Heart disease is the number one killer of all Americans, but Black men, particularly between the ages of 45-64 are at much higher risk. Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure can increase those risks as well, but did you know that indoor cycling can help to decrease those chances?
Cycle Élan is an indoor cycling studio for the individual that is full of life, style, and enthusiasm located in Smyrna, GA. The company believes in creating a fun and engaging environment for their riders who believe fitness should be fun, while also teaching riders how to properly exercise and have a great time while doing so.
We spoke with Ann Ruff, a coach who teaches four cycling classes and also serves as the Sales and Customer Experience Manager at Cycle Élan, to better understand why cycling is good for men.
“We recommend it for men, because heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in men. They have a lot of stress, but they hold it in, and a lot of time when something is not right, they are not so quick to go see a doctor or find out exactly what’s wrong,†says Ann. “So we recommend it so that they can help their heart get a little bit better, get healthier and things of that nature.â€
“A lot of the time men think, because they go to the gym, and they lift and build up those muscles and stuff, that they are healthy. You know what I mean? So research and studies show that you always want to get in a good portion of cardio, because it helps to get rid of the stubborn fat, you know, like in the stomach area. So you may want to go running on the treadmill or using the elliptical and those stationary types of equipments, even though it is a stationary bike,†Ann went on to say.
Cardio, which consists of repeatedly contracting large muscle groups, is good for getting your heart rate up, strengthening your heart and blood vessels, and improving the flow of oxygen within your body.
 Ann explains,”If you look at bike riders on TV, a lot of these guys- their legs are really strong and powerful looking and their ab region is very slim and trim. This is because of the type of cardio workout like indoor cycling.”
Cycle Élan has one of the best bikes on the market. It is said to ride like an outdoor bike inside, because it has what is called a carbon blue belt on it, which is like a chain that causes it to have the outside bike riding effect.
According to both and Ann and studies, riding helps build endurance. In addition, it also helps to burn fat, because higher resistance builds muscle.
 Cycle Élan offers classes seven day a week. To learn more visit http://www.cycleelan.com.
