Biking???

I started to ride my bike last summer. The first couple of times out really sucked!
I couldn't pedal uphill at all, that was pretty embarassing seeing as how I used to
ride my bike and skateboard everywhere when I was in high school.
Anyway, once my legs got used to it again it was very relaxing and peaceful, even when
I was sweating away.

I started riding a couple of months ago and do so now at least 4 times a week. It has been incredible exercise! In a 30-40 minute ride, I can burn up to 700 calories depending on my speed.

I did buy a new seat, one that doesn't have a 'horn' to it and that has made a world of difference in my comfort!

I bought a road bike last summer and am officially hooked! I even bought an indoor trainor this winter and have found it to be a blast! I truly feel it is the most fun way to get in a great cardio work-out. Give it a whirl explore your inner child! I was skeptical too, I preferred running at first but now I do both and really look forward to my bike days. Good luck.

Okay sit back, get comfy, put your feet up...I will now tell you all the reasons why cycling is the best exercise you can EVER do....

--It's the best calorie burn you can probably do...better than running, gym cardio machines etc. I just got back from my twice-weekly 20-mile ride (I do 2 midweek and 1 or 2 longer weekend rides) and I burned 1195 calories! On long rides it's hard to eat ENOUGH.

--It's great if you have bad knees. I used to play soccer and run, now I'm fresh out of cartilage. Cycling is actually GOOD for my knees.

--You can start from any fitness level. Start slow if you haven't been on a bike for a while. Take a few spinning classes, especially to get your butt in shape

--It's not cheap to get the right equipment (a big part of the enjoyment of cycling--please ask if you need recommendations for bikes, accessories, etc.) but once you make the investment, it's a pretty cheap form of exercise.

--You can train solo or with someone else or a group. Organized rides are a blast and they have them everywhere for every level.

--It's a great way to chart your fitness progress. Cycling is chock full of gadget geeks--so you can get heart rate monitors that have GPS, cadence sensors, etc. I download each ride so I have a history of my HR, time, distance, cadence, even calories burned. *I would highly recommend training with a heart rate monitor--it can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the sport.

I've been riding pretty steadily for about 3 years and last June rode from San Francisco to Los Angeles (585 miles) as part of the AIDS Lifecycle Ride. I NEVER thought I'd ever be able to do that (believe me, I'm 55 and no Lance Armstrong). It's not an exaggeration to say that for me...cycling is saving my life. In those 3 years my BP, my blood sugar, my cholesterol have all come down to below where I was in my 30's, not to mention I've been able to manage my weight (except during off seasons) and did I mention that it's just plain, big time FUN! So get out there on two wheels!!

That's no doubt WAY too much cheerleading and lots more info than you probably wanted but you asked!

Feel free to ask further--I'll be more brief--promise.

James

My grandparents started biking a year ago as their exercise, they really enjoy it and still do it now. They have some killer calf muscles and they can keep up with all the grandchildren now (ages 5-20).
I'd say do it. Nothing sucks more to me than being in a crowded gym. I'm going to go out and buy a bike soon since I have a trail near my house. My grandparents have lost over 75lb each and for awhile this way the only exercise they got.

I commute to work every day via bicycle ... not only is it great exercise, but it's very therapeutic as well ... by the time I get home (or to work) I feel like a kid again ... sometimes i even act like a kid again, which doesn't impress my wife at home or my boss at work, but they forgive me ... anyway, 2 thumbs up for cycling

Last summer my bf and I finished building my bike. We love to search the swap meets for old parts so I have a pieced together 1952 Schwinn straight bar. I added a messengers basket and we were off. We've been riding together on the weekends, it's so fun.

Do a search online for local bike clubs. We join up with one that does rides allover our area... last one had over 100 bikers! Super fun! :drinker:

We live in an apartment and luckily we have a garage to keep the bikes in. In previous apartments in college I've kept them chained on the patio and have even kept them inside in my entryway. Nothing a hunk of fabric can't cover when company is coming :flowerforyou: