The Winning Combo: Cross-Training with Indoor Cycling for Running

If you’re a dedicated runner training for an upcoming race, you might think that lacing up your running shoes and hitting the pavement is all you need. However, there’s a secret weapon that can take your running performance to the next level: indoor cycling. Cross-training with indoor cycling can provide a wide range of benefits that complement your running training, helping you become a stronger, more well-rounded athlete. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of incorporating indoor cycling into your running regimen.

Reduced Impact on Joints
Running is a high-impact sport, and pounding the pavement can take a toll on your joints over time. Indoor cycling offers a low-impact alternative that allows you to give your joints a break without sacrificing your cardiovascular fitness. This reduced impact is particularly valuable during periods of intense training, recovery, or injury prevention.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Endurance
Indoor cycling is an excellent cardiovascular workout that engages your heart and lungs, similar to running. By incorporating cycling into your training routine, you can build your cardiovascular endurance without the continuous impact on your lower body. This improved aerobic capacity will translate to better stamina and performance in your running races.

Strengthens Leg Muscles
Cycling engages your leg muscles differently than running, which can help you build strength in the muscles that running might not fully target. The quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles are worked more efficiently during cycling, which can enhance your overall leg strength and power. This added strength can be a game-changer when it comes to conquering hills and maintaining a strong stride in a race.

Active Recovery
When you’re deep into your running training, it’s crucial to allow your body time to recover. Indoor cycling is an excellent active recovery option. It helps increase blood flow to your muscles, flush out waste products, and promote healing without the risk of further impact-related stress on your body. Engaging in a low-intensity cycling session can help your body recover faster, allowing you to maintain your training consistency.

Cross-Training Variety
Variety is the spice of life, and it’s also essential for a well-rounded training regimen. Cycling introduces a refreshing change of pace, both mentally and physically. By diversifying your workouts, you reduce the risk of burnout and overuse injuries that can occur from repetitive running motions.

Interval Training
Indoor cycling is perfect for incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your routine. HIIT sessions on a stationary bike can boost your anaerobic capacity, speed, and overall running performance. Alternating between short bursts of high intensity and periods of active recovery during your cycling workouts can mimic the demands of a race, helping you become a more resilient runner.

Weather-Independent Training
One of the significant advantages of indoor cycling is that you can do it year-round, regardless of weather conditions. This means you can maintain your fitness and consistency, even when it’s pouring rain, snowing, or too hot to run outdoors. The controlled environment of our studio offers a reliable training option.

Incorporating indoor cycling into your running training regimen can provide numerous benefits that directly translate into improved race-day performance. From reduced impact on joints and enhanced cardiovascular endurance to strengthened leg muscles and active recovery, the advantages of cross-training with cycling are undeniable. So, next time you’re looking to take your running to the next level, hop on a stationary bike, pedal away, and watch your running performance soar. It’s a winning combo you won’t want to overlook!


Finding Balance Amidst the Chaos: The Benefits of Adding Yoga to Your Busy Day

In the fast-paced, modern world we live in, it’s no secret that many of us are constantly on the go. Between demanding work schedules, family commitments, and social obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and drained by the never-ending hustle and bustle. This is precisely why introducing yoga into your wellness routine can be a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of incorporating yoga into your busy day and how it can help you find balance amidst the chaos.

Stress Reduction:
Yoga is renowned for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. By engaging in deep breathing and mindful movements, yoga can calm the mind and ease the body’s stress response. Taking even a short yoga break during your busy day can help you regain a sense of calm and focus.

Increased Flexibility:
One of the physical benefits of yoga is enhanced flexibility. Many of us spend long hours sitting at desks or engaging in repetitive movements that can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Yoga stretches and poses help to increase flexibility and relieve tension in the muscles and joints, making you feel more agile and less prone to aches and pains.

Improved Posture:
Yoga encourages awareness of body alignment and balance. Consistent practice can help you maintain better posture throughout the day, which is especially valuable if your job requires long hours at a desk or on your feet. Improved posture not only benefits your physical health but also boosts your self-confidence.

Enhanced Focus and Concentration:
Yoga isn’t just about physical movements; it’s also a mental practice. Through meditation and mindfulness exercises, yoga helps improve your ability to concentrate and stay present in the moment. This can be a valuable asset for navigating a busy day filled with distractions and deadlines.

Boosted Energy Levels:
Yoga can act as a natural energy booster. Engaging in a quick yoga session, even as short as 10 minutes, can invigorate your body and mind. The combination of movement, deep breathing, and increased blood flow can help you feel more alert and ready to tackle your tasks.

Better Sleep:
If you’re constantly on the go, chances are your sleep might be suffering. Yoga promotes better sleep by reducing stress and anxiety, helping to improve your overall sleep quality. A well-rested mind and body are better equipped to handle the demands of a busy day.

Stress Management:
Yoga equips you with effective tools to manage stress. The breathing techniques learned in yoga can be applied to real-life situations when stress levels are high. This helps you stay calm and collected, even in the face of challenging moments.

Increased Productivity:
By investing a small amount of your day in yoga, you can actually improve your overall productivity. The clarity and mental focus gained from yoga practice allow you to work more efficiently and make better decisions.

Self-Care and Mindfulness:
Adding yoga to your daily routine is a form of self-care. It encourages you to take a moment for yourself, fostering self-awareness and self-compassion. This can ultimately lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Connection with Others:
By attending our group yoga classes, you’ll also benefit from the social aspect. Building connections with like-minded individuals can provide a sense of community and support during busy times.

Incorporating yoga into your busy day doesn’t have to be a time-consuming endeavor. By finding balance amidst the chaos through yoga, you can lead a more centered, healthier, and more productive life. So, why not take the first step towards a more balanced and harmonious life by rolling out your yoga mat with us today? Your body and mind will thank you!

In health,
Rachel


5 tips for indoor cycling effectively

Make sure you’re getting the most out of your cycling workout. Here are five tips for a safe & effective indoor cycling class.

1. Be sure your bike is set up properly. When your foot is at the bottom of your pedal stroke (the “6 o’clock position”), you should have a slight bend in your knee.

2. Set your handlebars at a position in which you can comfortably bend your elbows. In class, your instructor will be happy to help you with your bike settings.

3. Keep your feet flat in your pedals. This will allow you to push forward & downward. You will also be able to effectively pull up on the pedals. This will give you a more powerful pedal stroke.

4. Keep your spine in a neutral position while on the bike. Avoid rounding the shoulders or arching your back.

5. Always have enough resistance/gear on your bike so you do not bounce on your seat. Bouncing on the seat is out of control pedaling. If you begin to bounce, add more resistance/gear.

Happy riding!


New Fall Indoor Cycling Packages

Fall is here! Who is as happy as we are for this season. It is my favorite time of year. The leaves change, cool crisp air, and plus it is pumpkin and pecan pie season! I love some pie! I know Dionne will chase me out of the studio for promoting eating of the desserts, but it’s okay to enjoy simple things in life such as dessert!
Dionne has been in a studio working hard with our instructors these past few months to make your experience and workout even better than before. They also have some fun theme cycling rides coming your way to stay tuned for that!
This is also the time of year for Black Friday Specials, Christmas Specials, and New Year Specials. So, we have some of our own to share! Starting today through the end of January we are cutting prices on our monthly unlimited package and month-to-month package. Be sure to share with your friends and let them know that now is the time to join your favorite cycling studio for some fun spin classes.
NEW 5 class pack is $55!
Monthly Unlimited, with a 12-month contract, now $60, was $120!
Monthly Unlimited, with month-to-month contract, now $90, was $140!

Again, these offers start today and run through January 31, 2023.

Sign up now and ride with us in 2023. Let’s live your high WATT life!

-Chris Loignon
Cycleologie Owner


What You Can Expect from a Cycleologie Class

We are excited to offer group cycling classes for all fitness levels at Cycleologie.

Cycling has become one of the most popular trends in fitness. Not only is cycling great for its cardio benefits and calorie burn, but it is also a great resistance-based workout that can increase your strength. Aside from being able to burn up to 600 calories in a cycling class, our classes are fun to participate in because our instructors encourage and motivate riders to work hard and push themselves while enjoying the variety of music played in each class.

Each rider has their own bike and controls their own resistance with guided cues on approximately how much resistance to add from the instructor. This makes our classes a great option for all fitness levels. Since you control your resistance, you are in control of your workout. The instructor will usually recommend resistance based on the kind of track they are teaching. For example, if the instructor cues sprints, they may also signal for a lighter resistance allowing you  to move as quickly as possible. However, when simulating a hill, you may be prompted to add resistance, so you have to use more power and strength to “climb the hill.”

Benefits of Cycleologie’s Group Fitness Cycling Classes

Some of the benefits of our group fitness class are:

  • Great for stress release
  • Excellent cardiovascular workout
  • Low-impact cardio options
  • Muscular endurance

Worried About Taking Your First Class?

If you have never taken a cycling class before, no worries, take a Rookie Ride. This beginner-friendly class is the perfect way to get acquainted with the bike and the instructor. The Rookie Ride focuses on building a solid cycling foundation. As a rider in this class, you will experience the natural progression leading to the enjoyment and benefits you are sure to get from indoor cycling. Our instructors want to meet each rider and help them on their fitness journey. This class is the perfect place for you to experiment and grow with cycling.

Cycling at Cycleologie

Cycleologie offers cycling daily at a variety of times. Download the MindBody app and check out our schedule to find the perfect class and time for you!