Getting fit and staying healthy is one of the best investments that you can make in yourself. When you’re fit and healthy, you tend to be happier as well. A fit body fights off illness more easily, plus exercise gives you a big hit of endorphins, which are the chemicals in the brain that make you feel stoked!
For most of us, however, it’s tough to fit yet another thing into our already busy days. That’s where cycling can be great. It’s easier than you think.
The Australian Department of Health recommends that adults get 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate intensity exercise each week. That sounds like a lot, but biking makes it easy. Ride to work one day this week, ride to shops another day and then go for one hour spin on the weekend, and you’ve probably made it. You don’t need to become an uber athlete in head to toe lycra. Just leaving the car at home for a couple of trips each week is enough to get you started.
Getting started is the hardest part. Once you’re rolling, it’s easy. Here’s three common starting points, along with some advice. You might find you fit one of these categories, which can be a great starting point to spring into fitness.
The casual commuter
You’re getting back into fitness or riding for the first time, or you’re looking to add some cycling cross training to your schedule. You probably don’t need to work about things like clipless pedals, carbon fibre parts and heart rate monitors, but a decent bike and a couple of little extras will make your cycling easier and more fun. Pannier racks make commuting and shopping easier, so you can boost your ‘incidental exercise’.
Recommended ride: Urban X0
The budding athlete
Maybe you’re already pretty fit, but getting some cycling into your life will help you boost aerobic fitness, save the environment and mean that you can spend less time pounding the treadmill. Cycling is a low impact exercise, and generally better for your all round health than running! A good cycling computer will help you track your progress.
Recommended ride: Osprey Road Bike
The Road Racer
Now you’re ready to rock and roll. Perhaps you’re a strong runner that’s considering your next challenge. You’re keen to ride 100 kilometres, or start riding triathlons. You might be an uber fast commuter with the need for speed. Clipless pedals and shoes are the easiest upgrade that you can make to your speed and power.
Recommended ride: Falco Elite
Happy riding!
No matter where you're starting off, cycling is a great way to get rolling and get fit. If you'd like some advice on how to get start, please contact one of our stores and we'll be happy to help!