Burn More Calories By Cycling

Burn More Calories By Cycling

Cycling is a highly effective form of exercise. It’s one that you can work into your daily commute, enjoy on the weekends or do at the gym anytime.

Whether you choose to ride a stationary bike or actually hit the road, here are some tips to help you tailor your workout and achieve your goals.

Burn more calories with cycling
Burn more calories by cycling

Duration and intensity

The duration and intensity level of your workout will help determine how you burn calories. Finding the right balance between these two factors will take practice.

You want to ride at an intensity that suits your current fitness level but also pushes you out of your comfort zone. You’ll also need to figure out a time commitment that’s achievable. If you want to get the best results, you’ll have to listen to your body and become your own coach.

Mix it up

Interval training on a bike is great for burning calories and improving your cardiovascular fitness level. Alternating between periods of high and low intensity offers you a challenge, especially when you’re short on time. Shorter rest periods make the workout even more intense.

Endurance

If you want to improve your endurance, ultimately you’ll have to ride for a longer period of time. Your duration should be relative to your current fitness level.

Ninety minutes or more is an endurance ride, but if you’re new to cycling, 60 minutes is a good starting point. Build up your distance and duration over time, and aim to push yourself a little harder each time. To avoid boredom, use some or all of my riding suggestions throughout your ride.

Build muscle

Add some hills to your ride for increased resistance. If you’re outdoors, look for hills with a steep incline so your muscles will exert more effort. If you’re on a stationary bike, experiment with the resistance adjustment until you find a level that’s difficult but still allows you to keep moving at a good pace.

Just keep in mind that if you push too hard, you risk putting too much pressure on your knees, and riding with poor form is never a good idea. A good thought to keep in mind if you’re on a stationary bike is to imagine you’re on the road.