Bike To Lose Weight

How hard is to lose weight riding a bike, i often get asked. Having once tipped the scales at 100kg before I took up cycling, I now weigh in at 84 kg. Friends ask me what it takes.

Firstly its not something that will happen not straight away.Gradually losing weight is the best way to ensure that once its lost it will stay off.

Being Overweight has Health Issues.

As you age your metabolism slows down. Generally people continuing eat the same amount or more as they get older when they should be eating less. This results in an accumulation of weight and the associated health problems. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are just a few of the complications from carrying excess weight.

Cycling for just an hour per day can result in consistent weight loss around 0.5 kg per week although there are many individual factors that will impact on this.

The good news is that cycling is easy. Most people have ridden a bike at some stage, if they haven't, its easy to learn. Being a low impact activity enables people who are prevented from other activities like jogging, to participate. Initial anxiety about gear changing, traffic and pedals can be overcome quickly with a helping hand from a more experienced rider.

Cycling is Fun.

You don't have to ride hard to achieve weight loss. Riding at a moderate sustainable pace is the best for losing weight. That means those rides to the shops, park or even commuting to work all add up to helping you shed those kilos. Joining a cycling group for rides is a way to meet new friends and explore new places you wouldn't have previously considered. Losing weight while having fun has got to be good for you.

Cycling has other health benefits. Cyclists are usually less stressed and sleep better. Lack of sleep is known to contribute to weight gain. A cycle ride can provide relief for any depressive blues that may be weighing you down.

As you become fitter from your cycling, your ability to travel further increases. It is important to keep increasing the distance and or intensity of your rides if you wish to keep shedding weight. The body gets used to a level of exertion, by increasing this you are forcing it to operate at a more efficient level. At some point your weight will stabilize at a suitable level, if you can maintain this weight for at least three months the body resets its metabolism at that level. You will require less calories to maintain that weight so actually need to eat less than you were before.

As you increase the length of your rides you need to pay attention to what you eat before during and after the ride. As a beginner just remember not to overdo those cakes at the end of the ride. They can quickly end up as excess fat and counter any benefit you received from the ride.

Cycling is an enjoyable way to lose weight with many positive spin offs. If you are having fun and losing weight its a real bonus.You can make it as hard or easy as you like, but just getting on a bike and riding will help you lose weight. Give it a try it may change your life.