Effects of indoor cycling associated with diet on body composition and serum lipids

Study aim: To determine the effects of indoor cycling training combined with restricted diet, lasting 12 weeks, on serum lipid concentrations in obese women. Material and methods: Twenty women aged 23.8 ± 3.6 years were randomly assigned into two groups: control (C) and experimental (E), the latter subjected to indoor cycling at various loads, 3 sessions weekly, every session lasting 45 min, combined with restricted diet (about 1200 kcal daily) for 12 weeks. The following variables were recorded: body height and mass, BMI, relative body fat content (from 7 skinfolds), fat-free mass, triglycerides, cholesterol and lipoproteins (HDL, LDL, VLDL). Results: Significant increase in HDL and significant decreases in all other variables (except body height) were noted only in the experimental group. Conclusions: Indoor cycling associated with restricted diet is an excellent option in controlling obesity and serum lipids.