Getting back to any physical activity after a long halt can be a daunting task for the body. Recently we saw a lot of people opting for cycling as a recreational or fitness activity during the pandemic. But as the situations across the world got better, life happened. With everyone back to their routines, cycling took a back seat for a lot of people.
Even now, when we see someone riding a bicycle, we feel a spark telling us to start cycling from tomorrow. But, then our food delivery apps send us a notification luring us into ordering. Now, what is cycling again? The feedback loop of hell starts all over again.
So, we know that getting back to the saddle is difficult, but, SpokeHerd is here to make it an enjoyable experience for you with few tested tips:
Motivation
This is the most important step. Without the right stimulus, you cannot make up your mind to put effort into any activity. Irrespective of why you stopped it earlier, look forward without regrets and get on with cycling.
Remember how it made you feel when you accomplished your daily cycling goals and aim for the same again. Believing in yourself that you will achieve the desired results makes a lot of difference when advancing towards tasks.
Now, we have our mindset ready, but is our body ready?
Get your blood flowing and chase incremental progress
Your body needs time to adjust to any physical activity. The longer you have been away from it, the more patient you will need to be for it to get accustomed again. So the best way is to start slow and gradually move up your pace.
Directly jumping onto uphill rides may leave you completely drained out. It is essential to be smart while setting up goals for yourself. Fixing a couple of days in a week in the beginning and rewarding yourself for such achievements can help maintain the momentum.
As you start getting back into the rhythm, chase incremental progress like cycling for 500 meters more or 15 minutes longer or the same distance at a higher intensity. These are small steps serving a larger purpose of getting you back into the cycling routine.
Prioritize Rest
This is another crucial element that requires attention in building up stamina. Stretch yourself up to a limit and then opt for an optimum amount of rest for your body’s recovery. It not only prevents any breakdowns but also strengthens your body to go the extra mile next time you go for a ride.
Generally, cycling seems easier than resting, but understand the poorer your recovery, the more the chances of you getting injured or unnecessarily fatigued. This is completely not needed as an injury or breakdown means more days of absolute rest which will hamper your return to cycling.
Try Group Cycling
Company always helps. Instead of having a lonely experience, a socializing opportunity with every ride will get you onto a bike with a smile. Instead of dreading the pain, it may cause, having some riding company will always persuade you to keep you going.
It helps in diverting attention and eventually brings you back to the routine. This is an ideal way of getting back to cycling regularly.
Location Matters
This is a fact. If you like going for a scenic ride, there can be no other better place to start. Or if building an everyday habit is your goal, taking your bike to work or for everyday chores may make it easier for you. You can even try some new routes on every ride to help you explore the areas around you. You may end up fulfilling a lot more than just your cycling goals.
This is a factor that is often overlooked by most returning cyclists. If you are stuck cycling at the same park daily, it is a matter of time before you give up. Since there is no incentive or curiosity in the location, giving up seems easier over prolonged efforts.
Conclusion:
Cycling is by far the best activity to be a part of. Its simplicity, coupled with extraordinary fitness returns, makes it a perfect hobby. But, incorporating it as a habit is tough at times, especially when you have tried before and left it midway. Finding ways to make it delightful can only push you every day to hit the road more often.
