Cycling Tips for Overweight or Obese

Physical activity is very important in order to be fit and healthy. Regular physical activities could help protect from diseases or disorders such as heart disease, mental illness, cancer, arthritis, diabetes and even obesity. Cycling regularly is one of the best physical activities you can do to greatly reduce the risk of health problems. It is healthy, low-impact form of exercise that could be enjoyed by people of all ages. Also, it’s less expensive and environment friendly.

Bicycling is a great way to get some exercise for heavy people. It is easy on the joints. But if you’d like to take on longer bicycle rides, the discomforts experienced by all cyclists will be doubled or even tripled. But do not be discouraged. The point is, if you start feeling pain, simply stop. Do not push yourself until your bottom is sore or your hands are numb. Rest and then start again when all your ailments are healed.

As a heavy rider, you’ll be putting more strain on your knees, rear, and wrists. Also, planning your rides to be easy and fun is important so you’d want to ride more and more. Here are some great cycling tips for overweight and obese riders:

Hills & Wind

Cycling on hills require more effort on ascending compared to average weight riders but you go downhill with greater speed. It is highly suggested to plan rides with infrequent or gentle hills. Also, it is advisable for you to check your map before you cycle and be familiar with your terrain. Also, check the weather forecast for wind prior to your ride.

Saddle Sores

Saddle sores are blisters in the saddle that are painful and can be deep under the skin. They’re a result of chafing, ingrown hairs, and clogged pores. Saddle sore can be prevented. Professional cyclists also get saddle sores.

To prevent saddle sores, wear appropriate cycling shorts, use anti-chafing product. Wash your cycling shorts after each ride with hot water and detergent or soap. Scrub your saddle area with warm water and soap, but not hard enough to chafe or scratch your skin. A hot bath is also helpful.

Larger Clothing

It seems like most companies assume that people over a particular size require only 100% cotton exercise clothing, which will get heavy, get soaked in sweat, making the skin wet and chafed, and do not cool effectively. Women tend to have a more difficult time to get bigger-sized exercise clothing compared to men, because some bulky types of body are considered athletic in men.

Overheating

Riding without a helmet could be very tempting, because the helmet tend to make you feel hot. Choose a helmet with lots of hole on top to help you feel a bit cooler.

Cycling can mean many various things to different people. It is a less expensive and eco-friendly transportation mode, a good way to explore the city, a very relaxing pastime, a competitive sport, and a great physical workout. Whatever the reason for riding, this activity can offer a wide range benefits to one’s health and being an outdoor activity provides way more advantages than going to the gym, attending a fitness class, or playing an indoor sport. Here are other health benefits of cycling:

Low Impact: Cycling causes less pressure and injuries compared to other forms of exercise like walking, running, or jogging.

Good Workout for Muscle: As you pedal, you make use of all of your major muscle groups.

Easy: Unlike other sports, biking doesn’t require you to have high levels of physical skills. Most people know how to ride a bicycle, and once you learn how to cycle, you never forget.

Good for Stamina & Strength: Biking increases strength, stamina, as well as aerobic fitness.

Flexible: It can be done at a very low intensity to start with, if you’re recovering from an illness or injury, but you can build it up to an intense physical workout.

Fun: The thrill and adventure you get from being outdoors, breathing fresh air, getting some sunlight, and coasting down hills means you’re more likely to continue to bike regularly, compared to other activities that keep you indoors or require special places, times, or equipment.

Time-Efficient: As a form of transportation, biking replaces sedentary time spent driving automobiles or using buses, cabs, or trains with healthy exercise.

Biking is primarily an aerobic form of exercise, meaning, your lungs, blood vessels, and heart get a workout. You’ll be able to perspire, breathe deeper, and experience increase in body temperature, which in turn will enhance your general level of fitness.

Aiming to achieve a healthier and fitter you? Get into cycling and enjoy your ride as you exercise and eventually achieve your goal!