2021 as a new beginning and biking to stay fit

[Masha]

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

 

[DorsetPootler]

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.

 

[HMS_Dave]

I started cycling at 27 stone. Now around 18. Put a bit on over Christmas. Cycling is fine for weight loss, fitness, socialising (when not in a worldwide epidemic) etc. Cycling can be as easy or as tough as you want to make it. The tougher it is, the fitter you get.

Good Luck

 

[postman]

Welcome Masha,first of all cyclists not bikers and as you continue your cycling journey.You will find favourite cafes to stop at.You will become friends with the owners,not close but they will value your custom.So enjoy your rides.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

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.

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!

 

[slowmotion]

Just ride your bike a bit. You may start to enjoy it. It's not a duty or a regime. When you start to enjoy it, it'll be something you want to do more and more and you'll look forward to it. After that, you are just another victim.

 

[DCBassman]

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

Like 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.

 

[Tripster]

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.

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.
If every cyclist was constantly sweating and out of breath we would have a lot of heart attack victims lying in road because they would be pushing too hard for too long. Some cyclist could be on a 100 mile ride and in their 60’s. Try match them for fitness

 

[Masha]

Like 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.

Totally agree though am very bad at it too.. being regular, committing to it and making it a priority would definitely help I guess.