Just getting started again..

[q292u]

Hi. Just getting started cycling again after many years. I need the exercise, as I used to walk 5 miles a day before Covid, now down to 20 minutes a day. (Working from home)
So I've put a bit of weight on, and I'd like it gone.. (I'm going to join the Gym as well, as soon as it reopens - as originally planned for January..).
I have asked a question over on the "buying" section, as it's been a while, and modern bikes are a bit alien to me..

 

[mjr]

Welcome! If you'd rather buy an older bike, there's the Vintage section and a few sellers lurk in there... but newer ones do tend to be a bit more aero and lighter, so you can go faster/further for the same effort, but how much does that matter if you're doing it for exercise rather than travel or racing? I don't know...

 

[AuroraSaab]

Welcome to the forum. Lots of great advice on here so hopefully you'll get started soon.

 

[PaulSB]

Hi. Just getting started cycling again after many years. I need the exercise, as I used to walk 5 miles a day before Covid, now down to 20 minutes a day. (Working from home)
So I've put a bit of weight on, and I'd like it gone.. (I'm going to join the Gym as well, as soon as it reopens - as originally planned for January..).
I have asked a question over on the "buying" section, as it's been a while, and modern bikes are a bit alien to me..

In my view joining a gym will provide very little that you cannot achieve at home.

Save your money towards bikes and cycling kit.

 

[Archie_tect]

You could walk 3 miles in an hour- you'll be able to cycle 12 in that time so enjoy your bike when you get it and don't bother with the gym!

 

[sheddy]

Locate LBS and take it from there.
The bike in your hand is worth 20 bikes online.

 

[AuroraSaab]

I disagree about the gym. When I was going regularly a couple of years ago, it really improved my fitness. I just did weight training and no cardio so I didn't lose weight, but I felt much better and more toned.

What I would say is don't join an expensive gym, like David Lloyd etc, unless you are going to go a lot and make full use of the facilities. Find a cheap chain and make sure it is local - you won't go if it's a 30 min drive away. One near where you work is ideal. I find the Strategy of Convenience is key with exercise- a gym you have to drive past anyway, kit kept by the door or in the car, bike kept in an easy access place so it takes 5 minutes to get out and put away etc. Make it so convenient you don't have an excuse not to do it.

 

[Pale Rider]

Riding the bike to the gym is a good plan, although around here the gyms are known as cycle theft hotspots.