Apr
25
- Having healthy fun; dancing
- Having healthy fun; hiking
- Having fun while working out; biking
- Fun workouts; sports!
- Why having fun is scary
This week we’re going to be discussing ways to have fun while being active and healthy. Most people view their health as a chore, something to be done because they have to, not because they want to. Health is all about boring stuff that you just don’t want to spend time on, like working out or watching what you eat. This is a bad view of your health. Being active and healthy should be something you celebrate and enjoy. There are many ways in which a work out can be fun and interesting. In fact, we’re going to look at five different options for a fun workout this week. Here’s today’s option, biking!
Biking As An Exercise
Biking is similar to hiking in that it’s workout value depends on you. The speed you choose to bike at along with the amount of hills you choose to as part of your route will determine your workout potential. A tough bike ride can easily be the equivalent of a very strenuous cardio workout. Even a relatively flat route done at a moderate speed will get your heart rate moving in the right direction.
As for muscles worked, biking will primarily work your legs. The rest of your body will feel a bit tired but it’s your calves and thighs that are doing the work. On the plus side, biking is almost completely impact free. Which means it doesn’t place as much stress on your feet and legs as jogging does.
Biking As A Social Activity
Biking can be done as a social activity but it’s more difficult than dancing or hiking. First of all, it’s not as easy to carry on a conversation while biking. Second, people tend to bike at different speeds. However, if you can find a partner or group that bikes at the same speed as you do, it can be a very rewarding social function. You’ll find yourself spending quite a bit of time with your biking partners before and after the ride.
Like hiking, it’s relatively easy to find biking groups online. There are quite a few biking clubs and training groups that will be happy to add you.
Biking As Transportation
One advantage that biking has over other activities is its potential to function as a mode of transportation. Depending on your location and your distance from work, biking can easily turn into your vehicle of choice. You’ll be avoiding traffic, conserving fuel, saving the environment and getting a good workout all at the same time.
What You Need
Unlike hiking and dancing, biking can be a very expensive sport.
Bike - Bikes can range from $100 to several thousand dollars. For a good road or mountain bike you will pay at least $500. That sounds steep and it is, but you really want to get a quality bike. That doesn’t mean you need a top of the line racing machine for multiple thousands of dollars, but you also don’t want a Huffy from your local Toy’R'Us.
Go bike shopping with a friend who knows bikes. Tell them you’re looking for a bike to learn on and they’ll help you find something. Make sure to also look at used bikes on places like eBay and Craigslist. Lots of bikers tend to buy a new bike every year and sell their olds one at a steep discount. You can get a great bargain this way.
Remember your purpose in buying a bike. If you want to go road biking, get a road bike. If you want to go mountain biking, get a mountain bike. If you’re looking for a bike to commute to work on, make sure you get one that’s appropriate to the route you’ll take. Again, a knowledgeable friend or coworker is your best resource.
Bike Gear - Along with a bike, you will need bike gear. This includes things like clothes, gloves, helmet and shoes. Some of this is not mandatory, but a lot is. For example, never go biking without a helmet.
Things To Watch Out For
Snacks - Don’t get all those granola bars, bags of trail mix of power drinks. They’re just sugar. If you want a ride snack, pack some fresh fruit or a few nuts. Remember though that you really need to watch what you carry when you bike. You’ll want to eliminate as much weight as possible so no carrying that bag of oranges.
Dehydration - This is important especially if you’re biking in the summer. Make sure to always have water with you and keep drinking it. Most bikes will have a water bottle rack so make sure you use it. This can also serve as your snack if you fill it up with something like gatorade. It’s not the healthiest of snacks, but it will work.
Traffic - Can’t emphasize this one enough. Learn the rules of the road and obey them. Watch out for cars. Wear bright clothing and make sure your bike has lights and reflectors if you ride at night. Your safety comes first and being healthy will not save you from a car accident.
Sunburn - Always carry and use sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy.
Path and Directions - If you’re new to a certain bike path, bring a map. It’s just like driving in a new part of town. This is especially important if you ride alone.
Summary
Biking is an expensive hobby. However, if you use it as an alternate form of transportation, it can actually save you money while improving your health.
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2 Responses to “Having fun while working out; biking”
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If you buy a bicycle computer (you can get a low-end one for $20) you can see your speed (among other things) — use this to set goals for yourself. For example, maintain a speed of 20 km/h. Or do intervals (go slow, then fast for a while, then slower, then fast…). You can also set distance goals. Do 10 km today. Do 50 km every week. Whatever.
@Canadian
Good point. Do you use one of these currently? I’m thinking about getting one but haven’t done any research on them yet.