Cycling: Great For All Ages

If you're looking for a good way to lose weight that is suitable for all ages, provides social interaction and gets you some outdoors time, then cycling is a good choice. Cycling will help you burn calories, improve your overall health and fitness, and give you a good workout. In addition, cycling may:

• help you achieve your weight-loss goals by increasing your heart rate, which burns fat and calories.
• improve heart health
• increase fitness levels – both your endurance and strength will improve.
• improve strength in the major muscle groups – legs, hip muscles, hamstrings, quads and glutes.

Cycling is also a low-impact exercise that doesn’t stress your joints like other forms of exercise such as running. And it's easy to learn and doesn’t require any special training. Just hop on a bike and pedal!

Tips for Losing Weight with Cycling

Try Cycling With Others

Although some might find a solitary bike ride peaceful, others might find it helpful to have others to ride along with you. Apart from the social aspect of riding together, you will also have the benefit of staying accountable to a set time and date which will help you avoid skipping a session.

Cycling Indoors vs. Outdoors

There are benefits to both. On days where the weather does not permit an outdoor ride then having a home bicycle will mean you won’t miss out on your workout. Also, some people actually prefer to workout at home because they might be too conscious of their fitness levels, or simply because of the convenience.

On the other hand, riding outside has the benefit of being out in nature and taking in the fresh air. Choose whatever option is best for you.

Set a Schedule and Stick to It

Setting a time and place will help ensure you will stick to your goals and complete your training program. Although weight loss is your ultimate goal, it is better to set a fitness and distance target instead. If you make improvements in your fitness and increase the distance that you are cycling naturally over time you will be able to lose weight.

If you lose weight as your sole measurement you may be discouraged if you don’t lose any weight immediately even though you are still making progress elsewhere.

As you can see cycling as an exercise is a good option to lose weight, and if you use these tips you will be able to improve your fitness, burn more calories and lose weight.