Fitness is all relative though, isn't it? I'm on my feet all day at work, and I walk a fair bit and ride at a moderate pace. The only time you'll find me really out of breath and sweating is when climbing a hill. I rarely push it hard riding on the flat. I might not be fit compared to someone who actively trains to go fast. but I'm a hell of a lot fitter than the people I know who do virtually no physical activity whatsoever, and there are plenty of them!This may be controversial, but I have doubts about the fitness benefits for most recreational cyclists. The problem is that modern bikes are too efficient, cycling is generally too easy, how often do you see a cyclist out of breath and sweating like a pig?
For me cycling is fun, transport for shopping trips, and would be a social activity if I had any cycling friends. To get fit I need to sweat like a pig, via jogging, or roller-blading.
Like any exercise, regularity is the thing. If you can manage that, it will aid fitness, whatever activity it is.This is something that I actually feared so bad, but is simply wonderful when you get a hang of it. My focus is being regular and staying fit. Day by day I see more bikers enjoying and people getting together to create memories and arranging fun bike trips.
Best Wishes
Masha
My wife is a posty. 9-12 miles a day for past 5 years. Has a rowing machine in garage and on that 3 times a week. We go out with my son cycling and following day her legs ache ?? Different muscles, used in different ways. Of course recreational cycling improves fitness. Anything raising heart rate improves fitness. New bikes are efficient, dinner plate gearing, but the riders choice to use them or push a bit harder in a higher gear.This may be controversial, but I have doubts about the fitness benefits for most recreational cyclists. The problem is that modern bikes are too efficient, cycling is generally too easy, how often do you see a cyclist out of breath and sweating like a pig?
For me cycling is fun, transport for shopping trips, and would be a social activity if I had any cycling friends. To get fit I need to sweat like a pig, via jogging, or roller-blading.
Totally agreeLike any exercise, regularity is the thing. If you can manage that, it will aid fitness, whatever activity it is.
I am very bad at this...
But, when the weather permits and I ride more, the benefits are definitely there!
If you want to go hard at it, the benefits may be more obvious more quickly, but the beauty of cycling is that you go at your own pace.