Pedaling a Path to Weight Loss

Exercise and eating healthy are essential for well being.

There’s not much use in disputing that fact, and deep down we know it to be true. Still, the majority of people do not exercise on a regular basis. In fact, lots of folks are living a sedentary lifestyle, lacking the recommended dose of physical activity.

It’s really difficult to go from sitting on the couch to sitting in the saddle of a bicycle, but that’s one surefire way to lose weight in route to a healthier lifestyle. Don’t overwhelm yourself by attempting to go from zero to century ride overnight. Instead, commit to making small changes over time that will allow you to achieve your desired health goals. Here’s a few reasons why cycling should be part of your new weight loss routine.

No pain and no gain

It’s a myth that exercise has to be painful. If you’re carrying a few extra pounds or have lingering joint pain, running hurts. And, if it hurts, you’re less likely to do it on a consistent basis. That’s why cycling is great, there’s no impact or added pressure on the body. Start riding and you won’t have any pain, and you won’t be less likely to gain weight. See; no pain, no gain.

Tighten up

While cycling is a total body workout, it really hones in on the lower body; especially the hamstrings, quads, hips, and glutes. So, when you’re riding you’re using some of the body’s biggest muscles. As a result, you’re burning lots of calories. Plus, you’re also strengthening the body’s foundation, building lean muscle mass and improving your fat burn abilities.

Bigger burn

Walking is a great way to get moving. Trouble is it can be boring and time consuming if you’re going for weight loss. Start out by walking, and keep walking as much as possible, but try cycling for a bigger burn. At a recreational pace, you can expect to burn 500 to 600 calories an hour. On the other hand, walking or jogging burns between 150 and 400 calories per hour. Yeah, I pick cycling too.

Smaller appetite

Cutting calories can be difficult and starvation diets do more harm than good. But, bicycling is one way to blunt your appetite without drastically reducing your caloric intake. Evidence indicates that vigorous exercise reduces appetite. That means you’ll be less likely to overeat due to a “spontaneous reduction of hunger” associated with regular exercise.

Less stress

Anxiety, depression, and stress can wreak your body. It can cause energy levels to dip and lead to weight gain over time. One way to combat stress is to start cycling. It’s not a cure for disease or stress, but it is a preventative measure. Stress hormones like cortisol can cause us to store fat, especially around the stomach. But, aerobic exercises, like cycling uses up harmful hormones and release “good” chemicals like endorphins and dopamine that make us less stressed.

It’s doesn’t feel like work

Perhaps the best part about riding your way to weight loss is the fact that it doesn’t feel like exercise. Cycling is fun. You can commute to work or to the store. You can ride with family and friends. You can go off-road and explore trails. No matter where you’re riding, you’ll be burning calories, strengthening your heart, and pedaling closer to a healthier weight.

So what are you waiting for? It’s the perfect time for a ride.