How to do a Single-Leg Cycles
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Single-Leg Cycles
Workouts with Single-Leg Cycles
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
Single-Leg Cycles is a core-centric, bodyweight exercise that targets the abdominals and hip flexors. By pedaling your legs in a cycling motion, you maintain continuous tension in these muscle groups. Performing the exercise one leg at a time can help improve coordination and balance, as well as ensure balanced muscle development by addressing any potential imbalances between sides.
- Start by jogging in place.
- Slowly start moving forward.
- Keep your core engaged, back straight, and gaze forward to maintain proper form and posture during this exercise.
- Explosively drive your knee up on every fourth step.
- Engage your glutes, quads and hamstrings to extend your leg and quickly swing your foot back underneath you.
- Cycle your arms in a mock running motion as you go. The leg cycle should have a more exaggerated arm movement as well.
- Repeat the same movement with the other leg.
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