Saturday 2 July 2011

BIKE RIDING TO LOSE WEIGHT


Cycling is a great way to see the outdoors,take in the fresh air, or simply get around town.It’s also an efficient way to burn excess calories, shed body fat and improves cardiovascular health. Depending on your body weight and the intensity of your ride, you will probably burn some where between 400 and 500 calories on a one hour cycling trip.
The motion of cycling, especially uphill and high intensity cycling is a great way to develop muscle and burn fat. As both the large (quadriceps and hamstring) and small (calf) muscles of the legs work, they become stronger and more developed. The beauty of developing more muscle is that it not only makes the body look leaner and stronger, but it raises the resting metabolic rate. The higher your resting metabolic rate, the more calories you burn even at rest. So eight hours after your bike ride, sitting on your couch, you’re still burning extra calories!
Cycling also works to strengthen the core region of the body, the abdominal and back muscles. A strong “core” is essential for good balance and posture, and beneficial for activities of daily living such as lifting groceries, carrying children and doing yard work.
Some cycling tips in order to get started
1.)  YES! I've dropped a ton of weight (20kgs) from simply cycling. Even if u have a bad back or bung knees, one can cycle 10 times easier than walking.
2.)  Even if you are oversize you can safely bike? Provided you have the correct type of bike, with proper, stronger components.
3.)  Depending on just how & what type of riding you desire…… my suggestion, initially stick to a track where it is safe,
4.)  Look-out for a standard mountain bike, so it will be a good idea to visit a local store to get some good tips on how to adjust the height, handlebars and the distance between, pedals, etc. Too small or too tall of a frame size will result in discomfort and possible injury. Then check on E.Bay and find a good bargain, or if budget permits most bike shops have great specials which include custom designed bicycles for you at a reasonable price.
5.) What kind of seat do I need for my bike? A Comfortable Saddle is important, as you will end up being seated for quite a while, Wide gel seats support your butt in the wrong areas. They may seem fine for a short ride of 3 - 4 miles. Anything over that & you'll be in worse pain. If you start with a good 'shop quality' bike, it will most likely come with a good saddle (seat).
6.) You can do it alone and if you have a buddy even greater!
More cycling tips especially for road users
  • Know and obey the Rules of the Road.
  • Keep both hands on the handlebars unless you are signaling.
  • Do not hold on to another cyclist or vehicle.
  • Look all around before carrying out any moves to make sure it is safe to do so.
  • Give clear hand signals and in good time when you intend to carry out moves, for example turning right or left, overtaking, moving off.
  • Cycle in single file on narrow or busy roads and when overtaking.
  • Use cycle tracks where they are provided.
  • Do not leave your bicycle where it might endanger or obstruct other road users.
  • Watch out for doors opening when overtaking parked vehicles.
  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Show regard for other road users.
  • Don’t weave in and out of slow moving traffic.
  • Give way to pedestrians.
  • Keep a safe distance when cycling behind a vehicle in slow moving traffic.
  • Be especially careful in adverse weather conditions such as wet and icy roads or when the wind is blowing strongly.
  • Turning left at junctions watch out for vehicles that may also be turning left. Stay behind the vehicles until they have completed the turn. Be especially mindful of long vehicles that require a lot of room to move around corners.
  • Do not carry a passenger unless your bicycle has been built to carry one.
Here’s hoping once again that you have found the information helpful, I Look forward to hearing your comments, please like, and follow me….


Ciao


Dennis h

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