Biking
For Health How to incorporate cycling
into your healthy lifestyle |  |
If you're
looking for the perfect complement to a healthy lifestyle, you'll
find it in bicycling. Many people enjoy riding so much that they
bike to work, pedal to the store and for errands and cruise around
the neighborhood with the family for fun.
Exercise
Injury-Free
Unlike many other popular forms of exercise, biking is done on a
machine that supports your weight. Consequently, there's no impact
on your feet, ankles, knees and back. So, you're a lot less likely
to get injured as you roll up the miles.
What's more, modern bikes are
more comfortable than ever with features such as plush saddles,
shock-absorbing frames, and back-friendly riding positions. You'll
also find low gears that make hill climbing easier than ever, plus
excellent braking systems for safety. And there are plenty of bike
types to choose from, from comfort models to zippy road machines to
fun off-road two-wheelers ready for adventure.
Pedal Off The Pounds
Cycling is excellent for burning calories and losing
weight, too. For example, a 160-pound person burns about 870
calories pedaling seventeen miles in an hour. That's pretty close
to what the same person would burn running, and a lot more than the
amount burned playing golf. If you maintain a regular ride
schedule, avoid overeating and fatty foods, there's an excellent
chance that biking will strip away excess weight.
Before beginning any exercise
program, it's best to get a physical exam from your doctor. Then,
begin riding with two or three outings a week, as time allows. It's
always best to start easily and build up slowly over time. This
allows your body to strengthen and get accustomed to pedaling and
sitting on the bike.
A bike computer ($20-30 for a
basic model) will help you track your progress. Choose a local
route of appropriate distance for your fitness level, start the
computer when you start your ride, and note the time it takes you
when you're finished. Watching your time improve (and average
speed, if your computer has that function) is a motivating way to
monitor your progress.
After about six weeks, you
should feel a noticeable difference in your legs and lungs and see
the difference on your computer. You can gradually increase the
mileage and intensity, if you wish. Or, simply keep riding for fun
and enjoyment.
 | Miles Of Smiles
It's this fun factor that keeps most cyclists hooked on riding. It
gets you out and about so can see things and enjoy the outdoors
while exercising. You get to coast down hills, explore new areas,
sneak up on wildlife, and get swept along by tailwinds. You can
ride with friends and talk. You can set goals: making it to the top
of a tough hill or riding to nearby towns. Maybe you'd like to set
a major goal, pedaling to raise money to fight cancer, for
instance. |
Many cyclists find these things fun, motivating and rewarding. And,
all the while, without thinking about it much, they stay fit and
healthy. Bicycling: It could be the perfect fountain of
youth.
