Cycling is a low impact exercise. It will help you increase endurance, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen muscles mainly on the lower body.

Start Cycling

TIPS TO START

  1. Get a bike: The first step is to get a bike that is suitable for your needs and skill level. There are many different types of bikes to choose from, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Consider your budget, the type of terrain you’ll be riding on, and your cycling goals when selecting a bike. Do not overspend to get the best bike, before knowing you want to continue with the sport. 
  2. Invest in necessary gear: In addition to a bike, there are a few other pieces of gear that you’ll need to start cycling. We have an extensive list below. 
  3. Learn proper technique: Before you start cycling, it’s important to learn proper technique to ensure you are riding efficiently and safely. This includes learning how to shift gears, brake effectively, and navigate turns before switching to higher speeds.  
  4. Start slowly: If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to start slowly and build up your endurance over time. Start by cycling short distances and gradually increase the length of your rides as you get more comfortable on the bike. Also gradually add uphill to your workout since it is a part that will add difficulty if you start going longer distances. 
  5. Stay safe: It’s important to prioritize safety. Always wear a helmet and follow traffic laws, and be sure to use hand signals to indicate when you are turning. If you are cycling on trails, be mindful of your surroundings and follow any posted rules or guidelines. Also avoid headphones when on the road.

    By following these tips, you can start cycling as a fun and rewarding hobby that provides numerous physical and mental benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness level, explore new areas, or just have fun, cycling is a great activity to add to your weekly routine.

BASIC Equipment

  1. Bicycle: A bicycle is a key piece of equipment for cycling. It should be the appropriate size and style for the rider and should be well-maintained to ensure safety. You should start with an all terrain bike so you have the flexibility to try road and off-road tracks. 
  2. Helmet: A helmet is an important safety feature for cycling. It should be worn at all times while riding. You should choose a right fit for your needs so it can be properly fastened without wiggling.
  3. Padded cycling shorts: Padded cycling shorts can help to improve comfort and reduce chafing while riding. 
  4. Cycling shoes: Cycling shoes are specifically designed for the sport and can help to improve power transfer and efficiency while riding. Shoes are not necessary for the beginners. 
  5. Water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated while cycling, and a water bottle can be carried on the bike to ensure easy access to water.
  6. Tire repair kit: A tire repair kit should be carried while cycling in case of a flat tire. It should include a spare inner tube, tire levers, and a hand pump. You should watch a YouTube video to have an idea how to use it if needed. 
  7. Bike pump: A bike pump to inflate tires before or after a ride.
  8. Bike lock: A bike lock to secure the bike when it is not in use.

MAIN MUSCLES

Cycling exercises a number of muscles in the body, including:

Legs: Cycling involves a lot of pedaling, which can help to strengthen the muscles in the legs, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.

Glutes: The pedaling motion in cycling can help to strengthen the muscles in the buttocks.

Core: Cycling requires a lot of trunk stability and can help to strengthen the core muscles, including the abs, obliques, and lower back muscles. Beware that in the static bike, core is not so much activated. 

Arms: While cycling, the arms help to stabilize the body and can become stronger as a result.

Overall, cycling is a great low-impact cardiovascular workout that can help to improve leg strength, endurance, and muscle tone. It can also be a great way to strengthen the upper body and core muscles.

COMMON Injuries

  1. Road rash: Road rash is a type of skin injury that can occur if a cyclist falls and slides on the pavement. It can be prevented by wearing protective gear, such as a helmet and padded clothing.
  2. Knee pain: Cyclists may be at risk for knee pain, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), due to the repetitive bending and straightening of the knee while pedaling.
  3.  Hand numbness: Cyclists may experience numbness or tingling in the hands due to pressure on the nerves in the wrist and hand from gripping the handlebars.
  4. Neck pain: Cyclists may experience neck pain due to poor posture or strain on the neck muscles from looking up or down for extended periods of time.
  5. Saddle sores: Saddle sores are a type of skin irritation that can occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin from the bike saddle.

    It is important to properly warm up before cycling and to pay attention to your body’s limits to help prevent injuries. If you experience any pain or discomfort while cycling, it is important to stop and seek medical attention if necessary. Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet, can also help to prevent injuries while cycling.

Blog posts about cycling

buying your first bocycle

Buying Your First Bicycle: 8 Factors to Consider

Starting cycling can be an exhilarating experience, but when it comes to buying your first bicycle, the vast array of choices can seem overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, join the local cycling community, or simply enjoy leisurely

Read More »

The Truth Behind Common Cycling Misconceptions

Cycling is an incredibly rewarding sport and mode of transportation that offers numerous benefits, including improved health, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. But just like any other activity, it comes with its fair share of myths . Today, we’re debunking

Read More »
cycling mistakes

Common cycling mistakes to avoid

Cycling is a great way to get exercise, explore your surroundings, and have fun. However, like any other sport, there are some common mistakes that beginners can make. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common cycling mistakes

Read More »

Start Cycling as An Adult: Tips for Novice Cyclists

Starting cycling from the absolutely beginning can be daunting. If you’re an absolute beginner and have never ridden a bike before, it’s understandable that fear may undermines your attempt! Learning to ride can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Apart

Read More »
road cycling

Rules of the Road for Beginner Cyclists

Cycling is not just a great way to stay fit and explore the outdoors, but it’s also a social activity that often involves sharing the road with others. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, it’s essential for

Read More »

Blog posts about GENERAL FITNESS

fitness plateau

How to Overcome Fitness Plateau

We’ve all been there: you’re hitting the gym regularly, eating clean, and feeling great. But then…progress stalls. The numbers on the scale stop budging, that extra rep on the bench press feels impossible, and your once-exciting workouts become a chore.

Read More »
swimming for weight loss

The Powerful Impact of Exercise on Mental Health

Exercise is widely recognized for its physical health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to building muscle strength. However, its profound impact on mental health is equally significant but often overlooked. Recent studies have shed light on how regular physical activity

Read More »
Orthopedic Tape

A Beginner’s Guide to Orthopedic Tape

You’ve seen the pros wearing them—colorful stripes running across their muscles and joints. But what exactly are those orthopedic tapes, and how can they benefit you as a beginner athlete? Understanding the role of orthopedic tape can be a game-changer

Read More »
plyometrics

Jumping on the Trend: Are Plyometrics Right for You?

You’ve probably seen them – videos of people leaping over boxes, bounding across the gym floor, and defying gravity with seemingly effortless jumps. Plyometrics, a form of exercise based on explosive movements, have exploded in popularity online.Let’s see what is

Read More »
zone 2 exercise cycling

Understanding Cardio Zone 2 Exercise

If you’re a beginner looking to understand and incorporate effective cardiovascular exercise into your routine, you’ve probably heard of “Cardio Zone 2” training. But what exactly is it, and why should you, as a beginner, consider adding it to your

Read More »
benefits of running in cold weather

The Benefits of Cold Weather Exercise

As winter swings into full gear and the weather becomes colder, it might dampen our willingness to exercise outdoors. Today, we’re delving into a topic that may seem counterintuitive at first: the benefits of cold weather exercise. We’ve previously tackled

Read More »
Verified by MonsterInsights