| Bicycling Your Way to Better Health and | | | | What are the advantages of cycling over other |
| Weight Loss | | | | forms of exercise? |
| | | | |
| There is probably not another aerobic | | | | 1) It can provide an excellent cardiovascular |
| activity that can be as enjoyable as taking a | | | | workout without the high impact |
| bike ride. Bike riding has been increasing in | | | | hazardsassociated with jogging. You can |
| popularity for years now and there is a good | | | | easily control the intensity level of your |
| reason for it. The health benefits, coupled | | | | workout by varying your speed and the terrain |
| with the simple enjoyment that this mode of | | | | you are riding on (flat ground vs. hills). |
| transportation offers, make it a top notch | | | | |
| aerobic exercise. | | | | 2) It can be done on the spur of the moment |
| | | | at almost anytime of the year and in almost |
| Bicycling is not an expensive exercise to get | | | | any location. |
| involved with. Sure, you can spend thousands | | | | |
| on a new bike if you want to, but for most of | | | | 3) It saves on gas and for those of us who |
| us, a used bike or a less expensive new one | | | | are concerned about the environment; you know |
| will be more than sufficient in meeting your | | | | that you are doing your part to reduce |
| needs. Besides, with today's gas prices it | | | | pollution. |
| can end up being a money saver to boot. | | | | |
| | | | 4) It can be a great way to fit your |
| In getting started, find a bike that is the | | | | exercising into your busy daily routine; by |
| right size for you and one that you are | | | | cycling to work, to the store, or wherever |
| comfortable on. Bike sizes usually reflect | | | | your needs take you. |
| the measurement of the seat tube. My best | | | | |
| recommendation is to stop by a bike shop and | | | | For me, the joy of bicycling comes from the |
| have them size you. The type of bike you ride | | | | simple fact that I get to be outdoors |
| will also determine its size. For instance, a | | | | enjoying the scenery. I find it a lot more |
| road bike will be a different size for you | | | | interesting and time seems to fly by in |
| than a mountain bike. Also, be sure to get a | | | | comparison to riding a stationary bike or |
| seat that fits you. You don't want bicycling | | | | some other piece of exercise equipment |
| to literally become a pain in the butt for | | | | indoors. |
| you. Again, a professional at a bike shop | | | | |
| will offer you some guidelines. For most of | | | | If you have a bike, get on it! If you don't, |
| us, who just want some enjoyable exercise and | | | | check around at the local stores or the |
| are not worried about speed and competition; | | | | newspaper ads and see if you can buy one that |
| a wider, padded seat will more than likely do | | | | will fit your needs. I guarantee you will |
| the trick. | | | | find it to be a great addition to your |
| | | | exercise routine. |