Are you looking for a new exercise hobby? Are you growing tired of jogging or playing sports? Do you love the sensation of driving or simply going fast? If that’s the case, you should try cycling. Cycling is a wonderful hobby; hundreds of people try cycling for the first time every year. Many health benefits are associated with cycling as well, plus it is a lot of fun.
However, cycling is much more enjoyable when you are comfortable. High-quality cycling gear makes riding a bicycle more pleasant. Therefore, you should research the kind of gear you will require to get the most out of your cycling experience.
Health Benefits
Running can be hard on your knees, back, and ankles. Unfortunately, some people just aren’t built for running. However, cycling is much more forgiving on the joints. Pedalling puts less strain on the legs, and still gives them a great workout. Since cycling requires some stamina, you can expect your cardiovascular endurance to increase when you start cycling.
Getting any form of exercise is healthy. You can relieve stress by cycling up a hill and burn off calories. You can strengthen your legs and core muscles by pedalling on high resistance. Or if you prefer a slower pace, you can find a flat area and simply cruise along the bike path.
Preparing for a Cycling Trip
When preparing for a cycling trip, it’s important to eat a healthy breakfast. You should eat a mix of protein and carbs, but avoid an extremely heavy breakfast. Filling up on food can lead to cramps and nausea. You should also drink lots of water before your trip, because such exercise could lead to possible dehydration.
If your bicycle does not have a water bottle holder, you should purchase and install one on your bike. It’s very important to have water on hand to stay hydrated and have plenty of energy. You should pull over before drinking from your water bottle while on your cycling trip. It’s not safe to try to drink water and ride at the same time, for doing so can obstruct your vision.
Next, you’re going to need some cycling gear. Riding a bike in regular clothes is very restricting, and can even lead to overheating. It’s important to wear light clothing, such as a cycling jersey and cycling shorts. You can simply buy a jersey in a larger size if you’re not comfortable wearing tight clothing. If you do not own a helmet, you should definitely purchase one. Always wearing a helmet while cycling can protect against concussions and other injuries.
You should wear plenty of sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy outside during your cycling trip, you can still get sunburnt. UV rays can still penetrate the clouds, and there’s nothing more unpleasant than getting a sunburn after a long day of cycling. If you have sensitive eyes, you should also consider wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses reduce glare, making it easier for you to obstacles such as trees and pedestrians.
