Cycling

Not only is cycling a fun thing to do with your family and friends, but there are many health and fitness as well.  Cycling is a great cardiovascular workout to help you burn calories and increase your endurance, but the added benefit of cycling as opposed to other forms of cardio workouts is that cycling can easily be integrated into your everyday life and easily turn into a healthy hobby.  The key to a successful exercise plan is to find something you enjoy, and for many, cycling fits the bill.

Cycling is a great way to fit in short bouts of fitness to your everyday life.  Instead of driving short distances to the bank, the store, your child’s school, you can hop on your bike and burn calories, build muscle and get in a great cardiovascular workout, while reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cycling tones the muscles of your thighs and glutes, which is addition to giving you a sleeker physique can improve balance and relieve back pain.

Cyclists are usually cyclists for life- decked out in their flashy gear and lightweight bikes.  There is a reason for this- they love it.  The mental and emotional benefits of biking on a regular basis can ease symptoms like depression, stress and anxiety.  Focusing on having your blood pumping, your legs burning and the fresh air whipping through your hair while you try and make it over that next hill can’t be beat- not even by a prescription pad.

Cycling is obviously an outdoor sport, but if you aren’t ready to ride in the rain or invest in the expensive gear just yet, you can always get the cycling experience indoors.  Almost all gyms have exercise bikes that have all the best aspects of outdoor cycling, except you don’t go anywhere.  You can even give the recumbent bike a shot and lounge while you pedal.

Of course, you don;t have to be Lance Armstrong to get a great workout from biking.  A leisurely bike ride with your family around your neighborhood or along some nice trails will give you the same benefits as a miles long race..

If you get seriously into biking, it is important to learn about cross training.  Serious cycling puts you in an unnatural position for extended periods of time, which can lead to muscle imbalances which can cause pain and injury.  Cycling keeps your legs in a shortened state, which can cause muscle tightness and loss of range of motion.  It is important to stretch, and strength train all the muscles of your body evenly to counteract any imbalances that may occur.

And added bonus: biking is green.  It’s environment friendly activity, so instead of driving and polluting the air, you can use good old fashioned hard work, that is better for  every one’s  health.

If you choose to cycle to cycle to work or around town on main streets, it is important to follow the rules of the road.  Using hand signals, turning techniques and learning the laws about where you are and are not allowed to ride will keep you, and everyone on the road, safe.  Pick up a handbook at your local bookstore, or visit your state’s government website about the specific rules in your area.

Research proper safety gear, and how to pick the best helmet and bike for you.  Many cycling shops will measure you for the perfect fit for maximum comfort and protection.  Always wear reflective clothing so you can easily be seen, and pay special attention to the weather to avoid sunburn, windburn, or slips and falls in wet conditions.

Cycling is a sport like any other, but the best part is, most of us learned the basics when we were young.  Whether you want to complete a cross country ride, or just cut down on your carbon footprint, cycling is a healthy and fun way to get around.