Whether you’re a newbie to a city bike or a seasoned triathlete on a roadie, these points should be avoided if you want to reach that ideal fitness level while having a lot of fun:
Skipping meals will burn more fat
Most cyclists these days prefer to hit the road or nearby trails early to avoid the morning rush. If you’re an experienced cyclist, you’ll know better that leaving the house without even eating a slice of bread won’t necessarily help you lose those stubborn fats.
However, studies have shown that skipping breakfast or any other meal before exercising will allow your body to burn stored glycogen and fat. On the other hand, other people feel weak, dizzy, and lightheaded due to their declining sugar levels, often resulting in reduced performance (and less fat burning), which is actually the opposite of what you’re looking for. .
Perhaps the most sensible approach to this is to assess your current condition and consider factors such as age, health, medical history, fitness level, and the type of exercise you are about to engage in. This way, you can decide whether to eat a little before hopping on the bike and hitting the road or trail.
less water will do the trick
Never try to do this. Your body needs the proper volume of water before your exercise for peak performance. A lower water intake does not have a direct effect on weight loss. Drink plenty of water before and after your exercise to avoid any conditions like dizziness and even worse, dehydration. You wouldn’t want to collapse on the way, would you?
longer cycle time is better
This is not necessarily true. Many cyclists aim for that long distance period, usually a minimum of 100 kilometers in 8 hours, often referred to as the “Century Ride”. Yes, it’s cool and awesome and hardcore, but it’s not for everyone. Exercising for long hours can cause fatigue, especially for new cyclists. A good way to start is to try a good 30-60min session at home or outdoors. Do this 3-4 times a week instead of choosing that one 100km sprint. Eventually, you will increase your cycle time as your fitness level improves. But for now, take it easy and be consistent!
sleep is for the weak
Depriving yourself of 7-8 hours of good sleep negates the full positive benefits you’ll get from a good diet and exercise. Lack of sleep also increases your cortisol level, the stress hormone that acts as a stimulus to make you want more food. So unless you want to be part of the lethargic carnivorous horde during a zombie apocalypse, rest well to feel energized and ready for your daily dose of pedaling sessions the next day.
Just Pedal. There is no place for fun.
There is nothing more amazing than having fun while achieving the perfect fitness level! So before you decide to buy that stationary cycling machine, consider buying a mountain bike (MTB) or road bike (roadie). Either of these 2 bikes will give you the satisfaction of seeing great places and meeting new people instead of pedaling around your bedroom while watching TV.
