Is Cycling Good for Weight Loss?
The thought of a bicycle might make you giddy with joy. Several of us learned to ride at a young age. You know, that movie-like setting of someone running beside you as you learn to pedal and then suddenly letting go, leaving you to figure out how to balance and then stop on your own. Others learned to ride at an older age, or maybe even had their first bike experience in an indoor cycling class. Perhaps you are a cycling beginner and ready to learn now! Whatever the story may be for you, cycling is a great way to get in and stay in shape. But the question remains — is cycling good for weight loss? We get into that and more below.
It’s Fun
There’s no doubt about it. Cycling is f-u-n. Whether you are indoors on a stationary bike, climbing up an imaginary hill with great beats vibrating through your classroom, or outside enjoying sweeping views of your town while feeling the wind rush at your face, cycling is a great way to enjoy your workout. A lot of times, people force themselves to complete exercises every single day that they don’t like to do. If you flip that idea on its head and find something active that you love to do, your exercise will be more of a treat to you. Many people who cycle couldn’t imagine it not being a part of their week. They want to be on the bike. For that reason, one of the greatest benefits of cycling is that it’s a fantastic way to get in shape, burn calories, and lose weight.
It’s Versatile
Want to go for a long ride around your city, work on your strength, enhance your endurance, or even strengthen your core? You can do all of those things on a bike! So, if you are looking for a hobby that is also an exercise and can keep you interested for years to come, cycling could be your best bet. Not only is there so much to do and see, but if it does become mundane, you can take it to the mountains, to the studio, to the road, or anywhere in between to get a great, heart-pumping workout.
It’s a Low Impact Workout
Unlike running, cycling is a low-impact cardio exercise. You can participate in cycling more frequently without a significant risk of injury. Many cyclists hop onto their bikes every single day. They can do this because they mix rigorous training with low-impact and leisurely rides. Cycling is excellent for someone who would like to lose a little weight before summer because you will be able to ride every day (if your body allows for it and you want to).
However, as with any exercise, you do need to proceed with caution. Always stretch, always bring plenty of water, and always always always allow your body to rest when it needs it.
Anyone Can Do It
Cycling is similar to swimming in that children and adults alike can enjoy the exercise. Many kids start to learn to ride a bike at a few years old, and this hobby can continue into the senior years due to its low-impact nature.
It’s Convenient
Most of us have to get to and from work every single day. With time being the number one excuse for people to skip out on their fitness routine, it would be hard to argue that cycling isn’t a fantastic idea. If you live in a city with bike lanes or have access to a safe route to and from your work, cycling can seamlessly fit into your day while giving you great aerobic exercise at the same time.
Cycling for Weight Loss
While we don’t operate under the notion that losing weight is the most essential part of a fitness journey for everyone, it is one of the main reasons people come to the gym. The thing to note is, most workouts alone will not significantly change the number on the scale (bummer, right?). What is highly effective for weight loss goals, though, is a good mix of cardio training, strength training, and healthy eating. Read that again. There is no magic elixir when it comes to weight loss. You must put in work. So, find something you love to do (like cycling) and mix it with a healthy diet and rest days, and you will be well on your way to a healthier you!
If you are new to cycling or are looking for somewhere to enjoy your indoor cycling workouts every week, check out a Chuze Fitness near you! We have indoor cycling bikes at each of our locations in the cardio area, some of our locations even have indoor cycling studios where you can get in a heart-pumping cycling workout in a group exercise setting. Check out your club for more information! We can’t wait to see you at the gym.