With the increased drive you’ve gathered from altering your eating behavior, are you now deliberating about adding an activity routine to your calendar? You may have been reluctant about joining a health club or purchasing that fitness DVD on TV, but it’s crucial to understand that the best exercise routine is the one you enjoy.
If you prefer the outdoors or need a breather from an air conditioned office, getting that bicycle in your garage and hitting the road is an great way to better your overall fitness. Whether it’s a mountain bike or an ordinary 10-speed (new bikes have 20-speeds), cycling provides many perks to your body and mind.
Here are a few to consider:
1. Cycling will diminish your risk of coronary heart disease
2. Following a biking routine two to three days per week will trim and tone your leg muscles
3. Biking on a regular basis will raise your stamina and better your capability to carry out your day-to-day activities more efficiently
4. If you are interested in weight loss, biking will curtail those unwanted pounds while building up the strength in your legs
5. Biking will cause you to perspire, which will help expel the toxins in your body
6. Working out on your mountain bike will curtail your blood pressure, and reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
7. Biking will enhance your “good” cholesterol (HDL), and decrease your overall cholesterol score
But before you make a run at a new training routine, make sure you receive clearance from your doctor if you haven’t exercised in over a year.
A mountain bike and helmet are the only equipment items you’ll need. There are plenty more add-ons you can get but we’ll stick to the nuts and bolts here. If you don’t have a bike, then consider ordering one from your local mountain bike shop.
Always pay for a mountain bike that meets your goals. If you want a mountain bike for riding around the block for exercise, all you need is a regular mountain bike. If you have plans to race in triathlons, road races, or mountain bike races, think about doing some legwork online or asking around before stepping into the bicycle shop.
Whatever bicycle you choose, the crucial thing to remember is to get a mtb that fits your body. We all have different size arms, legs and torso so make sure the bike shop fits you to the bicycle. Ask to check out a few different models and drive them around the parking lot to find that correct match.
Once you have your bicycle and are prepared to go, the next step is to…pedal! Many people accept that exercising is painful, but it doesn’t have to be.
The first two weeks of any training program should be well below your pain threshold. Your mind and body require time to adjust to your muscles firing so give them some time to do that. You’ll feel much better the next day and should have little to no muscle soreness.
After two weeks, consider applying more energy to your biking to attain greater health benefits. It’s crucial to remember that your body and mind will acclimate to stress so the longer you cycle, the more you’ll home in on the experience – scenery, fresh air etc. The finale result is that you’ll find more enjoyment with cycling over time.
