Is bike riding good for a leg workout substitute?

Question

I can only ride every other day because once I get done my legs are so sore, I have to bike every other day because I love it. I was wondering if this works as a legit leg workout substitute? I am in to weight lifting and would absolutely love to work my legs, but I feel if I do I'll be doing more damage than good since my legs are probably torn up enough as it is.

Answer 1

Bike riding uses your bodies biggest muscles; glutes, quads, and calves (gastrocs).   If you want bulk and strength use higher gears and pedal around 50-60 rpm only for 20-30 minutes.  If you want to balance your strength work with some cardio, use lower gears and spin at 80 -100 rpm for 45 minutes to 1 hour.  If you do the high gear routine don't  do it every day.  You need time  to recover and you know that.  Seated leg press and half squats are good too.  Alternate upper and lower body workouts every other day.  Always incorporate cardio to work your heart too.

Answer 2

well i would assume so, as you are working all your mussles simotainously. but if you are biking for too long and not being able to do it every day, then i would definently cut back a little. it's better to do a little everyday than a lot every other day. but i wouldn't cut out all my leg workouts just because biking is better. i would still do them, just less often if i am biking all the time, so that's what i suggest that you do.

Answer 3

It depends what you're trying to do. You are not going to get the kind of strength from a bike that you'll get from squats or leg presses, but you will get a good endurance workout, and as someone else said you'll get an aerobic workout.

I would suggest that you do heavy work with the weights one day, and then ride the bike the next day. Just don't do a lot of hills with the bike.  

Easer into it, don't go carzy from the start and you should be fine.

Answer 4

yes biking is a good substitute.  As an added bonus it also work your aerobic capacity.