Air biking is a form of exercise performed on a specific type of stationary bicycle known as an AirBike or fan bike. Unlike traditional stationary bikes with fixed handlebars, the AirBike features moving handlebars that operate in conjunction with the pedals.
Key Features of Air Biking
A defining characteristic of the AirBike, central to air biking, is its ability to provide a comprehensive full-body workout.
- Full-Body Engagement: A key difference between the AirBike and a regular stationary bike is that the AirBike allows you to work out your arms as well as your legs and core.
- Moving Handlebars: While traditional bikes have stationary handlebars, the handles on the AirBike move.
- Integrated System: The moving handlebars are connected to the fan just like the pedals, meaning arm and leg movements are linked.
This integrated movement system ensures that when you're pedaling with your legs, you're also simultaneously pushing and pulling the handlebars with your arms, engaging muscles throughout your body including the core for stability.
How AirBikes Work
AirBikes use a large fan as resistance. The harder you pedal and push/pull the handlebars, the faster the fan spins, and the greater the resistance becomes. This self-regulating resistance mechanism makes air biking a challenging and effective workout for users of all fitness levels.
Benefits of Air Biking:
- Engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously (arms, legs, core).
- Provides variable, user-controlled resistance.
- Can be used for steady-state cardio or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Air biking, therefore, refers to the exercise method utilizing this unique type of stationary bike to achieve a full-body, variable-resistance workout.
