5 Ways to Experience the Benefits of Cycling When You Can’t Ride
Nothing can compare to the freedom and exhilaration you feel when
you ride your bike. Long rides in the sun and short rides to the park alike can
help alleviate stress, strengthen your body and heart and can create positive
feelings of joy and an inner sense of accomplishment.
We’re experiencing the ups and downs of fall, and soon, winter
which means less time on our bikes and more time indoors trying to achieve that
same magnificent feeling we get when we ride. It seems like it’s an impossible
accomplishment, but with the right combination of activities, you can reach the
seemingly incomparable elation achieved when you’re out for an afternoon ride.
Here are a few things you can do on those days when cycling is simply not
possible.
Meditation - Deep breathing and intense focus can help you experience one of
the most beneficial aspects of cycling. When you’re concentrating on reaching
the top of that hill or reaching your 20 mile goal, deep breathing and intense
focus certainly have a place in your success. Practicing meditation can help
you maintain that focus during the “off-season” so that when you’re back on
your bike, you can reach that part of yourself that you need to tap into to
reach your end goal more successfully.
Stationary Bike - If you own a stationary bike, you can achieve some of the same
cardiovascular, strength and endurance benefits you achieve when you’re riding
your bike outdoors. Make sure you select programs that are similar to your
typical ride when you can so that you can maintain the muscle memory when
you’re able to actually break away and enjoy a random ride outdoors on those
strange, but lovely, 65 degree Colorado January days.
Enjoying the outdoors - Taking a stroll outdoors, no matter what the weather, can help
you stay centered in your being. Whether the weather is cool and cloudy or
snowy and chilly or sunny and crisp, being outside can help you reach your
goals in many different ways. Stress and the clouds that drift through our
minds keeps us from getting to where we want or need to be. Sometimes a walk
outside clears those mental cobwebs and helps to clarify and filter through the
caverns of our true selves until we reach clarity and flow.
Hiking - This is not the same as taking a leisurely stroll through the
outdoors, which is lovely and beneficial, as we’ve discovered from the
description above. This is all about getting that heart beating and muscles
working and deep breathing activated. Keeping your muscles strong and active
through hiking can help you maintain the stamina you need when you have those
rare, but much-appreciated days when you can hop on your bike in the middle of
winter.
Skiing - Cardio, muscle response and strength. These are all aspects of the best parts of skiing and cycling. If you want to keep your mind, body and muscles in top shape for getting back on that bike and achieving your daily goals without a hitch, get your feets on some skis regularly.