Like most group exercise classes, indoor cycling comes with its own unique vocabulary. While it may seem foreign at first, with some simple translation and understanding of the terms you’ll be able to follow along with the class no problem and get in a great workout.

Intensity

RPM – RPM refers to “revolutions per minute.” This is the amount of times you can turn one leg in one minute. In outdoor cycling, riders pedal between 50–110 RPM, with the majority of the work done between 60–99 RPM. The instructor should provide a way for you to understand and pedal within an RPM range, either through the metrics on a console mounted to the bike’s handlebars, the tempo of the song or by visually cueing you to match her leg speed.

Resistance/Gear/Tension – Almost all indoor bikes feature a knob or lever that controls the resistance—it’s typically found at the base of the handlebars, between your knees. A turn to the right will put more resistance against the wheel, making it more difficult for you to pedal. A turn to the left will remove some resistance and make it easier. Use this mechanism to control the amount of effort you put into your pedaling.

Your RPM speed plus the amount of resistance you apply determines the intensity of your work. Manipulating these two elements—either separately or together—is what increases or decreases your effort.

Terrain

Flat – Outdoors, a flat would be any stretch of road that does not have an incline or decline. Typically, it would be ridden in a seated position, with occasional reasons to stand such as to increase your power to pass another rider, accelerate to push through an intersection, or possibly just to take a break from the saddle. But the terrain alone does not dictate the work! The intensity of a “flat” could be easy, moderate, hard, maximum effort or a combination of these efforts, depending on your chosen resistance level and RPM.

Hill – Outdoors, hills come in all shapes and sizes. In indoor cycling, a “hill” is typically ridden out of the saddle at a tough effort. But remember that indoors, both flats and hills are merely images used to motivate you to keep pedaling. The terrain beneath your bike never actually changes. Creative instructors understand this and use the feeling of “flats” and “hills,” changes from seated to standing positions, and great imagery to get you to inspire you to give your best effort.

For more info to ensure a successful indoor-cycling experience, check out Julz’ bike set-up tips!