Cycling is one of the best |exercises| there is. It gives the |heart| and circulatory system a remarkable workout; it can burn between 400-700 calories per hour; and if you ride a touring bike with drop handle bars, it conditions not only your legs but your upper back and shoulders as well.
When you begin cycling, it is best if you can ride on a level, paved road. This allows you to ride in low to moderate gears at a good, even pace without straining. Then when you become stronger, you can increase the rate at which you pedal and try climbing long hills. You can also choose to ride indoors on an |exercise| bike, which is one of the most convenient forms of aerobic conditioning. Whichever form you choose, get a bike that fits you properly and which is built to meet your needs.
If riding outdoors, there are several things to remember to improve cycling safety: ALWAYS wear a helmet; when cycling at night or when visibility is poor, wear brightly colored, reflective clothing and use your headlight; do NOT wear headphones; and do not wear a heavy backpack. Remember the rules of the road: use hand signals; learn to change gears without taking your |eyes| off the road; watch out for storm drains, cattle guards, and railroad tracks; and do not ride side by side with another cyclist.
Before you begin cycling for |exercise|, read all you can about the subject for guidance and tips on pedaling and form. If you begin too strenuously, overuse injuries (injuries caused by the overexertion of the muscles) can result.
