Why Cycling Should Your Go-To Exercise to Get You in Great Shape
Most of us learn to ride a bike as a kid. It’s our first taste of freedom, and it is certainly an enjoyable activity that we love. As we get older and learn to drive a car, this hobby tends to fall by the wayside. But, should it?
Biking is actually an excellent way to get in some first rate exercise. If you’ve given up the fun activity, check out these great reasons to pick it back up and add it to your exercise routine to get you in some of the best shape of your life.
It Burns Mega Calories
When we workout, we like to know that we are really blasting through some calories. With biking, you most definitely are! Riding a bike at 8-10 miles per hour for approximately one hour can burn between 800 and 1000 calories. That’s a lot! Luckily, it doesn’t feel like that many since biking can be so enjoyable. If you alternate sprints and slower paces or ride for longer, then your calories burned can only go up from there.
It Tones Your Lower Half
It is rare to find someone that doesn’t want to tone up their lower half at least a little bit. Our butts and thighs tend to be fat sources. We hold onto weight in this area, and it can be really tough to get rid of it. Luckily, a bike can help do just that. A bicycle requires a lot of work in the lower half of the body, so you’ll work the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves every single time you decide to ride. If you need a little toning in this area, then a bike is definitely the way to go.
It’s Versatile
There are a lot of different ways to ride a bike. You can buy one and ride around your neighborhood or around town. You can also take a bike to your local hiking or biking trail. That way is bound to be a lot more challenging, incorporating hills and other challenges. If you don’t feel like taking it outside, you can also find a stationary bike at your local gym or find one that can go in your house. The options are wide, so finding something you like might just take a little effort, but be well worth it in the end.
It’s a Lot Of Fun
Of course, we can’t forget that riding a bike is a lot of fun. It gets you moving faster than you could otherwise, which is a lot of fun in itself. Add the wind in your face and hair, the fun of difficult paths like hiking trails, and the benefit of group riding, and you really have a recipe for a lot of fun. If you can get over the first couple of weeks when you are likely to be extremely sore, you might find that riding a bike is one of the most fun activities in your life.
Biking can really be a lot of fun and a great way to get in shape. Why leave such a great activity for the kids? Pick up a bike, get back in the swing, and enjoy the very healthy benefits that come along with it.
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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Tobias Scheck