The two big things we're obsessed about nowadays is having a lot of money and being really skinny. Now initially this tip may not bring you more money or lose weight, but if you continue to do this, over time you will save LOADS of money and lose LOTS of weight. So here it is!This tip really only works for people who live in city or city-like towns; basically you have to live somewhat near wherever you want to get to. Instead of spending money on gas, insurance and a car, if you want to go that far, you can invest $70-$80 on a cruiser bike you can get at Target or Wal-Mart. If you ride your bike each day to the places you need to go, like work, school, grocery store,etc., you can save yourself gas money and lose weight at the same time. When you ride your bike you are mainly using your leg muscles because you're peddling. If you are a student or is wearing a backpack you are also using your abs, if you are sitting properly, to minimize the weight and pressure on your lower back because of your backpack.
It may be hard initially to get into a groove of riding your bike and you may not be able to ride your bike everywhere bcause of distance or things you need to bring with you. When I ride my bike around campus I keep everything in my backpack. As of late, I have been thinking about investing in some sort of bike basket or bike shelf so I can lay my books on my bike, rather than my back, while I'm riding. If you're going to the grocery store to pick up a few things, bring a little backpack or get some sort of basket to put on your bike so you can hold your groceries.
You may not see too many immediate changes because you're cursing me saying, "I bought this bike like you told me and it's so hard to ride on it!" It'll take some discipline and commitment if you're not used to daily activity but TRUST ME when I say it will get easier over time. If you can invest the willpower you need to get yourself to ride your bike each day instead of bumming rides or driving your car, you WILL lose weight, build muscle and save money. I guarantee this but only under the condition that you are consistant, persistent and willing to work through the initial set backs.
After a week or two you won't even feel sore and out-of-breath. By then your body will have gotten used to the exercise. One thing you do need to keep in mind is this is not for everyone. Not all of us are physically healthy enough this do this kind of strenuous exercise. If you are seriously considering buying a bike and trying this out I would suggest going to a licensed physician and ask them if you are physically healthy enough to bikeride. You don't want to find out that this is a bad idea while you're having an asthma attack or if you start suffering from a herniated disc. Talk to your doctor and see if it's fine.
As for myself, I live in the college town of Norman, Oklahoma and I bike to get to my classes every single day. It's been tough the first few weeks but I have found that my body is getting used to the exercise and throughout the day I have more energy; this usually happens when you begin to exercise regularly.
If you live in a place where you have the opportunity to ride your bike around town then go for it! Don't worry about sweating and becoming a stink bomb because there are ways to get around that. Things that I do are usually putting baby powder in my shirt before I leave, without making a mess, putting on loose powder and/or make up to keep my face from getting shiny, applying deoderant and changing my shirts maybe once or twice a day. You don't have to get this hardcore but play around with certain things and figure out what's best for you.
So remember, you make your choices in life!
Have fun biking!
-YoYo
