From the spread of bicycles through the 19th century to their boom in popularity in the early 1900s, people have been coming up with new and inventive ways to give them purpose and have fun. From sightseeing to long distance bicycle racing to just basic transportation, bicycles play a significant number of roles in cultures around the globe. Of course, bicycles are also an excellent tool for personal fitness as well. Anyone who's ridden some distance on a bike can tell you what a cardio and leg workout it is! However, for a variety of reasons, many women do not turn to cycling in the same numbers as men. Statistics about bike usage in the USA, for example, frequently show that far fewer women go biking than men. Why not, though? In fact, there are plenty of excellent reasons for women to ride, and tons of fun to be had, too.
Using a bike as part of your fitness routine can not only make it easier to burn calories and shed pounds, but it's a fun way to get out of the house or avoid being stuck inside the gym. Involving friends and turning it into a social activity make it even more appealing. Here we'll look at why women should strongly consider taking up cycling. We will also hopefully provide a few ideas to make you reconsider strapping on your helmet and putting your feet to the pedals!
How does cycling help improve a woman's fitness?
Before we think about some ways you can make cycling more fun, why not consider some of the facts? The reality is that cycling is excellent for anyone's health, man or woman. If you are looking for a way to try and keep weight gains at bay, cycling is a great way to accomplish that.
Best of all, it can save you a lot of time. Think about it. Instead of having to get ready, head to the gym, work out, head home, and then spend time recovering, you could just go home and climb on your bike instead. A ride around the neighborhood will give you a good workout, especially if there are hills involved. A bicycle ride takes far less time and provides you with the same benefits as running or doing your regular workout.
What does cycling do for your body? Quite a lot, as a matter of fact! The health benefits of cycling are numerous: from strengthening your bones (especially important for women) to boosting your cardiovascular health, it works out most of your body. Your legs will get a tough workout on the pedals while you use your core muscles to control balance carefully.
Additionally, because cycling is gentler on your joints than other exercise, injuries are less common when you warm up and cool down properly. Beyond that, it's simply a matter of staying safe. It's an activity with clear health benefits to be sure, but will you truly be able to remain interested in just riding around the neighborhood? There are plenty of ways to make it fun, social, and even romantic ? it's all up to your personal preference.
Set distance and destination goals for yourself
One of the best ways to have fun on a bike while also working on your fitness is to set your own goals. The freedom of bike riding is its beauty; you are only limited by how far your legs can carry you. Good weather helps too, of course. When you're trying to cram your workout into a busy schedule or family life, shouldn't you be able to enjoy the time to yourself? Use the time biking on your own to gather your thoughts and focus on the day or tasks ahead of you.
Many women will find that this grants them better clarity of mind throughout the day. Goal setting is important. As you increase the amount of time you spend riding your bike, you'll naturally want to go farther. Set ambitious goals for yourself. For example, you ought to try working up towards cycling up to three or four kilometers away from home before returning.
This vigorous round trip cycling adventure will give you plenty of space to explore while also challenging your body. Besides, who knows what you might discover on the way? For days when you have less time, consider going for speed instead. See how quickly you can complete your usual route. Try to beat your old times! Being outdoors, soaking in the warm sunlight (and boosting your Vitamin D), and pedaling around town will seem much more enjoyable when you're working towards personal goals.
Create your own cycling group with your girlfriends
Who ever said that you had to go cycling all by yourself? The fact of the matter is you might enjoy yourself even more if you involve some of your friends in your cycling. You don't need to meet up every day, but have you thought about forming a cycling group? You and your friends could meet at an agreed upon location, saddle up, and head out on your bicycles together.
Not only does this give you the chance to catch up on the latest gossip and get the scoop from your friends, but you'll all be getting in some excellent exercise as well. The safety that numbers affords may make you feel more confident about cycling into areas you aren't very familiar with as well. Bringing the social element into your cycling means there are all kinds of options you can explore as well.
If you and your friends like to compete with one another, try practicing for cycling races together. Entering a bike event with your entire club could equal an unforgettable experience. Biking together also lets you encourage each other, driving your friends (and having your friends drive you) towards better fitness. Of course, from time to time, nothing's stopping you from having a "cheat day." Bike to your favorite local spot for ice cream and treat yourself for your dedication to fitness! Just remember to get the low-fat ice cream, so you aren't working against yourself.
Try a cycling date? pack a picnic!
Staying active on your bike can let you have a romantic ? or friendly ? getaway during the day. You might even think about packing yourself a picnic lunch to bring along in your bike's basket. Ask your significant other to come along with you. Biking together is not only a good way to spend time one on one outdoors but like a cycling group, it also provides a built-in way for you to remain encouraged.
Lifting weights and running clearly just don't provide the same versatility for women working out as cycling does. Take a look at a map and plan out a route that will bring you near some scenic spots. Don't forget to look for local parks or cycling paths, which are often built to accommodate activities such as the one you're planning.
Your route should be enough to push you both physically, but not so much as to be overwhelming. Next, watch for a day when the weather is going to be good; you don't want your picnic to be rained out. Put on all your safety gear and pedal together towards your lunch spot. Relaxing and refreshing yourself after the ride will provide you with the energy you need to cycle back home. Taking even one day a week to do something like this will help with your fitness. The effect on your mental health should be positive as well.
Take the time to get out and explore on your bike
Armed with the facts about the effects on your fitness biking has plus these ideas for ways to approach it, you can redefine the way you handle your physical fitness. Making cycling a part of your routine will make it easier to maintain your ideal weight or to work towards a goal. You'll also get a chance to explore and see things that are easy to miss when you are busy driving around from errand to errand. Plan your routes carefully, stick to well-lit areas, and don't be afraid to push yourself on distance! Why not look for a park you can bike around today? Get your gear and hit the road ? the freedom and fitness that a bicycle offers you are waiting.
