Lose Weight

Wow can sitting for long periods of time on a bicycle seat can cause pain, discomfort, and even serious blood circulation problems in devoted bicyclists. To avoid this problem during your efforts to lose weight get off your bicycle seat and walk around every 25 minutes or so to get the blood flowing to important nether-land parts of your body. Stretching exercises prior to exercising are helpful in preventing injury also. At your local bike shop, you'll find a variety of bicycle seats made specifically for your comfort and health. The salespeople at our local bike shop encouraged us to try out new seats on our bikes for a few days.

My husband found the split seat to be more comfortable for him, while I opted to keep my old gel seat. Someone has even invented seats that look more like a bird perch than a bicycle seat!

Think about your clothing...you don't have to have padded biker shorts and special clothing to to lose weight and start riding bikes. There are actually scientifically engineered fabrics designed to pull sweat away from your body in the summer and to keep you from getting hypothermia in the winter. But for now, just wear layers of comfortable sports clothes. Make sure your clothes aren't so tight that you are miserable trying to pedal. But they shouldn't be loose enough to become entangled in the bicycle chain, either! If you become overheated, strip off a layer. If you get cold, add a layer. Wear light or bright colors to allow drivers to see you easily.

It really helps to have a small cargo rack on the back of your bike. Mine looks like a little shelf over the back tire. It has two bungee cords to keep any cargo securely fastened to the bike. I've used it to tote a small picnic cooler, a shopping bag or extra clothes.

I had the bike shop attach a water bottle holder to the bike under my seat. I can grab a quick swig as I ride or pour some water over my pulse points to cool off a bit. Take small sips of water when needed during your bike ride, rather than chugging huge gulps. Drink lots of water while exercising, it is crucial.

A helmet is almost a must. Life is filled with hazards-and biking has its share. Be smart. Wear a helmet. You can buy a cool rear-view mirror for your helmet. The mirror helps you see when it's safe to turn and lets you observe traffic coming up from behind.

I recommend wearing sunglasses-both for the sun and for bugs! At certain times of the year, the air is thick with flying insects. Getting a tiny bug in your eye is a excruciating event. For contact wearers, carry a contact case and lens cleaner on bike rides for just that reason. Some day you'll be glad you did!

I really get sick of hearing people say, "No pain, no gain!" But the old adage is true when it comes to riding bikes to lose weight. Talk with your doctor first, and get his or her blessing before you increase your rate of physical activity! By pushing your cycling distance or speed, you are sure to feel some pain in your leg muscles, your hands, wrists, and your derriere-- even some pain in your throat and lungs as your body tries to accommodate your increased demand for oxygen.

Marg Roukens
202-657-5874

Tri Power Team Tags: health, lose weight, weight loss