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Air Bike (Assault Bike)

A self-resisting bike using air for resistance, engaging both upper and lower body for high-intensity cardio.

Exercise Facts

Movement Pattern Conditioning
Muscle Group Chest, Core, Legs, Shoulders
Equipment Air Bike
Environment Gym, Home
Skill Level Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate
Series Hybrid Conditioning Series

Overview

The Air Bike, often called the Assault Bike, is a powerhouse for conditioning and calorie burn. Unlike traditional stationary bikes, the air resistance system automatically increases intensity the harder you push, creating a self-regulating challenge. This makes it ideal for interval training, metabolic conditioning, and HYROX preparation.

Each pedal stroke drives a large fan, while the arms work in tandem using push-pull handles. This dual-action design engages the entire body โ€” legs, chest, back, and core โ€” producing one of the most effective full-body cardio workouts available. The Air Bikeโ€™s ability to adjust resistance dynamically means it scales perfectly from beginners to elite athletes.

To maximise benefits, maintain controlled cadence in longer sessions or go all-out for short intervals. Typical programming includes โ€œTabataโ€ intervals (20 seconds max effort, 10 seconds rest ร— 8 rounds) or 10ร—30s sprints with equal recovery. For endurance, 10โ€“20 minutes at 60โ€“70% effort develops aerobic capacity.

Common errors include overreliance on the arms or losing posture when fatigued. Keep the torso upright, core engaged, and drive through both arms and legs. RB100 athletes often test themselves with a 100-calorie Air Bike sprint โ€” a brutal blend of power and mental fortitude.


Setup (Steps)

Seat height mid-hip, hands on handles, core braced.

Execution (Steps)

Push and pull handles while pedalling powerfully.

Coaching Cues

โ€œSteady rhythm.โ€ โ€œFull extension.โ€ โ€œBreathe deep.โ€

Common Faults & Fixes

Slouching โ†’ sit tall.
Arm-only โ†’ engage legs.
Over-pedalling โ†’ match arms and legs.

Programming Ideas

10ร—20s sprints;
100-calorie challenge;
15-min steady state.

Variations

Fan bike intervals, EMOM calorie sets.

Regressions

Shorter intervals, lighter pace.

Standards & Competition Notes

Consistent RPM; full-arm and leg motion.

Safety Notes

Keep back neutral; avoid jerky starts.

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