Cycling as an Alternative to Working Out in the Gym
Fancy working out while exploring the beauty of nature?
Here’s one scenario: You wearing your fancy gym outfit riding a stationary bike with your earphones on. In front of you is either a wall or a TV screen. Like you, people around are busily going about their own fitness routine. Then here’s another scene: You in your everyday outdoor clothes riding a bike in a scenic park or blazing through a trail with breathtaking views. Where would you rather be?
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, let’s us help you. Here are five reasons why you should choose cycling as an excellent alternative to working out in the gym.
1. Complete workout in one setting
Mix it up to suit your fitness level.
It is safe to assume that nobody wants to focus on just one area when working out. No matter your need to tone your thighs or buttocks, you still have to exercise the rest of your body.
Cycling outdoors does this, and more. Whether you are a beginner or a certified fitness buff, you can easily decide the intensity of your exercise. A fun cycle along a flat terrain qualifies as a moderate intensity aerobic activity while riding uphill counts as vigorous cardiovascular workout.
Exercise your core and more.
While you will be using your legs primarily, you use your entire body to maintain balance and streamline yourself and your bike. You can also stand or sit, changing positions to use different muscles. All of this translates to a complete core workout. Not to mention the mental exercise that you will be getting from this activity as well.
2. Get motivated by the great outdoors
Routine is boring, so take it outdoors instead
If you’re the type of person who can’t stand any kind of routine, chances are working out in a gym is not for you. You need to commute to and from the gym, use the same equipment, or attend the same classes over and over. You’ll end up seeing the same people, doing the same cardio exercises, and lifting the same weights. You’ll find yourself having more and more excuses to miss a class or a training session, until one day you just can’t find the will to go to the gym anymore.
Riding a bike is different. You can cycle on a route of your own choosing. It’s a great way to catch up with friends or just reflect about life in general. On weekends you can plan a scenic ride along the coast, or conquer a trail with some of your best buds to experience the best of the great outdoors together. Wherever you choose to go, be assured that boredom will not hit you as you build muscle.
There are at least five awesome locations for cycling in NSW and there are countless of routes to experience the best cycling trips in Australia.
3. Improve your mental well-being
Let go of anger and depression
A 2011 study showed that those exercising outdoors experience greater feelings of revitalisation and increased energy. They also reported feeling less tension, confusion, anger, and depression. Participants in the study found greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity and said they were more likely to repeat the activity. We think you will too, which is all the more reason for you to grab that bike and start experiencing the healing power of nature.
Stay on track; stay focused.
Because your mind works as hard as your legs while cycling, you are improving your focus. It is a healthy mental state that you can harness even when you are not in the saddle.
4. Enjoy fitness for free
No more monthly fees
A gym membership costs between $12.95 and $37 per week. With cycling, you don’t need to think about monthly fees, which means you would be able to save an average of $1,300 each year. That’s money you can use to buy new tyres and other parts and accessories, while still leaving some for your savings.
Get a bike for less than $2500
You don’t need much to get into cycling – no membership, no joining fee, no contracts that will tie you up for years. If you’re a beginner, all you need is a bike and a helmet to get started.
There are different kinds of bikes for different purposes. Mountain, road, and track bikes are the most common. You can browse through our product range to find the perfect bike for you. We have specials for as low as $2,399.
5. Your time starts when you grab your bike.
Fact: Aussies waste nearly $2 billion each year on gym membership that they barely use. Most people either can’t find the time to go to the gym, or they don’t want the hassle of the commute. With cycling, your workout begins the moment you go out of the house and ride to wherever your destination, may it be the nearest park, the local trail or the countryside.
Try riding to work.
Cycling is a great way to get to places. You can ride your bike to work and back, for example, and ditch the car. You won’t just be saving on petrol and expensive car maintenance, but you’ll be getting the workout you need as well. If you’re taking the bus or train, think about the time that you spend just sitting instead of exercising. You’ll get home quicker too because you don’t have to wait for the train or bus.
Choose your bike.
At Stead Cycles, we offer a wide range of bikes and accessories at affordable prices. We have some of the best brands in the industry. Browse our online catalogue to find the bike that’s perfect for you. If you are a cycling enthusiast, you’ll find something in our collection that is sure to convince you to upgrade or get a spare.
Stead Cycles has nearly a century of experience
We have been providing friendly and thoughtful service to our clients since 1923. You can count on us for the best assembly job and after sales service this side of the hemisphere. Get a start on your cycling workout by getting in touch with us today.