Can You Lose Weight With a Tricycle?

When you picture a tricycle, you might picture a young child gleefully pedaling as they master the art of balance. But adults can ride tricycles too, and a three-wheeled bike can even help you meet your weight-loss goals. You'll need to use the tricycle regularly and may need to alter your diet to maximize your weight-loss potential.

Tricycle Basics

• There are two tricycle options for adults. A standard adult tricycle looks similar to a child's, but it is larger and more stable. There are some variations of this trike, including one with two wheels in the front instead of in the back. A recumbent tricycle positions the seat level to the wheels, so your legs are in front of you instead of beneath you. Your body weight is more evenly distributed with this model, so you might experience less joint pain and decreased stress on your back, particularly if you have a history of injuries.

Drawbacks and Benefits

• If you love the idea of bicycling but are concerned about getting into an accident or worried about poor balance, a tricycle will provide greater stability. You can also use a tricycle as a way to transition into riding a bike as you gain strength and balance. Because tricycles are commonly associated with children rather than adults, however, you could feel a little silly riding a trike around your neighborhood. A recumbent trike looks less like a tricycle and you might feel less awkward riding it.

Burning Calories

• To lose a pound of fat, you'll need to eliminate 3,500 calories. The number of calories you'll burn on a tricycle depends on a couple of factors, including your weight. Heavier people burn more calories because it takes more energy to move their bodies. The intensity of your routine also plays an important role. You'll burn more calories going uphill and pedaling at a rapid pace than you will going downhill or going more slowly. At 12 to 13 miles per hour, you can expect to burn between 240 and 355 calories every 30 minutes depending upon your weight.

Importance of Diet

• While you can lose weight with a tricycle alone, your weight-loss routine will go much more quickly if you also cut your calories. Eliminating sodas and sugary snacks is one way to get rid of a few hundred calories without making major changes. A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help you feel full without overloading calories. Lean proteins such as fish can help you build muscle without packing on the pounds.