Get Fit With Cycling

Now I'll say from the start, I don't claim to be a fitness or cycling expert, I haven't any medical qualifications or attended any training courses on health and fitness, this blog is about my experiences of what I've done and continue to do to keep fit with cycling and my knowledge I've gained along the way. It's not aimed at cyclists who want to be the next Bradley Wiggins or Mark Cavendish  it's aimed at people who want to get fit, stay health and/or lose some weight, which I guarantee you will do so as long as you can keep your burger or cake fixes to a minimum,
Cycling is a great way to exercise that virtually everyone can do no matter how old they are, what level of fitness they are at or if they haven't done it before. I would always recommend getting medical advice before you start if you are at all concerned, but as long as you build up your fitness slowly I'm sure you shouldn't have anything to worry about, like any kind of physical exercise, if you try to do too much before your body is ready, your body will tell you. It's a great family activity as well, cycling along a canal path or around the local woods it gets the kids off their computer and game consols, and doing some exercise, you could also stop off for a light pub lunch or picnic along the way.

What are you going to need, I'll go into more depth later but to start you off,

A bicycle - yes really - doesn't really matter which type but the obvious name gives you a chance of getting it right, there's no point trying to race through the woods or down a mountain on the road bike then cry because you've buckled the wheels and smashed the rear derailleur / gears to bits, although you can ride a mountain bike on roads it's a lot easier on a road bike, a brand new or a second hand bike doesn't matter.

A cycling helmet - an ABSOLUTE  must, I don't care if you think you don't need one or not, road or mountain, if you come off you'll be glad you had one. There are helmets out there for everyone with every budget starting for £15 for the kids right up to £300 for a full face racing helmet, NO EXCUSES oh and please don't buy a second hand one either, you don't know where it's been.

Lights - more for road cycling if you intend to cycle in the dark, but also good in wet / poor visibility conditions.

Gloves - not essential but if you intend to ride a lot, will help you getting blisters and improves your grip in wet weather.

Hi-Vis clothing - again not essential but better to be seen than not, there's a massive choice when it comes to jackets, shorts and jersey's, so I won't bother boring you here, just buy whatever takes you fancy.

A Multi-tool - you know the type of thing, Swiss-army knife type but with loads of little spanners and screwdrivers attached, a worth while buy.

Puncture repair kit / spare inner tube / pump.

Saddle bag or rucksack - Somewhere to carry all your supplies.

Water bottle -cycling is thirsty work and dehydration isn't good.

Lubricants - There are some great lubes on the market now, with even better names, wet lubes, dry lubes, wax lubes and even Teflon lubes, don't get too bogged down with which one at this stage, just ask at your local cycling shop for advice to which one will suit you the best.

Of course you can blow a small fortune on a bike but you really don't have to, you can spend whatever you want and still enjoy the benefits of cycling then build up your bling as time goes on, the list above will get you started and let you enjoy the benefits of cycling.