Why choose to stand-up bike, stride or step?
We can’t claim to know all the reasons why people are choosing to stand-up and ride/elliptical/stride/step, etc. in the great outdoors. For us, the reason to do so was two-fold: bike riding, with its hunched over position, became uncomfortable for both of us as we neared our late 40’s. Further, as avid runners, we were looking to mix up our training with a lower impact cross-training method.
So finding an activity that didn’t aggravate our necks, backs, nether regions, and joints, while still allowing us to enjoy the great outdoors, AND still get a great workout, was a nirvana moment! What we discovered is that stand-up biking can combine the best of running, cycling and the elliptical trainer, and provide a great work-out while putting a smile on our faces!
We 1st cut our teeth on SUBing, with a pair of ElliptiGO long-strides. Since that time (summer of 2018), we’ve added the ElliptiGO SUB, and our current goto SUBs, our Cycletes.
Check out our YouTube channel and Blog for SUB reviews, adventures, and anything else SUB-related that strikes our fancy and might be of interest to the SUB community!
Some Key Health Benefits of Choosing to Stand-up:
The smooth motion (circular, elliptical, tear-drop, etc.) provides a great workout that creates less joint impact (compared to running) and less back stress (compared to cycling).
The natural “stand-up” riding position reduces stress to necks, backs, and wrists and completely eliminates pressure to the nether regions (bum).
More and more people are seeing the benefits of sitting less and standing more. Just as sit/stand desks are becoming common place in the office setting, this stand-up alternative is a great option for people seeking healthier alternatives.
Standing up improves visibility – both for being seen and seeing what lies ahead.
Because you are standing rather than sitting on a bicycle, the weight-bearing is better for bone health.
The stand-up position engages your core and upper body in addition to your legs.
According to a report by the Exercise and Physical Activity Resource Center (EPARC) at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), riding an elliptical bicycle required, on average, 33% more effort than traditional cycling at the same speed.
Plus, standing recruits more muscles, including the core which can only be a good thing!
