Stationary Cycling for Spinal Stenosis

beginner

5-15 minutes. Gradually increase as tolerated. Stationary bicycle

Suitable For

Spinal Stenosis

Contraindications

Adjust seat to maintain comfortable spinal flexion
Stop if you experience increased leg numbness

Benefits

Provides cardiovascular exercise in a flexed spine position
Maintains leg strength and endurance
Allows exercise without stenosis symptom provocation
Improves functional walking capacity

Stationary cycling is one of the best exercises for spinal stenosis because the seated, forward-flexed position opens the spinal canal and reduces nerve compression. This allows patients to exercise without experiencing the leg pain and numbness that typically occurs with walking.

How to Perform

Set the bicycle seat so your knees are slightly bent at maximum extension. Sit with a slight forward lean of your torso. Start with 5 minutes of gentle pedaling with minimal resistance. Gradually increase to 15-20 minutes as your symptoms allow.