What is the difference betw. forward & reverse bicycles?

[LauraMax]

I think the only DVD I've seen this in is Ab Ripper X, & every time he says "switch directions" I just keep going b/c I have no idea what he means! I thought it was just me, but I heard one of the best trainers at my gym ask someone the same question last night. No one seemed to know.

So can someone please enlighten me? Is there really a difference?

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

Firts of all - love the new avatar. No more cookie monster though

I don't have that wo dvd you refferred to but I do use the backward motion when I use the elliptical. I was always under the impression that it works more of the hammies that way.

Would be great to get others input on this. PT's maybe ????

 

[kathryn]

Just imagine when you are lying down that you are actually riding a bike. The regular "bicycle" move is as if you are pedalling forward. The "reverse" move is as if you are going backwards. (to make the distinction, you have to be doing somewhat of an eliptical movement rather than just 'in-out' with the knees).

I would think the "backward" move might work the transverse abdominals a bit more, or perhaps just differently.