Since it’s Bike Month and since biking is excellent for your heart (and the environment), I would love for all of you to get on your bikes and ride. It would be even better if you got on your bikes and rode every day, but the reality is riding a bike is hard.
If you ride bikes regularly, you know exactly how difficult the exercise can be.
If you haven’t been on a bike in a while and are uncertain of the rigor of the exercise, hop on one and ride up to the store down the street. You’ll find yourself seriously considering ditching the bike and just walking.
No pain no gain, right?
Since biking is good for your heart, of course it’s going to be a bit rigorous. Don’t let that detour you. To help you stay in the biking mood, here’s a few tips to help make biking a little bit easier and a whole lot more fun.
It gets easier
If you’re just starting out on a bike, know that biking gets easier the more you do it.
At first your legs will burn, and you will suck air. You won’t be able to go very far, but if you keep doing it, you will see results. You’ll get stronger and will be able to go farther. It will only be a matter of time before you will blow past the store down the street before you even start to break a sweat.
Keep it fresh
When it comes to exercise, monotony can be a mood killer. If you feel yourself getting bored, mix things up and try riding new roads once in a while. We’re creatures of habit, so it’s easy to slip into a boring routine. With biking you can always take another route to keep things fresh.
Take hills at a steady pace
When first starting out, remember that hills can take their toll on legs and spirits. Instead of tackling hills with all you got, try keeping a steady pace instead. You won’t get as tired, and you might find once you reach the top you still have a little wind left in your sails to really get going downhill.
Go riding with someone
If you’re lacking the energy to go for a bike ride, try making it a friend or family activity instead of a workout. There’s a lot of motivation in groups and breaks can turn into social or bonding opportunities. Plus, it’s safer if there are complications along the way like flat tires or loose chains.
Don’t worry about flats
If you’re not going on bike rides because you’re worried your bike will have a flat tire, don't let that stand in your way. If you make sure to have a repair kit handy and know how to use one, you’ll be able to fix a flat and be on your way in no time.
Give riding a bike a spin
If you're looking for a new exercise routine, try riding a bike. Once you get use to the physical activity and your muscle groups get used to the workout, you’ll find that bike rides are an enjoyable and effective workout experience.
If you ride bikes regularly, you know exactly how difficult the exercise can be.
If you haven’t been on a bike in a while and are uncertain of the rigor of the exercise, hop on one and ride up to the store down the street. You’ll find yourself seriously considering ditching the bike and just walking.
No pain no gain, right?
Since biking is good for your heart, of course it’s going to be a bit rigorous. Don’t let that detour you. To help you stay in the biking mood, here’s a few tips to help make biking a little bit easier and a whole lot more fun.
It gets easier
If you’re just starting out on a bike, know that biking gets easier the more you do it.
At first your legs will burn, and you will suck air. You won’t be able to go very far, but if you keep doing it, you will see results. You’ll get stronger and will be able to go farther. It will only be a matter of time before you will blow past the store down the street before you even start to break a sweat.
Keep it fresh
When it comes to exercise, monotony can be a mood killer. If you feel yourself getting bored, mix things up and try riding new roads once in a while. We’re creatures of habit, so it’s easy to slip into a boring routine. With biking you can always take another route to keep things fresh.
Take hills at a steady pace
When first starting out, remember that hills can take their toll on legs and spirits. Instead of tackling hills with all you got, try keeping a steady pace instead. You won’t get as tired, and you might find once you reach the top you still have a little wind left in your sails to really get going downhill.
Go riding with someone
If you’re lacking the energy to go for a bike ride, try making it a friend or family activity instead of a workout. There’s a lot of motivation in groups and breaks can turn into social or bonding opportunities. Plus, it’s safer if there are complications along the way like flat tires or loose chains.
Don’t worry about flats
If you’re not going on bike rides because you’re worried your bike will have a flat tire, don't let that stand in your way. If you make sure to have a repair kit handy and know how to use one, you’ll be able to fix a flat and be on your way in no time.
Give riding a bike a spin
If you're looking for a new exercise routine, try riding a bike. Once you get use to the physical activity and your muscle groups get used to the workout, you’ll find that bike rides are an enjoyable and effective workout experience.