Liftworthy
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Liftworthy

Every exercise ranked by research, by lifters and by results. Find what’s S-tier for your goal, then train it.

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General training information, not medical advice. If something hurts, stop and see a professional.
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Explore/Cycling

Gym exercises for

Cycling

Heavy legs, a strong trunk and bones that riding alone won’t build.

  • Leg force for sprints and climbs
  • Trunk stability on the bike
  • Bone loading riding doesn’t provide

Live ranking · updated by evidence & ratings

Cycling workout My tier list
S
—
A
Bulgarian Split Squat
Hack Squat
Leg Press
Trap Bar Deadlift
Stationary Bike
Step-Up
Barbell Back Squat
B
45° Back Extension
Romanian Deadlift
Dead Bug
Side Plank
Barbell Hip Thrust
Deadlift
Box Jump
C
Leg Extension
Single-Leg Calf Raise
D
—
F
—

Full ranking

  1. 1A
    Bulgarian Split Squat
    Strength · Dumbbell
    No ratings yet
    79
    Research
    Lifters
  2. 2A
    Hack Squat
    Strength · Machine
    No ratings yet
    79
    Research
    Lifters
  3. 3A
    Leg Press
    Strength · Machine
    No ratings yet
    79
    Research
    Lifters
  4. 4A
    Trap Bar Deadlift
    Strength · Barbell
    No ratings yet
    75
    Research
    Lifters
  5. 5A
    Stationary Bike
    Conditioning · Machine
    No ratings yet
    74
    Research
    Lifters
  6. 6A
    Step-Up
    Strength · Dumbbell
    No ratings yet
    74
    Research
    Lifters
  7. 7A
    Barbell Back Squat
    Strength · Barbell
    No ratings yet
    73
    Research
    Lifters
  8. 8B
    45° Back Extension
    Strength · Bodyweight
    No ratings yet
    64
    Research
    Lifters
  9. 9B
    Romanian Deadlift
    Strength · Barbell
    No ratings yet
    64
    Research
    Lifters
  10. 10B
    Dead Bug
    Core · Bodyweight
    No ratings yet
    63
    Research
    Lifters
  11. 11B
    Side Plank
    Core · Bodyweight
    No ratings yet
    63
    Research
    Lifters
  12. 12B
    Barbell Hip Thrust
    Strength · Barbell
    No ratings yet
    60
    Research
    Lifters
  13. 13B
    Deadlift
    Strength · Barbell
    No ratings yet
    57
    Research
    Lifters
  14. 14B
    Box Jump
    Power · Bodyweight
    No ratings yet
    56
    Research
    Lifters
  15. 15C
    Leg Extension
    Accessory · Machine
    No ratings yet
    49
    Research
    Lifters
  16. 16C
    Single-Leg Calf Raise
    Accessory · Dumbbell
    No ratings yet
    44
    Research
    Lifters

What are the best gym exercises for cycling?

Right now Bulgarian Split Squat ranks first, with an overall score of 79 from the research rubric. It’s followed by Hack Squat and Leg Press. For the core of a programme, the top strength lift is Bulgarian Split Squat and the top power exercise is Box Jump. The best choice for you depends on your equipment and how it feels on your joints, which is why every exercise links to alternatives.

Why it ranks: One leg at a time, like each pedal stroke, through a deep knee bend.

How these scores are calculated →