Bike Riding for Exercise

Riding a bicycle is great exercise, and it is an activity that almost all ages can participate in.  However, this will work best as a family workout if your children are old enough to ride at a steady pace. 

Bike riding is a wonderful cardiovascular exercise, and gives similar results as running or walking.  Although you enjoy the same benefits as the other exercises, biking is easier on the joints because it causes less strain.  Bicycling also helps to strengthen your core muscles and improve your balance at the same time.  It also helps to get your legs in top shape.  As with any workout routine you should be sure to stretch properly before and after each workout to prevent cramping and muscle injury.  It is also a good practice for your children to learn as well.  Stretching not only helps prevent injury but also increases your flexibility.

Once you and your family have mastered the art of riding your bikes there is always an option to change the workout by changing your riding location.  Along with the challenge of a new terrain, you also get the excitement of a new location.  This will definitely help fight off the ever looming “boredom” excuse.  It is easier to keep your family motivated to exercise when everyone enjoys the activity. 

The proper equipment is very important when it comes to biking.  You want to make sure that everyone has a bike that fits them properly.  The seat should be adjusted so that your legs get the full range of motion every time you pedal.  This will help with circulation in your legs as well as make the bike more comfortable to ride.  You also want to make sure that the bikes are the proper weight for the rider.  A bike that is too heavy can make it more difficult to ride.  Also check the seat to make sure that it is comfortable for the rider.  If you or a member of your family have a bike that is not comfortable to ride, chances are that you will not enjoy the workout.

Safety gear is also extremely important for bikers.  You need to make sure that everyone wears a helmet at all times.  There will inevitably be a few falls, and wearing a helmet can save the life of the rider, especially if they are riding on concrete.  The proper knee and elbow pads should also be worn while riding.  If you plan to ride in an area with automobile traffic, make sure that you are visible to drives as well.  You may want to invest in safety clothing or reflectors.  These items can help to improve your visibility to other motorists.

Bicycling is a fun activity for children and adults alike.  It is a great combination of fun and fitness, and the children probably will not even realize that they are actually doing it for exercise.  With this type of activity it is easy to teach children that exercise can be fun.

 

Article written by Katie Wilson of Ultimate Fitness Gear, your top source for the Insanity Workout. Get Insanity today.