“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” John F. Kennedy
Cycling whether on a cycle or a stationary bike is an excellent aerobic activity for weight loss. A cycle is used to transport a person from one place to another. It helps you to not only travel or traverse a distance but to also exercise using an environment friendly means of transport.
However if you do not need it to travel you can still use a stationary bike to get your daily quota of aerobic exercise.
Cycling is an excellent means of promoting good health. It is advised as a means of exercise especially for those who have arthritis. It is good to exercise at a low intensity if you want to lose weight. Endurance cycling is also advisable as an aerobic activity. All aerobic activities promote weight loss. Endurance exercise is generally defines as a physical activity of low or medium intensity for longer periods of time.
Cycles are fuelled by food and not petrol, diesel or any other source of energy. The foods we eat get converted to energy. This energy is used by us to propel the cycle forward. Hence cycling is energy efficient and is an excellent way to burn away extra calories that may have accumulated through the weeks, months or years. It is very important that you have fluids before or even when you cycle or bike as there is fluid loss in this type of exercise.
Your muscle especially your thigh muscles come into play when cycling thus strengthening them. Many cyclists have said that cycling has improved not only their physical health but also their mental health as well.
If you like cycling and you are obese make cycling a part of your exercise regime to lose weight. Remember that you have to cycle atleast 4-6 times a week. As you gain more muscle strength and your body fat decreases you can increase the duration of your cycle rides. Do not over exert yourself initially. If you have any problems consult your physician. Follow safety measures. Do mild stretching exercises. Try to exercise your upper body as well as bicycling works mainly on your leg and thigh muscles toning them.
Stationary bikes are one of the modern innovations in gym equipment which help you to exercise from the comfort of your home. They are easy to use, convenient and ideal fro people who do not wish to leave the comfort of their homes.
Stationary bikes cause less injury to the knees and ankles. They strengthen leg muscles and can be used as a form of exercise together with a pastime like watching television. These bikes can also have fans attached to them to cool down an over exerted body.
On the down side stationary bikes may be considered expensive and soon biking can become a boring workout. They only exercise the leg muscles. You have to do some exercises for the rest of your body as well. Some bikes are noisy and they are not the best of weight loss equipments available.
Cycling can be either a solitary activity or a group activity according to your wish. You can join a cycling club, cycling forums. You have the choice of cycling in wide open spaces, in city streets as a means of transporting you to work, cycling in your backyard or even cycling on a stationary bike in the comfort of your room. Maybe you can catch up with your favourite television program while riding a stationary bike and feel good that you are no longer a ubiquitous couch potato.
Bicycling is a fun and inexpensive method of losing weight. Go ahead and begin your exercise schedule from today. However do not forget that if you want to lose weight you will also have to make a change in your eating habits. Cycling can help you to maintain your weight by burning calories but if you are already overweight you need to be on a low calorie to get maximum benefits from your cycling regime.
As H. G. Wells has so aptly said: “When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.”
