Exercise Equipment:
Bicycling Basics for an Overall Workout
by Ainuddin Mohamad
First and foremost, make sure you get the right bike
that will suit your needs. If you are living near the woods or
mountains, and if you foresee that you will be doing a lot of
your cycling up and down rough terrain, you may wish to invest
in a good mountain bike. On the other...
Everyone has his or her own favorite kind of workout. For some it is running
along a track that will make them feel the most alive, while for others it is
swimming laps at the local pool. Still others will enjoy sweating at the gym
during a cardio kickboxing class or some high impact aerobics. Yet for many
nothing spells exercise like bicycling.
Of course, there is more to an overall workout than simply jumping on a bike and
pedaling away. As a matter of fact, there are a number of bicycling basics that
will ensure that you will enjoy the best possible overall workout.
First and foremost, make sure you get the right bike that will suit your needs.
If you are living near the woods or mountains, and if you foresee that you will
be doing a lot of your cycling up and down rough terrain, you may wish to invest
in a good mountain bike. On the other hand, if you are living in the inner city
and there is no wood or mountain in sight or within a 2-hour drive, then you may
wish to consider purchasing a steady road bike. These bikes are specifically
designed for street use and will make your rides enjoyable. As a third
alternative, if you foresee to do a bit off- on as well as on-road cycling, your
best bet may be a hybrid bike that gives you the best of both worlds. Whether
you are on solid pavement or rocky trails, it is important that you have the
right equipment to maximize your riding enjoyment and also to maximize your
cycling safety. Skimping on the equipment may result in injuries or broken
equipment that is costly to replace.
Speaking of purchasing the right equipment for the job, forego the temptation to
buy your neighbor’s bike that has been sitting in his garage for the last ten
years, or the flea market special that appears to be too good to pass up. If you
are truly serious about getting the most out of your overall workout via
cycling, you will want to go and speak to the employees at a bicycle shop. Not
only will they be able to accurately assess your needs, but they will also be
able to measure you to fit you with the perfect bike. A good fit ensures that
your muscles will be properly exercised while the risk of injuries is kept at a
minimum. On the other hand, a bike that is too large or too small for you will
not permit you to get that workout you crave.
To further ensure a successful workout, another basic will need to be taken into
account: safety. You will need a good-fitting helmet while riding. If you are
foreseeing a lot of riding, some gloves will also keep your hands comfortable.
Do you have shoes that fit properly on the pedals? What about a comfortable
shirt and shorts? The right gear will give you extra comfort but also extra
safety. Shoes that slide off the pedals are dangerous, to say the least.
Additionally, know how to use your new bike. Give it a try run in an empty
parking lot. Learn how it handles around corners, around bends, how long its
break path is, and how quickly it shifts gears. Become acquainted with the
bike’s idiosyncrasies and learn to make them work for you. Once you have
practiced riding the bike and feel comfortable with your helmet and any other
equipment your purchases, it is time to hit the road or trail!
Of course, the cardinal rule of any workout is the proper warm-up, and cycling
is no exception. Prior to setting off on that that first cycling adventure, and
any subsequent trips, be sure to stretch and generally warm up your muscles.
Once you are warmed up, go ahead and ride. Of course, when you are just starting
out, you will want to do so by choosing some leisurely terrain rather than the
roughest trail you can find. Remember, doing too much too soon will only
frustrate you and cause that new, and expensive, piece of equipment to gather
dust in your garage. Instead, find something that is at or slightly below your
skill level and before developing the strength and endurance that cycling offers
develop your sense of sticking to it first!
As you can see, cycling is a wonderful sport that has much to offer for anyone,
as long as you observe the little cycling basics that will ensure an enjoyable
workout.
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
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