Glidecycle™ Vs. Cycling Differences

GlideCycle™ vs. Cycling Differences

Introduction GlideCycle™ Strength & Motion At first glance, a GlideCycle™ may appear similar to a bicycle. However, upon closer Unlike bicycling, GlideCycling promotes full, inspection, there are no pedals and there is unencumbered hip motion with each stride. no seat pressure in the perineal region (the The GlideCycle™ actually emphasizes area where bicycle seats create pressure on muscle development and strengthening in sensitive tissues). Thus, operators propel groups that are neglected during cycling the GlideCycle™ with a running or gliding such as the gluteals (especially lower fibers motion very different from pedaling a that extend the hip), hamstrings, bicycle. One of the key design features of gastrocnemius, back extensors, core the GlideCycle™ is its patented pelvic muscles and shoulders. Thus GlideCycling suspension system which allows running is an optimal fitness experience for many and gliding exercise with minimal joint while cross training with the GlideCycle is a impact. great compliment to bicycling.

Bicycling Motion Limitations GlideCycle™ Strength Benefits When pedaling a bicycle, all of the leg joints, GlideCyclists often notice the comfortable, especially the hips, move through a limited multidirectional challenges to core and back range of motion and the hips never fully muscles, which is very similar to the extend. Thus, cycling leg muscles, challenge of seated exercise on a large gym especially hip flexors and adductors, are ball. In addition, GlideCycling allows a prone to over tightening which may be comfortable, upright posture that engages associated with muscle soreness and muscles of the upper body and arms more eventually, for some, problems with hip consistently than standard bicycling. joints. GlideCycle™ Functional Benefits Bicycling Strength Imbalances Another unique feature of the GlideCycle™ Overemphasis on bicycling can lead to is that it simulates the functional movement significant muscle imbalances. Lower fibers patterns of upright walking and running and of the gluteal and lower back muscles work utilizes many muscle groups of the body, in flexed, overstretched positions, and do which in turn, leads to greater functional not develop strength through the full range improvements than bicycling. Such of motion. This lack of strengthening into an functional improvements are the primary extended, upright position may affect goals of rehabilitation programs and those postural control and low back comfort. with mobility limitations. Cycling is also known to emphasize quadriceps over hamstring muscle Balance Requirements development while the core and upper body muscles are minimally engaged except Many individuals who avoid bicycling due to during aggressive mountain biking. balance and safety issues will find that they are able to safely exercise on the

GlideCycle™. It simply requires less ► Lack of knee or hip range of motion balance ability than the bicycle as the needed for bicycling due to joint operator may use two feet, along with the restrictions, pain or obesity. two wheels on the ground at any time. An amputee may use one leg and two wheels ► Balance impairments, mobility limitations which provides a sensation of “three legs”. or amputations that do not allow bicycling as an option. GlideCycling for Those Unable to Tolerate Bicycling GlideCycling Uphill & Cruising Bicycling uphill requires a certain intensity to From a therapeutic standpoint, there are maintain forward motion. For some many individuals with limited exercise individuals, this required intensity is too options who do very well with GlideCycle™ challenging for their level of strength, fitness training. The GlideCycle™ allows longer and overall health. GlideCycling uphill does duration and greater intensity exercise with not require such a level of intensity. The minimal stress to joints and surrounding GlideCyclist may climb hills as slowly or tissue. GlideCycling is specifically beneficial aggressively as desired by either walking for individuals who are limited by: the GlideCycle™ at the desired pace, or ► Reduced tolerance to patellofemoral running uphill at a speed that allows a (knee cap) compressive forces during challenging workout. A GlideCyclist may bicycling. also cruise around comfortably, stop and talk with others or stop to watch a sunset ► Reduced tolerance to tendon and other without dismounting which few, if any, could soft tissue stresses around the knees imagine doing on a bicycle. during bicycling.