Does Cycling Strengthen Abductors?

While many cyclists think of the quads and hamstrings as the muscles that power your pedal stroke, it's actually your hips and core that are the foundation. To get faster on the bike, you need to increase the overall strength of your glutes, abductors, adductors and back extensors.

Does cycling work your abductors?

Many cyclists experience groin pain and/or cramp and wonder why. Do the adductor muscles even work during cycling? Research suggests they do, and getting the adductors stronger could help improve your performance. Cycling is a symmetrical activity with minimal rotation and side-to-side movement.

What muscles are strengthened by cycling?

The main muscles at work in cycling are the quadriceps and hamstrings in the upper leg, and the gastrocnemius and soleus in the calf. These muscles contract in a sequence that creates the pedaling action. The quadriceps and hamstrings do most of the work when you ride a bicycle.