every time the knee extends, they are getting worked.

Glutes

The glutes are the buttock muscles. They are also worked when you extend your knees.

Hamstrings

The hamstrings are on the back of the upper leg, opposite of the quadriceps. They are especially taxed when you stand up and pedal.

Calves

The calves are on the back of the lower leg. They are worked while seated but are more targeted while standing. Riding up hills is when they are most targeted.

Core

The core muscles make up the lower abs, upper abs, obliques and lower back. They are always being worked when the legs are in motion, but they get a lot more emphasis when riding up steep hills.

Anterior Tibialis

The anterior tibialis muscles run down the front of the shin. They are worked every time the foot flexes and extends on the pedals.