Why Cardio (Especially Indoor Cycling) Is So Good for You

At High Ride Cycle, we believe in sweaty, joyful movement that challenges you both mentally + physically. Our signature 45-minute ride isn’t just a dance party on a bike (although yes, it absolutely is that too)—it’s also an incredibly effective form of cardiovascular exercise.

Whether you're clipping in for the mental release, the physical push, or the connection to community, here’s a deeper dive into the science behind why cardio, especially cycling, is one of the best things you can do for your body + brain.

1. It Strengthens Your Heart

Let’s start with the obvious: cardio = cardiovascular. Indoor cycling trains your heart to pump more efficiently, improving blood flow + lowering your resting heart rate over time. The result? A healthier heart, improved endurance + a reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure + stroke.

2. It Improves Oxygen Efficiency (aka VO₂ Max)

VO₂ max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise. It’s a key marker of aerobic fitness + indoor cycling is one of the best ways to increase it. Our interval-based classes push you to challenge your limits, helping your body become more efficient at using oxygen + performing under pressure.

3. It Boosts Metabolism + Burns Fat

Cycling at High Ride taps into your body's metabolic engine. During class, your heart rate stays elevated + you burn serious calories. After class? You continue to burn thanks to EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), aka the afterburn effect. That means a 45-minute ride can have lasting benefits on your metabolism.

4. It Builds Muscular Endurance

Indoor cycling doesn’t just benefit your heart—it also builds lower body + core strength. With intentional resistance work, choreography + isolated movements, our rides engage the quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves + core. Over time, this improves muscular endurance + stability without the joint impact of running or HIIT.

5. It Supports Mental Health

Here’s where things really get powerful. Cardio has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins (your feel-good hormones), serotonin + dopamine—all of which support mood regulation + reduce stress, anxiety + depression. Pair that with good music, community energy + the lights-down, heart-up vibe of High Ride + you’ve got a true mental reset.

6. It Improves Blood Sugar + Insulin Sensitivity

Regular cardio helps your muscles become more efficient at absorbing glucose, which can reduce insulin resistance. That means better blood sugar regulation + a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

7. It’s Gentle on Your Joints (But Still Builds Strength)

Cycling is a low-impact workout that protects your joints while still offering the resistance + muscle engagement needed to build strength + support bone density. It's ideal for those recovering from injury, new to fitness, or looking for longevity in their movement routine.

So, Why High Ride?

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all fitness. We believe in showing up—sweaty, imperfect + ready to move. Whether you come for the music, the community, the challenge, or the joy, every ride is designed to support your goals, wherever you are in your fitness journey.

No pressure to perform. No finish line to cross. Just 45 minutes of full-body, heart-pumping movement that leaves you proud, empowered, + sweaty.

Every BODY is welcome at High Ride.
Come see for yourself what cardio—done the High Ride way—can do for you.