sted-ee-stay-t
Noun
A type of steady, aerobic exercise used in cycling.
Example usage: 'I'm doing a steady-state ride today.'
Most used in: Cycling circles around the world.
Most used by: Cyclists who are training for endurance events.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Tempo, Sweet Spot, Cruise Intervals, Endurance,
What is Steady-State Cycling?
Steady-state cycling is a type of cycling workout that focuses on maintaining a consistent intensity and speed over a long period of time. It is a great way to build endurance and improve overall fitness. Steady-state cycling is typically done at a moderate to hard intensity level, with a goal of keeping your heart rate in a specific range for the duration of the ride.
For example, a typical steady-state ride may involve cycling at a moderate pace for 30 minutes to an hour, maintaining a heart rate between 120 and 140 beats per minute. This type of workout helps to improve aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and overall fitness. It also helps to build mental toughness, as it requires focus and discipline to stay at a consistent intensity for an extended period of time.
Research shows that steady-state cycling can be an effective way to improve overall fitness and burn calories. A study conducted by the American Council on Exercise found that a 30-minute steady-state ride can burn an average of 272 calories for a 155-pound person. This same person can burn up to 437 calories in the same amount of time if they increase the intensity of their ride.
Overall, steady-state cycling is a great way to improve overall fitness and burn calories. It is an effective way to build endurance and mental toughness, and it can be done at any level of intensity. For best results, try to keep your heart rate in a specific range for the duration of the ride.
The Origin of the Term 'Steady-State' in Cycling
The term 'steady-state' was first used in the context of cycling in the early 1900s. It was coined by Dr. Ernst van Aaken, a German cyclist and physician, in his 1904 book titled Training and Races in Track Cycling. Dr. van Aaken used the term to describe a type of endurance cycling training that involved maintaining a constant speed for a long period of time.
The steady-state training method was popularized by Edmond Jacquelin, a French cycling coach, in the 1920s. He recommended this type of training to his athletes, stressing the importance of consistency and endurance. The popularity of steady-state training spread throughout Europe and eventually to the United States, where it became a standard part of cycling training.
Today, steady-state training is still widely used by cyclists of all levels. It is a great way to build endurance and increase overall cycling performance. It is also an effective way to monitor fitness levels and track progress.
