Are You in Shape? It could save your life next time you ride your bike

Published by: Dino Dogan on 15th Jan 2010 | View all blogs by Dino Dogan

One of the reasons we all love to ride our bikes is so that we can lay into those curves and feel the heart pumping. Even if you like to take it nice and slow while riding, a situation may present itself where you will need to make a split-second decision. So let me ask you a question:

Are you accustomed to making decisions while your heart-rate is elevated?

I know we can all be great decision makers when we have ample time to think about our options, but how are you under pressure? What kind of decision-maker are you when your heart is going boom boom boom out of your chest?

To be a great decision-maker while your heart-rate is elevated you must train under such conditions. How? Glad you asked…

All you have to do is speed-up that inner-metronome every once in a while. Go for a bicycle ride with your dog; maybe some tennis with whoever rides on the back-seat of your motorcycle; don’t forget that humans are made to run, so put on those moccasins and get out there; try my personal favorite, mixed martial arts…whatever gets your ticker in the upper register.

I wish I could say that I am some kind of genius who has figured this out all on his own; alas, that’s not the case. Those guys who make motorcycle-riding their profession figured this out a long time ago.

Of course, there will be a few other beneficial “side-effects” from all this heart-pounding. Being in better shape will allow you to ride longer if need be and will improve your overall health…it’s what I call a win-win-win.

All this talk of running, tennis and so on makes me wonder…what type of other hobbies do 2wheeltipsters like to do? What is your favorite non-bike related activity? And please don’t say “watching golf”.

Comments

6 Comments

by GrrrlX 2 years ago

I like hiking with hubby and the dog, and I actually go to the gym a few times a week! I also try to ride my bicycle to work on the weekends when weather permits (above 30 F) which is 5 miles away. I also do lots of lovely sedentary things, like study, surf the 'net, watch a little tv, and do some crafts.
by Jen 2 years ago

Watching golf...got'cha! :) I do enjoy walking the courses with my son, as he is involved with many tournaments. Some of the courses are quite a challenge to walk. When the weather is warmer I like to walk and jog on the levee in town. I also just got an awesome new bicycle that is fun to ride. I have been considering, possibly, a sprint triathlon at the end of the summer as incentive to get and STAY in shape...we'll see.
by Dino Dogan 2 years ago

Glad to hear 2wheeltipsters are keepin in shape...:-)
by Carol 2 years ago

I might as well confess right now: I do watch golf....yikes!!! I said it! BUT, I also play golf (or did until a year or so ago, when other things took up the time that it took to play a round on public courses. But, when I played golf, not only did I walk the course; I always carried my bag. And that, I must say, is something I saw fewer and fewer people doing. Other than golf, I love to walk, and I have to get back to the gym!!! Working out at the gym is a great stress reliever and a perfect way to strengthen muscles in preparation for riding season!
by Dino Dogan 2 years ago

Vigorous exercise reduced the stress-hormone (cortisol) and increases the feel-good hormone (endorphin). Being in shape does make it more easy to go for long(er) rides and it makes every ride more enjoyable when the body is not fatiguing prematurely. So keep it active folks :-)
by 2Wheeltips 2 years ago

One of the things new riders will find out very very quickly is how sore their arms, shoulders, hands and neck get after just 30 minutes of riding. Well....you do need some strength to hold your head up against the wind pressure, to grip the handlebars, and to push to steer the bike. Oh...and of course your stomach will be sore from holding yourself upright in the saddle.

Ever shake the hand of a biker? (male or female) Ever notice how strong their hands are? It comes from riding. It's also a good way and subtle way to find out if the "biker" you are talking to is a bike owner or a bike rider. Just shake their hands!! :)