Cycling...anyone lose weight/do I need a special bike?

[MissKittyBeaudelais]

I lost a couple of stone 6 years ago and really enjoyed running. I kept it off but I’m now menopausal and it’s crept back. I have it all to lose again. I walk the dog (which is good) but some days she sniffs every blade of grass and it’s a snail’s pace. I’m wondering whether cycling might help as my left hip has had it and running is right out.

Do I need a special bike? Special gear? I don’t even have a helmet at the minute so starting from scratch.

Anyone have any hugely encouraging stories relating to cycling and getting fit?

[NicoAndTheNiners]

I've lost 7lbs since Jan having started cycling to work. I didn't cycle every day in jan as the weather was worse but have cycled most days this month. I'm doing 22km a day.

Helmet would be good but you don't need any other special gear. I cycle in normal gym leggings. Don't bother with padded shorts, etc. So I would say just comfy clothes.

[MissKittyBeaudelais]

Thanks @Nico and well done!

I have a bike which is around ten years old but, I’ve had it serviced and it’s like new! I have removed the shopping basket from the front! Off to buy a helmet 😊

I wish I could still run, though. It’s the only exercise I’ve done where my hips/backside and gut disappeared but I kept my chest iykwim!

[TheLongRider]

Try and build it into your daily routine so that it becomes part of your life. So, go to the shops, commute to work etc. It doesn't burn as many calories as other forms of exercise as it's not load bearing to the same extent unless you become properly breathless.

Mix up your cycling and your routes. Try and find quieter roads to get places. Pick a new road to cycle down every time you go out. Get nosey about your neighbourhood,. Ride to the next town, have a coffee, turn around come home.

If you're bored do short sessions on the bike. Pick a hill and time yourself climbing it, try and beat that time next time. If you don't have any hills find a long flat stretch and go as fast as you can along it, try and beat that time next time.

You can't out cycle your fork so you should keep track of what you're eating.

Useful sites to get you motivated.
cycle.travel for quiet bike friendly route planning.
mapmyride.com another route planning option
Strava.com if you want to log and share your rides.

[SurgeHopper]

Ooh yes I can talk about this!

I bought a bike around 10 years ago. It was around £200 so a nice one but no where near top spec or whatever. It's just a basic bike, not a mountain bike or anything special.

I wear normal trainers and a helmet. I have some fancy cycling gear, but only because SIL works for a big sporting company and got me loads of freebies!

I also have a small bum bag style thing that attaches to the back of the seat, handy for keys, phone etc.

Work out wise I found cycling great because I can cycle for miles without getting tired. You see lots as your outdoors. Really good for legs, bum etc but surprisingly good for your arms too.

[MissKittyBeaudelais]

Thanks Surge and LongRider that advice gives me hope. It’s going to be a gradual process but, I was out today and got quite breathless so, that’s a good sign. I learned a lesson yesterday...DO NOT GO OUT at school finishing time. Big mistake.