Ridden a bicycle lately? Consider some of the reasons to get started again and to keep going. These include improved health and fitness, just plain fun and recreation, and even commuting which can save money and is good for the environment.
We constantly hear about the upward trends in obesity rates. It’s possible that regular rides around the neighborhood or even farther could help us shed some pounds. Or at least help us from gaining more. Bicyclists don’t have to be hard core cyclists with expensive bikes to realize some benefits. Long, slow distances are an effective way to burn calories and drop weight. Riding also improves your circulation, respiration, heart rate and endurance.
Many trips in our car are three miles or less. A bicycle is an alternative for making those trips and let us save on gas and reduce pollution. Commuting to the train station or to work will also keep more money in our pockets than if we drive our car five days a week. As the weather improves, give commuting a thought. You may end up riding the bike most of the year and enjoying it.
If you haven’t ridden your bike for awhile and don’t consider yourself a bike mechanic, take it the local bike shop for a checkup and a tune up. The bike shop can make sure everything is in good working order so you don’t have a breakdown during a ride. Also, if you haven’t been physically active for a time, check with your family physician to make sure riding a bicycle is right for you.
First try riding short distances of a mile or two, and then slowly add miles to your trips. A good rule of thumb is to increase your total distances by no more than 10 percent from week to week. That way you can make steady progress without stressing your body.
Hope to see you on your bike soon.