Is there anything more American than riding a bike? We’re practically born in racing pants and tutu’s riding around town. While other countries bask in the majestic beauty of their horse-drawn carriages, we boast about our two-wheelers and how we’re tough enough to bike ten miles uphill both ways. Of course, now that we know how health-conscious the country of Switzerland is, maybe we should rethink that whole “rugged individualism” thing.
Regardless, riding a bike is a magical thing. You get to connect with nature while enjoying the wind in your hair and the freedom that comes with two wheels. It doesn’t get much better than that.
So if you’re looking for a way to shed those extra pounds, maybe consider taking up biking. Here’s how it can help you achieve your weight loss goal.
Health Benefits
If you’re looking for health benefits, biking is a great way to go. It gets your muscles moving and burns calories, all while giving you a bit of an adrenaline rush. According to a study published in the British Journal of Medicine, biking is as good for your health as walking, with some major advantages.
According to the study, biking results in considerable cardiovascular and muscular benefits. The study also noted that while walking is a natural and fundamental part of life, biking encourages you to get outside and explore new places. Simply put, biking is both fun and good for your health.
Of course, like any new sport or activity, biking has its disadvantages. You have to remember to dress appropriately, and you need to make sure you’re safe on the road. Make sure you wear a helmet, bring tools and clothing for changing a flat tire, and watch out for traffic. Also, make sure you give it some time to adapt to your body before you judge how it affects you. Last but not least, make sure you find a biking group that supports your local trails and promotes safety on the road. These are just a few things to keep in mind if you want to give it a go.
How It Helps You Lose Weight
Now that you have the advantages and disadvantages of biking out of the way, let’s get into how biking helps you lose weight. To begin with, let’s look at the calories burned by biking:
According to research, a 30-minute bike ride at a casual pace can burn around 300-500 calories. So how does that help you with your weight loss? It means you’re getting the equivalent of a light meal (calories-wise), while also stimulating your muscles and getting your heart pumping. That’s a great combination for weight loss. Plus, all that pedaling and climbing puts you in a caloric surplus, which helps you store more fat than you have just by leading a sedentary life.
Also, keep in mind that as you get stronger, you’ll be able to work harder and longer on your bike. That means more calories burned and more weight lost. The point is that biking is a great way to get started with your weight loss journey, and it can also be a fun activity to add to your exercise routine. So go for it!
How To Bike
If you want to bike, you’re going to need a few things. First off, you’re going to need a bike. If you’ve got a garage or a shed, that’s where you want to keep it. If not, then you can park it in the street. Second, you’re going to need a helmet. Third, you’re going to need some bike clothes. Fourth, you’re going to need some biking tools. And finally, you’re going to need some encouragement. You might not feel like biking, but once you do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
The first three items on this list aren’t really that difficult to find. You can buy a good bike without having to break the bank. You can also get a decent helmet for cheap, and bike clothes are pretty self explanatory. The tools are a little more difficult to come by, but you can find them at any local bike shop for around $40-$50.
It might be a good idea to buy a bike pack as well. These are special bags that stores bikes in so you don’t have to bend over every time you want to take your bike for a spin. Some also come with locks so you can secure your bike when you’re out and about.
Riding With Others
One of the things that makes biking so appealing is the social side to it. You can take up biking with a group of friends and enjoy the company of people you know and trust. Plus, it’s often easier to coordinate with others when you’re working together towards a common goal.
Whether you’re taking a group of girls on a campagne or trying to organize a road trip with your buddies, biking with others is a fun and exciting way to travel. And it’s also a great way to meet new people and make new connections. So if you want to lose weight and have some fun at the same time, why not consider biking with others?
More Than Meets The Eye
Biking isn’t just about losing weight. It’s also about having fun while being active. So if you want to get some exercise but also want to have a good time, consider biking. You can link up with a bike club, find a partner, or just go for a leisurely ride on your own. And if you want to take it easy, you can always slow down or stop when you want.
As with any new sport or activity, you might not see results at first. It might be hard to find the time, and you might not feel like it’s worth the effort. That’s totally normal, and it’s a phase you’ll have to get used to. Just remember: you’re still burning calories, you’re still moving, and you’re still having fun. So don’t give up!
Of course, sometimes life gets in the way and you don’t have the time to commit to a structured workout routine or spend four hours a day biking. Maybe you’ve got a full-time job and a family to look after. In that case, why not consider using a bike share program? These are bicycles that you can rent from a bike station. When you return the bike, the station will charge you the equivalent of the rental price. So it’s a great option for those who want to get a workout but don’t have the time to commit to a full-fledged bike ride.
It’s A Great Place To Work Out
If you work out during your lunch break, consider taking up biking. It’s a great way to work out while also getting some fresh air. If you live near a park or trail, there are bound to be some bikes there for you to use. Otherwise, you can bring your own to work out on.
It’s also a good idea to bring a friend who’s also working on losing weight. You can work out together and help support each other during this challenging time. Plus, it’s good to have someone to ride with who’s also going through the same struggles as you.
It’s a great option for those who want to get a workout but don’t have the time to commit to a full-fledged bike ride. The convenience of the bike and the opportunity to add some fun to your lunch break make it a no-brainer.
At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for you. If you want to lose weight but don’t want to bike alone, you can always join a gym or a fitness group. Or if you’d rather meet up with friends and work out together, you can organize a group ride. Either way, the choice is yours. Just make sure you stay safe out there and dress appropriately.