Cycling Tips From The Experts

Maximizing fat loss, strength and endurance with biking.

- Lisa Steuer

According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, football players are turning to cycling in order to improve their fitness. Chad Greenway, second-leading tackler for the Minnesota Vikings, told The Wall Street Journal that he chooses to do interval training in order to mimic football’s short bursts, finding hills and climbing them as fast as possible on his bike. Another athlete, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin, makes a three mile trek to the Eagles facility on a bike, and Washington Redskins running back Alfred Moris always rides his bike to work, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Clearly, biking and cycling are great options to stay in shape. After all, if the pros are doing it, it’s definitely something you may want to add to your routine if you aren’t doing it already. Plus, in addition to the cardiovascular and fat-loss benefits of cycling, there are also upper body benefits from biking, said Sara Villalobos, who is a My City Bikes spokesperson and cycling advocate from San Jose, CA. My City Bikes is the web and mobile public health alliance established in 2010, providing a toolkit for beginners taking control of their health through biking.

“The forearms are engaged, especially on geared bikes, by gripping the handlebars, braking and shifting gears,” said Villalobos. “Hinging at the hips and keeping the back as straight as possible will engage the core to keep the hands soft and responsive on the handlebars. Supporting the rider’s upper bodyweight during the ride is similar to an isometric hold that engages the triceps, biceps and shoulders. Biking off-road adds more of an dynamic upper-body focus.”

Take a Spin.

Clearly, biking and cycling are great options to stay in shape. But if you’re new to cycling, where do you begin? Here are some more tips provided by My City Bikes.