Biking to the gym

[Sixguns]

I have been finding it hard to get cardio in over the last few months, getting lazy. So starting tomorrow Ill be riding a bike to the gym. Its only 2.5 miles but I think it will be a great warmup/cooldown and that way I get some cardio in everyday. Good idea? Bad idea?

 

[RbSX]

Reasonable idea.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Yeah, that's a fine idea. Just be careful and wear a helmet

 

[Baked]

Doesn't do anything for me anymore unless I do some sadistic's angled hill climb on my bike.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Not a bad idea, but as others said, wear proper safety equipment. If you build up enough endurance, you could run both ways...5 miles total isn't too shabby. Of course, your leg back will suck (bike or run) if you hit legs pretty hard.

 

[Sixguns]

Not a bad idea, but as others said, wear proper safety equipment. If you build up enough endurance, you could run both ways...5 miles total isn't too shabby. Of course, your leg back will suck (bike or run) if you hit legs pretty hard.

The good thing about the ride there is that it will be uphill the entire way. I can also pick a different way, the way Ill be starting is just the straight path there.

 

[blackdogdeek]

i used to do this when i was living on the north end of hoboken, nj and the gym was on the south end (~1.5 mi). it was a great warm-up and cooldown albeit a short one.

 

[Sixguns]

I would like to end up biking to work. That ride is about 7 miles though so I know Ill need to build up to it.

 

[preslove]

Biking is the only way I ever go to the gym. Of course, it's only a 4 minute ride

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I use to do it on occasion. 5 miles each way. Now I just work out at my house. Maybe a 30 second walk from house to workshop. No wait for equipment or gym dues.

 

[highland145]

I use to do it on occasion. 5 miles each way. Now I just work out at my house. Maybe a 30 second walk from house to workshop. No wait for equipment or gym dues.

Tried that. Had a motivation problem, lifting at the house. Besides, there can be eye candy at the gym.

 

[Sixguns]

Yesterday was rough. My legs were on fire for about 3 hours after I got home but I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to doing it again today.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Yesterday was rough. My legs were on fire for about 3 hours after I got home but I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to doing it again today.

From a 5 mile bike ride?

 

[Sixguns]

From a 5 mile bike ride?

Its an uphill ride there so I think that is what did it. Also I havent been on a bike in about 5-6 years.

 

[preslove]

Lack of use the particular muscle group exercised by the way he has his bike adjusted + uphill should lead to soreness when combined with a workout. I'm sure it will go away after a week or two.

OP, are you sure that you have correctly adjusted your bike? If you're not, youtube should be able to give you a 2 minute video on how to do it. It means a lot in terms of effort if you have an ill-fitting bike.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Its an uphill ride there so I think that is what did it. Also I havent been on a bike in about 5-6 years.

Cardio is half of your overall physical conditioning. Doesn't matter if you can bench 400lbs if you gas out quickly. My philosophy has always been to build my body for real world applications. Being strong yet being agile at the same time .

 

[Ns1]

I bike everyday to work which is about 2.8 miles each way.

I go straight to the work gym to shower, and then head into the office. works great.

Add some weights to strap on your bike or buy the heaviest bike you can if you only want it for workout purposes. noticeable difference in effort between an 18 pound bike and a 35 pound bike.

 

[Sixguns]

Lack of use the particular muscle group exercised by the way he has his bike adjusted + uphill should lead to soreness when combined with a workout. I'm sure it will go away after a week or two.

OP, are you sure that you have correctly adjusted your bike? If you're not, youtube should be able to give you a 2 minute video on how to do it. It means a lot in terms of effort if you have an ill-fitting bike.

Yup, I got my bike all set up Sunday before I took off. I thought that my running would have me somewhat ready for the bike but I was wrong.

 

[Sixguns]

Cardio is half of your overall physical conditioning. Doesn't matter if you can bench 400lbs if you gas out quickly. My philosophy has always been to build my body for real world applications. Being strong yet being agile at the same time .

I know. Ive been doing cardio ever since I started lifting. I was just getting tired of running so I figured biking would be a nice change of pace.

 

[_Rick_]

If the area isn't too hilly, that distance is perfect for some roller blading.

On select days (sufficient light, no reason to avoid bike going to work), I head to work (6mi) by bike, and back again, then at home get out of the bike stuff, into my volleyball gear, put on the blades, roll the 1.5 mi (including a reasonably steep bridge) to practice, hang around for some 90 minutes, and back on the blades.
Hardest part is hitting the shower once at home, because by then I'm tired, exhausted and hungry....

Anyway, core strength + medium distance endurance is probably the most healthy excercise, so I'd recommend putting in at least 66% of those two, and spend the rest of your time doing whatever else you consider useful - unless you're training for competitions, in which case you'll have to be more dynamic about what to exercise.