Cycling's Power of Three

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

27 Jun 2006 04:00 PM

Cycling is the one of the best forms of exercise that accomplishes multiple goals in a short amount of time. But if you are still not totally convinced the following are the three most powerful reasons to invest in a good bike, some padded bike pants, a helmet and an hour on the trails or road.

Power of One

Bored with your workout? You won't be when you take up cycling. You get out the spinning room, out of the gym, out of the house and into the sunshine and the fresh air. Your bike can travel just about anywhere you can. If you live near a beach, you can follow the line of the ocean. If you live in the city, you can take your cycling into the park. If you live in the suburbs, you can follow the bike trails. The sun, the scenery and more are just what the doctor ordered to make your workout thrilling rather than boring.

Power of Two

Cycling doesn't just help you burn calories - it incinerates them. An hour of riding can burn more than 800 calories while you are building stronger legs, lungs, heart and butt. The impact to your joints is minimal to nothing and it takes virtually no time to build up to an hour of riding. Few workouts can help you build muscle tone, muscle shape and burn so many calories at the same time.

Power of Three

Outdoor cycling is unlimited in the options it provides you with when it comes to shaking up your workout. You can ride by yourself, you can ride with a friend or you can take your whole family. It's a great way to get quality time with your spouse and your children. It's even a great way to spend time with siblings and older parents who may enjoy cycling. You don't have to ride a marathon to benefit - a lazy day of cycling can eat up the miles and still prove beneficial in the long run.

As for those rainy days? A stationary cycle can do in a pinch and you can even use it to keep you conditioned during a stormy winter so that you can really enjoy the spring, summer and fall on the back of your bike exploring the community around you.

What do you enjoy most about outdoor cycling?

Related Articles:

Cycle Away to Nowhere

The Future of Personal Fitness

Exercise Tips for Hot Days

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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