Shoulder Stand Bicycle

Advanced
Alternating

Also known as: Shoulder Stand Cycling · Shoulderstand Bicycle

Expert Advice

Keep pressure across your shoulders and upper arms, not your neck. If you cannot maintain that support comfortably, lower your hips and stop.

How-to-do Steps

  1. Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat, and arms beside you.
  2. Draw your knees toward your chest and curl your hips off the floor.
  3. Brace your lower back with both hands, keeping elbows and upper arms grounded.
  4. Raise your legs above your hips, keeping your head still and gaze upward.
  5. Pedal your legs alternately through comfortable hip and knee bends for the programmed duration.
  6. Stop pedaling, bend your knees, and slowly roll your back down to the floor.

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sway with each pedalFix: shorten your leg circles to keep your torso steady.
  • Turning your head while elevatedFix: keep your gaze upward until your back reaches the floor.

Coach Cues

Hands support your lower backKeep your head stillPedal slowly and smoothly

Short reminders to keep in mind during every set.

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Muscles Worked

Shoulder Stand Bicycle primarily targets the Quads, Abs, with Stretching mechanics using Body Weight. Understanding muscle activation patterns helps you focus on proper engagement and maximize training effectiveness.

Primary
Quads
Quads40%
Abs
Abs30%
Secondary
Hamstrings
Hamstrings15%
Glutes
Glutes10%
Shoulders
Shoulders5%
Equipment
Body Weight
Body Weight
Exercise Type
Stretching
40%Quads30%Abs15%Hamstrings10%Glutes5%Shoulders

Why Level 4?

Advanced

Inverted support requires control to avoid shifting bodyweight onto the flexed neck.

Technique
Stability
Strength
Mobility
Impact
Learning

Sets & Reps Guidance

Beginner3 x 2min
Intermediate3 x 4min
Advanced4 x 5min

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Shoulder Stand Bicycle work?
Shoulder Stand Bicycle primarily targets the Quads, Abs. Secondary muscles involved include Hamstrings, Glutes, Shoulders. It is classified as a Stretching exercise performed with Body Weight.
How many sets and reps should I do for Shoulder Stand Bicycle?
For beginners, start with 3 sets of 2min. Intermediate lifters can do 3 sets of 4min. Advanced athletes can push to 4 sets of 5min. Adjust based on your goals and recovery capacity.
Is Shoulder Stand Bicycle suitable for beginners?
Shoulder Stand Bicycle is rated as an advanced exercise and is best suited for experienced lifters. Beginners should build foundational strength with simpler movements first before attempting this exercise.
What are the most common mistakes when doing Shoulder Stand Bicycle?
Hips sway with each pedal: shorten your leg circles to keep your torso steady. Turning your head while elevated: keep your gaze upward until your back reaches the floor.