[Sportsandrec] Loosing weight? I have a good idea.

[Ron Burzese]

Okay, I’m now 48, but since I was in my early teens, it has always been the bicycle that has leaned me out, more than anything.

Of course, I ride a tandem, exclusively, now, but when I cannot get out for a real ride, I turn to the exercise bike. I know that sounds, like, so boring, but with the right distraction, along with a fan, blowing in my face, and a bottle of water, nearby, it can be an enjoyable workout. Believe me, if you do it, the endorphins will come. Your body does not know the difference.

A friend of mine, attends Weight Watchers. He met a woman, who vowed to herself, not to watch TV, unless she was pedaling her exercise bike. She has now lost over 100 pounds. I asked him for the link. He said there was none. He just knows her, from the meetings.

I generally ride my exercise bike for an hour per day, five days per week, unless I get out for a real ride, which is two to four hours, generally. It keeps my weight down, along with my cycling fitness constant, between outdoor rides.

Cycling, along with swimming, I’d guess, are two of the best activities, for those with extra weight. This is because you are not constantly changing the direction of that extra weight, reducing stress on, or injury to your joints, ligaments, etc. It is one of the few activities you can do, sitting down, with a fluid, low-impact motion.

I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but I’ve been a cyclist, for over 35 years, not counting the juvenile years of Stingrays and BMX, cruising the neighborhoods.

Exercise bikes can be found for free on craigslist, or for pennies on the dollar, at garage sales, second-hand stores, or other places. Find one that is smooth and quiet and learn how to adjust it for your comfort. I’d be happy to give you some pointers. Recumbent, stationary bikes are out there, for even more comfort, yet the traditional, upright bikes can work well, if set up properly.

My current exercise bike is a race-level bicycle, on a stationary stand, that provides resistance, to the rear wheel. The resistance unit I have, has an option for a transmitter that will be received by my iPhone, to tell me speed, watts produced, distance, and other such telemetry. Feedback, can be an excellent coach, as you ride. I have not yet taken that step, but for now, pedal faster, during guitar solos.

Regards,

Ron Burzese, NOMC
Sacramento
916-716-5400

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