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PhrasesAt the GymCome funziona la cyclette?
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Come funziona la cyclette?

How does the exercise bike work?

Pronunciation

'Cyclette' is a French loanword, pronounced 'see-KLET'. Stress the second syllable.

When to use it

Ask a trainer or staff member when you're unfamiliar with a particular exercise bike model, especially if it has digital controls for resistance and programming.

What it means

'Come funziona' = how does it work (third person singular of 'funzionare'). 'Cyclette' is the standard Italian word for exercise/stationary bike, borrowed from French. 'Bicicletta da spinning' is the alternative for a spinning bike.

Variations

Come si regola la resistenza?

How do you adjust the resistance?

Asking about resistance settings.

Posso collegare le cuffie alla cyclette?

Can I connect headphones to the exercise bike?

Asking about connectivity.

Quante calorie brucio su questa cyclette?

How many calories do I burn on this exercise bike?

Asking about calorie tracking.

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, come funziona la cyclette? — Prema START e poi scelga il programma. Quello manuale le dà il pieno controllo. — E come aumento la resistenza? — Con le frecce su e giù sul lato destro del display.

— Excuse me, how does the exercise bike work? — Press START and then choose the programme. The manual one gives you full control. — And how do I increase the resistance? — With the up and down arrows on the right side of the display.

Cultural Note

The 'cyclette' became a symbol of Italian home fitness culture in the 1980s and 90s, when millions of Italian households owned one. Italian comedian sketches often joke about cyclettes being used as clothes racks. Today, gym exercise bikes are far more technologically advanced and have regained popularity.