I'm a Newbie!!!!

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by tmitchell27 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Hello all. I am totally new to cycling. I just bought an inexpensive Schwinn hybrid and i am biking 7 miles a day (takes me about 25 minutes) trying to work my way up to longer distance slowly. I had major knee surgery a few years back and have gained 35 lbs. since. I am riding mainly for exercise and to lose weight, but I really, really enjoy my rides. It's like a break from the real world for me. Anyway, I would appreciate any tips on how to maximize my weight loss and just any basic tips anybody could give me anout cycling in general. I'm riding in tennis shoes and soccer shorts right now. I do wear a helmet, and my normal ride is through my neighborhood so it's not a congested area. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

This is a good Thread to start with. For the most part posters are offering good tips for beginers.
cyclingforums.comtip of the dayOpen ↗

Thanks

I would like to just say that bike fit is critical. If you don't have a properly fitted bike, you can hurt yourself.

It is very easy to lose weight from cycling. You've got those gears to work with, so you can push yourself to the limits all you want, and if you get too tired you just naturally shift to an easier gear until you recover. When an unhealthy person tries jogging they often get destroyed half way through the run, and for the next few days they are in pain, but with cycling it can be as easy, or as hard as you want it to be. Just make sure you're always working hard on your bike, not just in terms of the distance you travel, but the average speed that you ride at; push yourself and you'll get in shape real fast.

The bike is a start, but you have to adjust your diet as well! And you have to stick to it.

Over fifty pounds in five months with nearly 5400 miles of cycling. But I really watched
what I ate. No snacks, no sodas, big breakfast small lunch and very moderate dinner.
No fast food, a Subway 6" BLT once every couple weeks for lunch. Sandwich and
water, no chips!

Keep it up and the rewards are priceless.

As stated before, get your bike fit, it makes all the difference in the world.

Which Schwinn do you have? I just got a new Avenue and I love it.

Congratulations on your new bike, it can be the gateway to a great new lifestyle if you stick with it!

I think when it comes to loosing weight the old saying "Eat less and move more" is usually right. Keep up the cycling your doing and try and make each session you do a bit longer than the last one, that way you'll increase your endurance and also the amount of calories you burn.

I don't know the specifics of your diet but cutting out the [censored] (Pastries, cookies, chocolate, fries etc..) will make a huge difference. Replace any casual soft drinks with water and try not to eat any large meals after 8:30pm. You can still enjoy tasty food and the odd treat but just keep your ultimate goal in mind.

As the old saying goes "If you want something badly enough you'll find a way, if not you'll find an excuse"

Good luck and enjoy the journey!:o)

IE