Whether you’re a first-time rider on a city bike or a seasoned triathlete on a roadie, here are some points to avoid if you want to achieve that ideal fitness level while having tons of fun:
Skipping meals will burn more fat
These days most cyclists prefer to ride early on the road or on nearby trails to avoid the morning rush. If you are a seasoned cyclist, you would know better that leaving the house without eating even a piece of bread is not going to help you shed those stubborn fats.
However, studies have shown that skipping breakfast or any other meal before your workout will allow your body to burn glycogen and stored fat. Others, on the other hand, feel weak, dizzy and lightheaded because of the drop in their sugar levels, which often results in decreased performance (and less fat burning), which is actually the opposite of your goal.
Perhaps the most sensible approach to this is to evaluate your current condition and consider factors such as age, health, medical history, fitness level and the type of exercise you are about to engage. That way, you can decide whether or not to grab a bite before jumping on your bike and hitting the road or trail.
less water will work
Never try to do this. Your body needs the proper amount of water before your workout for optimum performance. Reduced water intake has no direct effect on weight loss. Drink plenty of water before and after your workout to avoid any conditions like dizziness and, worse, dehydration. You wouldn’t want to fall on the road, would you?
more cycle time is better
This is not necessarily true. Many cyclists aim to cover long distances – usually a minimum of 100 kilometers within 8 hours – often referred to as a ‘century ride’. Yes, it’s cool, awesome and ‘hardcore’, but it’s not for everyone. Exercising for long periods of time can lead to fatigue, especially for new cyclists. A good way to start is to try a good 30-60 minute session at home or outside. Instead of opting for one-time sprint of 100 km, do it 3-4 times a week. Eventually, as your fitness level improves, you will increase your cycle times. But for now, take it slow and be persistent!
snake charmer
Depriving yourself of a good 7-8 hours of sleep doesn’t give you the overall positive benefits you get from a good diet and exercise. Lack of sleep also increases your cortisol levels – the stress hormone that acts as a stimulus for you to crave more food. So unless you want to be part of the lethargic flesh-eating crowd during a zombie apocalypse, get a good rest so you feel energized and ready for your daily dose of pedal-sessions the next day.
just pedal. No room for entertainment.
There’s nothing better than having fun while achieving the right fitness level! So before you decide to buy that stationary cycling machine, consider buying a mountain bike (MTB) or road bike (Roadie). Instead of pedaling inside your room while watching TV, either of these 2 bikes will give you the satisfaction of seeing amazing places and meeting new people.
