Do you ride your road bike a lot in your free time or do you perhaps do triathlon? Then the right pedaling technique is important for you, because with an economical and efficient technique you have many advantages. But even if you only occasionally get in the saddle or train on an indoor cycle, you can save a lot of energy. you can save a lot of energy if you learn the right pedaling technique.
Different pedaling techniques from beginner to pro
The further and faster you ride, the more important it is to have an optimal pedaling technique. If you pedal too uneconomically, you waste valuable energy and tire more quickly. Because power alone cannot replace a good technique in the long run! However, if you manage to pedal more efficiently, you will not only gain more endurance and thus be more efficient, but you can also prevent injuries and reduce the recovery time. Because with a good technique you need much less power!
If you take a closer look at the different pedaling techniques used by beginners and professionals, you can see significant differences between the techniques. The following pedaling techniques characterize beginner, intermediate and professional cyclists (see picture below!):
The beginner among cyclists only uses the muscles at the front of the thighs to pedal and "pushes" the pedals or "tramples" on them. As a result, any momentum between the left and right leg is lost and you waste energy that you will need at a later time.
The advanced cyclist improves his performance by using the rear thigh and calf muscles. A little tip: Try wiping dirt from under your sole while riding in your mind. This will activate your rear leg muscles and improve your pedaling technique.
What does the professional do even better? Because of his good technique, he has very little swing loss between his left and right leg. It also creates an even distribution of power throughout the pedal stroke, as well as a first-rate balance between both legs.
Wattbike: Track your pedaling technique live!
So how can you find out if you're pedaling optimally or if you still need to tweak your technique a bit? For this, there are fitness devices that specifically record and evaluate your pedaling technique!
The Wattbike would be a first-class choice for these purposes, as it features a performance monitor that displays over 40 parameters in real time, giving you extensive and detailed feedback on your workout. The Polar View also gives you the ability to closely track your pedaling technique on the power monitor. In doing so, you can see every pedal revolution in real time and down to the smallest detail. Via live display of your cadence, you can read exactly how much power you are using when pedaling - all live and while you are riding! This allows you to optimize your pedaling technique and eliminate dead spots where you apply uneven power. With improved pedaling technique, you'll soon be riding faster and more efficiently!
Tips to improve your pedaling technique
To improve your pedaling technique and ride more effortlessly, here are a few tips for you:
- Apply about the same amount of power in both legs!
- Invest in good cycling shoes!
- Do not stand up while riding, as this will affect your pedaling technique!
- Ride in the right gear and avoid too much resistance when pedaling!
- Try different pedaling rhythms and resistances, as this will help you learn the optimal techniques for any terrain - both for riding uphill and downhill, as well as in a straight line!
- Practice makes perfect! Regularly incorporate a training session into your workout where you focus only on optimal pedaling technique!
Do you want your studio members to ride more efficiently and improve their pedaling technique? Then get a Wattbike for your gym to offer your clients the best conditions!
Of course, you can also get a Wattbike for home use! Then you will be ready for your next bike ride and you can dare to go another distance, because with the right pedaling technique you will save a lot of energy!
Wattbikes you can buy directly from the manufacturer on fitnessmarkt.de!
The power monitor of the Wattbike shows you on the basis of the strength curve the forces that act on the pedal.
Image sources: Wattbike
Published on: 19 October 2016