Question & Answer Archive

Health - Fitness

I want to use my bike for a bit of fitness training - what's my next move?
Have a medical if you are just commencing any type of physical training programme. Make sure you are aware of any underlying health problems, and plan for them accordingly. Then, define your objectives: do you want or need to lose weight? Do you simply want to be fit enough to go out for a ride with the family, to do a charity ride or to go out with a club? Are you using the bike as an adjunct to some other form of training? The trick is to start with short (20-30 minute), regular (twice or three times weekly) rides that don?t stress you physically. Sure, you might be a little sore after the first one or two, but if you organise your time so that you have a rest day between rides, the discomfort will disappear, and the rides will get easier. Gradually build up the frequency, or the distance or the pace, depending on what you want to acheive: but don't lose sight of the enjoyment of riding a bike! A good retailer will help you as you get more interested - at the end of the day, if you become enthusiastic, he'll want you as a customer!