Does the SKE only train the legs?

We are often asked: but does SKE only train the legs? In this article we want to answer this question!

Although the main focus is on the lower limbs, the SKE's innovative design allows it to engage and strengthen many parts of the body, providing a complete and balanced workout.

The SKE intensively trains the leg muscles, including quadriceps, hamstrings, twins (calves) and glutes. To train maximal strength, you must push a load greater than 70 percent of your maximum; on the SKE this is equivalent to pushing close to or greater than your weight.

The thrusts have a duration of 1 to 3 seconds (in quasi-isometric exercises even 5 to 10 or more seconds), and because they are performed by only one leg at a time, they put the body in a highly unbalanced condition.

During maximal strength exercises, each push starts from a standstill and the resistance in the initial part of the movement is high. The combination requires the body to exert maximum effort at the very beginning, when the pedal is stationary: maximum muscle activation and contraction are required to get the movement started.

In addition, during each thrust, the knee, if not controlled by the stabilizing muscles, could move laterally; the pelvis would lift off the saddle and rotate along with the entire torso.

To maintain balance and proper stance, many muscles of the body are called upon to perform strong contraction and stabilization activity involving not only the stabilizing and antagonistic muscles of the legs (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris) but also the core and various districts of the upper body.

To avoid these movements, the abdominals contract with very high intensity, stabilizing the upper body both against lateral twisting and to perform a vertical counter thrust.

The arms and shoulders play a crucial role in maintaining position and stability during the movement. As one hand pushes, the other pulls, creating an incessant cycle of contraction that induces a strengthening and toning effect in the upper body as well. 

In summary, the SKE is a versatile piece of equipment that, while focusing on the lower limbs, provides a comprehensive and engaging workout for the entire body, improving strength, stability, and overall coordination. This makes it suitable not only for professional athletes but also for people seeking general improvement in physical well-being.