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Air Bike

A beginner strength exercise for the abs, done with just your bodyweight.

Air Bike: starting positionAir Bike: finishing position
Main muscles
Abs
Equipment
Bodyweight
Level
Beginner
Type
Compound
Movement
Pull

How to do the Air Bike

  1. Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. For this exercise, you will need to put your hands beside your head. Be careful however to not strain with the neck as you perform it. Now lift your shoulders into the crunch position.
  2. Bring knees up to where they are perpendicular to the floor, with your lower legs parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position.
  3. Now simultaneously, slowly go through a cycle pedal motion kicking forward with the right leg and bringing in the knee of the left leg. Bring your right elbow close to your left knee by crunching to the side, as you breathe out.
  4. Go back to the initial position as you breathe in.
  5. Crunch to the opposite side as you cycle your legs and bring closer your left elbow to your right knee and exhale.
  6. Continue alternating in this manner until all of the recommended repetitions for each side have been completed.

Sets and reps

Strength3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
Muscle3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
Endurance or fat loss2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Air Bike

Questions

What muscles does the Air Bike work?

Mainly the abs.

Is the Air Bike good for beginners?

Yes. It's rated a beginner exercise: start light and learn the movement before adding weight.

What can I do instead of the Air Bike?

Good alternatives that train the abs: 3/4 Sit-Up, Bent-Knee Hip Raise, Bottoms Up or Butt-Ups.

How many sets and reps of the Air Bike should I do?

Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).