Cycling

CYCLING AS AN EXERCISE

Cycling is another cardiovascular exercise that I decided to look at as a companion to my weight training program. I have cycled in the past and did really enjoy it. So is it time to get that bike out of the garage where it has been resting for many years?

The Negatives

Well are there any negatives? I can’t really think of any. I suppose you could say that when you first start riding a bike on a regular basis that you could suffer from saddle sore and your butt might ache for a few days. There have been reports that for male cyclists, cycling can damage their scrotums which can lead to certain health problems such as impotance just to name one. I am not sure this has actually been proved or is fact and I certainly don’t think it is the case, so it wouldn’t put me off cycling. The other possible negative of cycling is that if you are cycling on a road then you have the dangers of busy traffic. So you need to stay aware of the traffic around you, I would not advise any one to be listening to music in their head phones when they are cycling in or around traffic.

The Positives

Well the obvious one that springs to mind is that cycling is good for your health. Cycling is a great cardio exercise. The main muscles that are used when cycling are the butt, thighs and the calfs. Like running cycling is a great calorie burner that carries on burning calories long after your bike ride. Your lungs and heart benefit from cycling. A good amount of cycling every week will keep your body fit and healthy.

My Thoughts

So I think that cycling as a cardio exercise to go along with my weight training is ideal. I will be dusting off my bike oiling the chain and getting out on it several times per week.

If you decide that this is the cardio for you as well, again I would suggest checking with your Doctor first to make sure this exercise is ok for you. Also if you can only cycle where there is traffic around you then take care to stay alert, some motorists aren’t always looking for cyclists and easily miss them when pulling out of junctions etc..

My next post will be looking at swimming.

Also soon I will be looking at indoor cycling with the great exercise bike, if you can’t wait till then you can take a look at this great range of Exercise Bikes