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.
Related Articles: Exercise Equipment: A Quickie Guide to Purchasing Used Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Achieve your Fitness Goals with a Kettlebell Workout
Exercise Equipment: Achieving the Best Gym Workout with Circuit Training
Exercise Equipment: Advantages of Free Weights over Exercise Machines
Exercise Equipment: Aerobics Fan? Be Sure You Have These Tools to Work Up a Sweat
Exercise Equipment: All in One Workout Machines - Take It or Leave It?
Exercise Equipment: An effective, and fun, gym workout with circuit training
Exercise Equipment: Avoiding the Scam Factor when Purchasing your Home Gym Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Beneficial Kettlebell Workouts
Exercise Equipment: Beneficial Tools for a great Workout in your Pool
Exercise Equipment: Bicycling Basics for an Overall Workout
Exercise Equipment: Can't Resist this Workout - Resistance Training for a Slimmer You
Exercise Equipment: Choosing an Effective Machine to Work Out Your Abs
Exercise Equipment: Effective Use of Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Accessories - A Guide to Gloves, Mats, Belts and More
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Balls - A Great Tool for your Home Gym Workout
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Bikes are NOT Created Equal - How to Find One Right for You
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Equipment Options for the Disabled
Exercise Equipment: Get Smart about Training with Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Get a Lift from Hydraulic Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Heart Health at Home - Dig Out Your Jump Rope
Exercise Equipment: Helpful Hints on Choosing a Gym that Suits your Fitness Goals
Hit or Miss – Which “As Seen on TV” Exercise Equipment Actually Works
Exercise Equipment: How To Buy Used Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: How Yoga Can Benefit your Exercise Program
Exercise Equipment: Identifying your Exercise Goals Will Lead You to the Right Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Martial Arts Can Strike a Balance Both Physically and Mentally in your Exercise Regiment
Exercise Equipment: Mini-Trampolines - Do They Help or Hurt a Home Exercise Routine?
Exercise Equipment: Need to Lose Weight? Diet and Exercise Go Hand in Hand
Exercise Equipment: Park It - Take Advantage of your Neighborhood Park for Exercise
Exercise Equipment: Personal Fitness Monitoring - Useful Tools for Tracking Progress
Exercise Equipment: Proper Exercise Methods for Utilizing a Medicine Ball
Exercise Equipment: Realize your Fitness Goals at Home without Fancy Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Row your Way to Weight Loss - Benefits of a Rowing Machine
Exercise Equipment: Safety Issues to Address when Starting an Exercise Program
Exercise Equipment: Several Things to Consider when Purchasing a Treadmill
Exercise Equipment: Smart Training with Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Stair Climber and Gliders - What These Do for your Workout Routines
Exercise Equipment: Ten Tricks to Sneak in Exercise in your Daily Routine
Exercise Equipment: The Advantage of Using a Personal Trainer at your Gym
Exercise Equipment: The Basics on the Proper Use of a Treadmill
Exercise Equipment: The Benefits of an Elliptical Trainer
Exercise Equipment: The Bowflex Bandwagon - Worth the Hype?
Exercise Equipment: The Importance of your Shoes in Exercising
Exercise Equipment: The Ins and Outs of Rebounding Exercise
Exercise Equipment: The Most Beneficial Equipment for your Cardio Workout
Exercise Equipment: The Most Important Exercise Equipment for your Strength Training Needs
Exercise Equipment: The Must-Haves in Toning Equipment for Women
Exercise Equipment: The Nuances of a Nordic Track
Exercise Equipment: The Power of Pilates - What It Does for your Body
Exercise Equipment: Treading Water - Why Swimming Makes for a Great Workout
Exercise Equipment: Vibration Exercise Equipment - Is It a Scam?
What’s a Recumbent Exercise Bike and How It Can Benefit You
Exercise Equipment: Why Treadmills are so Versatile and Fit any Lifestyle
Exercise Equipment: Your Best Home Gym Options for Low Impact Exercise
|
