Cycling is a great way to exercise! If you’re new to the sport, you may find it challenging to know how to start. Whether you’re interested in leisurely cycling or eventually progressing to racing competitions, consider these tips about how to begin planning your new cycling routine.
Evaluate Your Physical Shape
When you’re just starting out, you may not be able to bike for as long as you’d like to. That’s completely normal! The goal is to start exercising more and improve over time. Begin slow. You want to push yourself, but it’s alright to not be in the best shape at the beginning. You’ll start to see gradual changes in your speed, endurance, and strength!
Make Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
Setting goals is the best way to stay motivated on your new journey. The best method to set a goal is to start with the big picture. Where do you want to be within a specific time frame? Maybe you want to reach a certain speed when cycling or bike a specific number of miles after a few months.
Once you have a long-term goal, you can think about the small steps you need to take to get there. Push yourself to bike a specific number of times a week, ride at certain speeds, or even try different types of routes to vary your cycling experience.
These goals will help you reach your desired outcome over time. Before you know it, your cycling skills will have improved!
Go Through Trial and Error
Now that you’ve set your goals, it’s time to put them to the test!
You need to be okay with the failures of trying something for your new routine and discovering that idea was not right for you. It’s one of the ways you grow as a person and as a cyclist. Learning what you dislike isn’t a bad thing; it only brings you closer to discovering how to begin planning your new cycling routine.
Find the Right Routes
Choosing great cycling routes will make the difference for your new cycling routine. Different trails have different difficulty levels. Whether it’s a flat terrain trail or a hilly route across town, mixing up your cycling route will benefit you. You’ll gain more experience riding in different environments and even get more exercise on certain routes that have you peddling hard up inclines or over rougher ground.
Trying a new sport can be intimidating; don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be the best right away! By incorporating these tips, you’ll be on the road to progressing and improving your health in no time!
