How to Make Cycling Easy and Comfortable in Summer?

“You are one ride away from a good mood”. This anonymous quote is talking about cycling. A bicycle ride has all the ingredients of a good mood and good health. Go on a morning trail on your bicycle, and you will notice you are giving time to yourself in terms of health- mind, body, and soul. Let us talk about the health benefit of regular cycling. This practice is a complete package to keep your vital statistics in shape, improve and increase your mental and physical stamina, and keep you calm and relaxed. The health benefits of cycling include:

Increased Cardiovascular Fitness

Cardiovascular fitness is a must to build up stamina for day-to-day life activities. Plus, it makes your heart and muscles healthy.

Increased muscle strength and flexibility

If you are inclined toward some of the other sports, muscle strength and flexibility become pivotal for your health, fitness, and performance.

Improved joint mobility

The more you ride, the more joint mobility. More the joints are mobile and flexible, less are the chances of frequent joint points or even problems like Arthritis, a disease primarily concerned with the joints.

Decreased stress level

Cycling is the best way to lower the stress level. Cycling is known to promote calmness and well-being. The stress hormones are very well worked on if a person is cycling on a regular basis. It also activates a person’s creative mind.

Improved posture and coordination

While riding, our back is upright. It helps to work on our posture and overall body balancing. Improved balance and posture also help in the prevention of fractures and injuries as we age.

Decreased body fat levels

Cycling helps in working on the lower body fat. Basically, overall body weight management is looked after by cycling. Look at the competitive cyclists. They have the leanest body compared to the other athletes.

Prevention or management of diseases

Certainly, you are less prone to a number of lifestyle diseases if you cycle on a regular basis. It is a very good practice to stay fit- both mentally and physically.

Cycling and Summers- How to make it a Fun yet Comfortable Activity?

Though the summer season comes with long hours to take time for various activities like morning or evening riding, it has its own shortcomings as well that can certainly be overcome. The shortcomings are excessive heat, sweat, and dehydration. There can be heat-related major health issues as well. When we sweat, we lose electrolytes, and it is important to replenish them. It is also important to look after the skin and overall health while cycling.

Stay Hydrated:

The most important thing while cycling, especially during the summer season, is to stay hydrated. You can add electrolytes to your water and sip at regular intervals while you are cycling. Electrolytes are the essential minerals essential to our body for its proper functioning. These include sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Eat Well:

If you are a cyclist, majorly in endurance, what you choose to eat is very important. Your portions before 45 minutes must include a healthy option like a fruit or energy bar.

Look at the Intervals:

It means that your cycling pace should accelerate and be maintained as per the intervals. Do not try to speed up first and then feel completely knocked off. During summers, start with short distance trips and then gradually increase the cycling duration.

Dress Accordingly:

Comfortable and breathable cotton clothes are the best during summers. Comfy cotton lowers/ shorts clubbed with an easy breezy light-coloured t-shirt can be your best cycling partner.

Skin, Hair, and Eyes, too, need Your Attention:

Take care of your skin, eyes, and hair as well. If you are cycling in the morning, apply sunscreen, cover your hair with a breathable hat/cap or a scarf, and wear shades on your eyes.

Ride with Friends/Group:

Riding alone can excite you initially, but later, you might feel demotivated and leave the practice. So, ride with a friend, a group of friends, or you can even join a cycling group for professional tips and training. It will keep you motivated.

So, taking care of these very basic things can help you enjoy your bicycle rides during summers.