H3 Daily

Friday, June 6, 2014

Fitness Friday: H3 Summer Biking Guide

Biking is awesome exercise but you should be properly prepared before you start pedaling this summer. Use these tips and benefits so you can bike like a pro!

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1. Pre-ride Checklist:

  • Check your tire pressure.

  • Seat Height - when standing on the ground, your seat should be at your hip height. When sitting on your bike, the leg which is extended should have a soft knee (not completely straight but not too bent either).

  • Grab your helmet.

  • Fill your water bottle to stay hydrated.

  • Make sure you have a blinker/reflector if you’re riding at night.

  • Wear bright/neon clothing on dark or rainy days.

  • Plan your route before you start riding.

  • Wearing headphones/earbuds is highly not recommended.


2. Sitting Properly:

  • Practice good posture - sit up straight and remember to not slump over the handle bars.

  • Knees should bend with your knee caps facing forward, not out to the sides.

  • Knees should never hyperextend, always keep a slight bend at full extension.


3. Riding Etiquette:

  • Ride in the same direction of traffic.

  • If there is a bike lane, USE IT.

  • Use signals to indicate turns and stops.

  • Follow all traffic signals.

  • Always pass on the left, and verbally communicate when passing: “coming up on your left” or “passing on your left”.

  • Be predictable. Make drivers, other bikers and pedestrians aware of your actions.

  • Give yourself space between other bikers, pedestrians, and cars.


4. Benefits of biking:

  • Reduces CO2 emissions.

  • Strengthens your quads, hamstrings, calves and abdominals.

  • Low impact exercise with less wear and tear on your joints.

  • Get great exercise and take some time for yourself while riding to and from work!

  • Increase energy AND boost endorphins!

  • Biking is a cardio workout, therefore, strengthening the heart and improving oxygen exchange to the whole body.


Get out and RIDE!! Enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful environment around you!

 

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