| Bicycling is a powerful and fun way to burn calories. It's | | | | along the road and turn easier. |
| low impact and allows you see some great scenery in | | | | 7. Don't Just Coast Downhill |
| your neighborhood. But riding a bike is more | | | | To get the most out of your cardio, don't just enjoy |
| complicated than you might think. Here are some basic | | | | the ride on downhill slopes. If safety allows, switch to a |
| tips that will allow you to get the most out your bike | | | | higher gear and keep pedaling. Even if it's just very light |
| rides while still staying safe. | | | | resistance, it will keep your heart pumping and burn |
| 1. Always Wear a Helmet | | | | more calories. |
| The human skull is surprisingly fragile, so you need to | | | | 8. Learn Hand Signals |
| make sure you protect it at all times. Make sure your | | | | Educate yourself on all bike laws in your state and the |
| helmet fits well and is snug. | | | | proper hand signals to communicate with motorists. |
| 2. Brake Smart | | | | When cars always know when you are going to turn, |
| When braking, press on the outermost part of the | | | | you decrease your odds of getting in an accident |
| lever to get the most leverage. If you have to brake | | | | significantly. |
| suddenly, lean back to prevent tumbling over. When | | | | 9. Get the right clothing |
| going downhill, don't hold the brakes down. Instead, | | | | Baggy clothing can get caught in the spokes and |
| quickly "pump" the brakes to control your speed. | | | | cause you to tumble. Your clothes should be tight |
| 3. Don't Spend too Much time in high gear | | | | fitting, comfortable, and preferably made of a smooth |
| Higher gears put a lot of stress on your knees and | | | | material to block wind. Riding shorts are sold at most |
| may cause damage in the long run. Lower gears can | | | | bike stores. |
| give you same amount of exercise without the risk of | | | | 10. Adjust Your Bike |
| biker's knee. | | | | Most good bikes have adjustable seats, handlebars, |
| 4. Make sure you Can be Seen | | | | gears, and brakes. Make sure you have everything set |
| If you like to ride your bike at night, make sure to wear | | | | to your optimal conditions before you go out on the |
| bright clothing and double check your bike's reflectors. | | | | road. You should be as comfortable as you can while |
| 5. Don't wear headphones | | | | riding, be able to turn easily, and have easy and quick |
| Being able to hear is more crucial while cycling than it is | | | | access to the brakes. |
| while jogging. Make sure you can hear other cars while | | | | 11. Purchase the Right Seat |
| you are riding around. In some districts, cycling with | | | | Seats come in a variety of different shapes. Those |
| headphones is against the law. | | | | skinny, narrow seats are mostly meant for serious |
| 6. Don't Lock your elbows | | | | riders. People who want to bike for exercise should |
| Your arms should be relaxed with a firm grip on the | | | | consider wider seats for better comfort. |
| handlebars. This will allow you to better absorb bumps | | | | |