Indoor cycling benefits basically every muscle including your brain.

Here’s how to start your own routine and reap the health and fitness rewards.

Like it or not,indoor cyclingis a fitness trend that refuses to die down.

(Psst, here are moreexercise bikes to deliver a killer workout at home, and somePeleton-bike alternatives.)

Cycling is one of the best forms of cardio you’re free to do, especially long-term.

That way, you might implement any specific recommendations.

Oftentimes, there are clipless pedals and a million configurations to the seat height and handlebar depth.

But if you’re trying to do too much, it could be a recipe for injury.

Bad posture is typically the result of stiffness and, if anything, cycling will generallyimproveyour posture.

You’ll automatically start burning more calories.

Try lengthening your original 30-minute cycling sessions to be 45 minutes to an hour instead, he suggests.

Cross-training may not directly impact your cycling performance, but it builds up resilience to injury, he notes.

(Need somewhere to start?These cross-training workouts were made for each other.)

(Here’show to find and train in your personal workout heart-rate zones.)

“This is called training specificity.

Keep doing your thing, but don’t forget to check in with yourself, both physically and mentally.

(Here are somecommon cycling mistakesto keep in mind.)

And remember: You don’t have to talk yourself into saddling up every day.

Some days, you might pedal while working, with thebest under-desk bike, for something less intense.

If not, that’s fine, too.

Motivation comes and goes, and it’s okay to acknowledge that, says Wilpers.

What really matters is maintaining drive, he notes.

“Drive is very consistent because you’re driven toward achieving goals,” he explains.

That means more blood flow to the muscles, which means greater gains for your body.

It’s always important to prioritize your mental health with healthy habits such as exercise.

it’s possible for you to up your gains, thanks to your larger training load.