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Depends on what kind of fitness you are starting with. If you aren't currently active and maybe overweight, ANY sort of physical activity will get it toned/tighter/slimmer (coupled with a better diet, that is).
A slim marathon runner who starts riding (to compete in triathlon let say) might actually see in increase muscle mass as those skinny, highly efficient leg muscles become bulkier and able to generate more power from pedaling.
Cycling works most muscle groups, but definitely thigh, calf, and glutes get the most noticeable impact. As broadbill said, it can result in some slimming, but ultimately, you will get bigger muscles in those areas. Upper body impact comes mostly from holding and controlling the handlebars.
Upper body impact comes mostly from holding and controlling the handlebars.
I always do reps of ordinary push-ups before setting out on my regular ride. More important for road biking, I think, than for the more upright position of off-road bikes.
I notice the neck, backs of arms, obviously the whole thigh and butt area. When I was first starting on my bike and totally out of shape it changed my stomach too. But I was total blub.
In addition to the leg muscles mentioned in this thread, I get some definition in my lower abs. I stand up while I ride a lot though, and I do mountain biking, which gets definition in the arms from controlling the bars.
I have been doing my aerobic workout on a bike for the last two months after knee surgery. I find I have been dropping weight as my miles continue to climb. My legs are getting solid and bigger, my quads which seemed to have collapse after the surgery have now started to build again. I have noticed a loss of weight in shoulders, face, legs, but not abs. I do 25 to 35 miles per ride now on trails four times a week at an average 12 to 14 miles per hour. I think if I can get to 150 miles per week I will fell the great rush I got from running. I almost feel it after a hard 35 mile ride. I need to start back at the gym, but after getting what I call my runners high on a bike I seem to be obsessed with the next endorphin rush LOL. I am sure when it get cold I will head back to the gym and work on the rest of my body, but having waited so long to get the knees fixed I seem to be obsessed with the renewed freedom outside on the bike.
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