It’s no secret that bicycling is great for your health. Biking instead of driving to work can burn an extra 3,000 calories a month, and a 135-pound woman biking at 12-14 miles an hour burns 488 calories in only 60 minutes.
Biking isn’t just great for weight loss. Even three hours of rigorous biking a week can decrease your risk of heart disease by 50%, and biking has been shown to strengthen your immune system, protect against certain cancers, and improve your mental health. In fact, cycling regularly is even strongly believed to increase your life-span.
But these benefits won’t help you if you’re not cycling with safety-conscious techniques and bike components.. Most people can cycle without problems, but it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before incorporating any major activity into a fitness routine. Your doctor can give you tips on maintaining your personal safety and health and tell you what to avoid.
Remember, cycling is considered base training for an overall fitness program, meaning it provides aerobic and endurance training at the same time. Keeping your fitness routine the same might not get you the results you want. Biking should be structured as the main activity, and your other activities should complement it.
Don’t rush in. Beginners should start with cycling 2-3 times a week depending on the capability of the cyclist. Increase your speed gradually and resist the temptation to speed up before you’re ready. Cycling can put strain on your body and its important to be patient rather than push yourself before you’re ready.
You can buy bike components and gear to increase your safety on the road. Cycling lights make you more visible to cars and bike apparel can cut down on friction and discomfort while riding. There are plenty of bike parts and accessories on the market, so shop around for bike components that will keep you safe and comfortable in your cycling routine.
Bike safe and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier body in no time! Read this website for more information.
