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Exercise Guide

How to do assault bike run

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The assault bike run, or air bike sprint, is an intense full-body cardiovascular exercise that uses air resistance to challenge the user. The harder you pedal and push the handles, the more resistance the machine generates. This makes it an ideal tool for high-intensity interval training, as it simultaneously engages the arms and legs while rapidly increasing heart rate and metabolism.

Stats

DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Assault Bike
TARGET MUSCLES
Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes, Calves, Back, Chest, Front Shoulder, Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Seat Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so that when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke, your leg has a slight bend.
  2. Position: Sit on the bike, place your feet on the pedals, and grasp the moving handles.

The Workout:

  1. Initiate: Begin pedaling with your legs and pushing/pulling with your arms simultaneously.
  2. Pacing: The resistance is created by the fan; the harder and faster you push, pull, and pedal, the greater the resistance will be.
  3. Technique: Drive with your legs while simultaneously pushing with one arm and pulling with the other. Find a smooth, powerful rhythm.
  4. Workout Style: The Assault Bike is ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT). For example, sprint for 30 seconds, then rest or pedal slowly for 60 seconds. Repeat for multiple rounds.

Tips:

  • Keep your core engaged and your posture upright.
  • Focus on using your entire body to generate power.
  • Breathe deeply and consistently, especially during high-intensity intervals.

Common mistakes: Using only the legs while ignoring the handles, poor posture/slumping, and shallow breathing.

Alternatives

Leg Extension

one leg extension

Quads
Leg Extension

leg extension

QuadsGlutes
Barbell

barbell squat

QuadsGlutes
Leg Press

seated leg press

QuadsGlutes
Squat Rack

barbell front squat

QuadsGlutes
Bench

barbell bulgarian split squat

QuadsGlutes
Barbell

barbell box squat

QuadsGlutes
Hack Squat Machine

hack squat

QuadsGlutes
None

forward lunge

Quads
Kettlebell

kettlebell front squat

QuadsGlutes
Kettlebell

kettlebell goblet squat

QuadsGlutes
None

rear lunge

QuadsGlutes
Kettlebell

kettlebell one arm swing

QuadsGlutes+2
Kettlebell

kettlebell thruster

QuadsGlutes+5
Barbell

barbell overhead squat

QuadsGlutes
Barbell

barbell zercher squat

QuadsGlutes
Barbell

barbell overhead lunge

QuadsGlutes+1
Leg Press

squat calf raise on legpress

QuadsGlutes+1
None

step up with chair

QuadsGlutes+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell swing

QuadsHamstrings+3
Dumbbell

dumbbell thruster

QuadsGlutes+4
Smith Machine

smith-machine leg press

QuadsGlutes
Bench

sissy squat

QuadsGlutes
Smith Machine

smit-machine split squat

QuadsGlutes
Hack Squat Machine

reverse hack squat

QuadsGlutes
Smith Machine

smit-machine squat

QuadsGlutes
Dumbbell

dumbbell lunge

QuadsGlutes
Pendulum Squat Machine

pendulum squat

QuadsGlutes
None

pistol squat

QuadsGlutes
Sled Leg Press

sled 45° leg press

QuadsGlutes
Tread Mill

run on treadmill

QuadsGlutes+1
None

run

QuadsGlutes+1
Assault Runner

assault run

QuadsHamstrings+2
Ski Trainer

ski trainer

QuadsGlutes+3
Barbell

barbell thruster

QuadsGlutes+4
Assault Bike

assault bike run

QuadsHamstrings+6