6 Things to Consider When Using Cycling to Lose Weight | Expert Tips from a Cycle Shop London

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6 Things to Consider When Using Cycling to Lose Weight | Expert Tips from a Cycle Shop London

There has been a long history of cycling being considered a top activity for anyone who wants to lose weight because it is low-impact and burns tons of calories at a moderate intensity level. In order to accomplish this effectively, you need to have a strategy – and you will need to know a few basics before you can start implementing a dedicated routine in order to be successful.

It is important to follow these basic tips for losing weight on a bike in order to stay safe, enjoy your workouts, and start shedding pounds on the bike in no time.

IT SHOULD BE FUN

As with anything, if you aren’t having fun you’re less likely to stick with cycling over the long run. Since losing weight is about consistency, it’s important to make sure you enjoy your rides as much as possible. Pick scenic routes or trails that allow you to relieve stress and enjoy your ride. Riding with friends or family members, joining a like-minded cycling club or trying indoor rides on a virtual cycling program are all options that can help you have fun on the bike and make your workout routine seem less like a chore. After all, the more you ride the more calories you’ll burn.

EAT REGULARLY, BUT CONSUME FEWER CALORIES

Since you’ll be burning more calories when you ride, skipping a meal to lose more weight will likely make your hunger pains difficult to ignore. For this reason, if you normally eat three meals a day it’s best to stick to this routine to avoid the urge to snack and overindulge. The key is to eat fewer total calories than you normally consume.

A few easy ways to do this is to cut back on high-sugar foods and drinks, serve smaller portions (try fitting your meal on a small plate instead of a big one) and eat lean proteins like grilled chicken and fish for meals. Staying hydrated also helps curb hunger pangs and can factor into how long and hard you are able to ride.

GET THE RIGHT GEAR

The right equipment can make you more comfortable on the bike and encourage you to increase the duration and intensity of your workouts if you want to make cycling a part of your daily lifestyle. Below are just a few basic things to consider when selecting the right bike and accessories:

The right bike: It is possible to ride a beach cruiser while losing weight. However, it will not be comfortable for long periods of time. You should choose a bike from a trusted bicycle shop in London based on the distance and terrain of your most frequent workouts. For beginners, it is always a good idea to purchase an entry-level road bike, hybrid bike, e-bike, or mountain bike from a trusted bike shop in London.

Cycling shorts: Like cycling jerseys, bike seats can be uncomfortable, especially if you work up to riding for more than half an hour in a row. In order to ensure your comfort, you can purchase a pair of cycling shorts with a chamois insert from reputable cycle shops in London.

Helmet: Using a helmet when you ride a bike is something that goes without saying — if you are going to ride even a few blocks, be sure you are wearing a helmet from a reputable bike shop in London.

The shoes: It is important to know that clipless cycling shoes and pedals help you improve the efficiency of your pedal stroke, which allows you to ride longer and at a higher speed more comfortably. In addition, this helps prevent injuries. For optimal performance, check out the range of cycling shoes available at cycle shops.

In order for you to make the most of your weight loss journey, it is important to invest in the right equipment from reputable cycle shops in London in order to improve both your cycling experience and your comfort. So happy cycling!

THE HELP OF A TRAINING PARTNER

You can certainly train on your own, but having a training partner or two on those days when you feel like you don’t want to get out on your bike can certainly help. In addition to holding you accountable on early morning rides and providing encouragement when you need it, an experienced training partner can also help you learn about the sport and give you tips and tricks to make your rides more enjoyable. In addition to drafting, cornering, learning how to shift, and learning how to ride in close proximity to other riders, a dedicated training partner can assist you in all these areas.

I would suggest joining a local cycling club if you don’t know anyone else who also enjoys riding their bike, or contacting your local bike shop to ask for a list of cycling groups that match your goals on the bike if you don’t know anyone.

A BIKE’S BASIC MAINTENANCE IS OF UPMOST IMPORTANCE

Whether you’re riding a few times a week or plan to lose weight by commuting to work daily by bike, you’ll need to learn basic bike maintenance to keep from getting stranded out on the road. While some repairs might be outside your skill level if you’re a beginner, here are a few things you should learn how to do:

  • Change a flat tire

  • Tighten handlebar bolts

  • Fix a broken chain

  • Clean your bike and drivetrain

As you become more experienced, think about taking basic bike maintenance classes at your local bike shop in London to learn how to tune your bike and complete other repairs that are easy to do at home. For professional bike repair in London, trust the experts at bike repair in London shops. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle any repairs or maintenance your bike may need.

By gaining knowledge and skills in bike maintenance and relying on the expertise of specialists, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride without worrying about unexpected breakdowns.

IT IS GOOD TO HAVE INTERVALS

When it comes to losing weight, even the most seasoned cyclist can fall into the trap of heading out on a ride without having any sort of workout plan. Although any ride is better than none at all, mixing up the intensity of your workout is an essential part of any good exercise plan that will focus on weight loss.

You should plan on incorporating short interval training sessions twice a week to increase your metabolism, burn more fat, and boost your overall fitness. The best part is that these interval sessions don’t take a lot of time and they can be done either at your home or on the road.