A cycling instructor explains why your pedal pulling and pushing technique in a spin class affect your entire workout.

Here’s what to know.

Experts in This Article

Christine DErcole is a senior cycling instructor at Peloton.

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Shes also a national champion track cyclist and writer.

Depending on what your foot is doing, youre activating different muscle groups.

A large majority of a spinning class will involve pushing down on your pedals.

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Christine D’Ercole is a senior cycling instructor at Peloton. She’s also a national champion track cyclist and writer.

When youre pushing down, youre hitting your largelower body muscles.

Your glutes and quads are engaging to push the pedal down, she says.

Keep scrolling for her tips on how to nail both elements of your spin class pedaling technique.

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ensure your cleats are immovable and straight.

Once all of thats in place, youre good to slay that spinning workout.

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Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

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A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles