A Brief Education in Cycling
Unlike soccer, football, baseball, and even track and field, cycling is not necessarily the top attention or cash grabbing sport in the world today. In reality, most of us know very little - if anything - about the sport. The bicycle (the instrument of the cycler) is one of the most familiar items in the world. It, however, is recognized as a leisure and transportation tool. Many of us fail to think of the bicycle as the equipment a cycler uses in a heart-pumping competition. In recent years, figures such as Lance Armstrong have brought some attention to the sport. Nevertheless, it remains largely in the obscurity.
This lack of attention, however, is not due to lack of importance or lack of benefit. In fact, cycling is an extremely interesting sport to follow and a very healthy sport to practice.
The bike itself was invented as a means of transport. Beyond the function of getting riders from one place to another, it also serves as a primary piece of equipment in sport and athletics.
Cycling races date back to the 19th century. From the 1890s up through the mid 1900s, cycling was an extremely popular sport around the world. This time period is referred to as the "Golden Age of Cycling." Over the years, the sport's popularity diminished. The Tour de France, which began in 1903, remains a premier world athletic event, giving some clout to the sport. The Olympic Games also feature cycling. That said, the sport remains quite ignored.
Racing and competition in cycling can take place in various formats. Road races, indoor competitions and mountain bike races are all aspects of this multi-faceted activity. Cyclers compete as both teams and individuals, and competitions can last minutes, hours and even days.
Nowadays, cycling is moving beyond the world of professional racers and becoming popular among a wide array of amateur athletes and sports enthusiasts. It is an excellent way to spice up a cardio work-out.
Cycling is an extremely healthy activity and is linked to increased physical and mental well-being. In fact, Sustrans estimates that investment in cycling provision can give back a 20:1 return from health and other benefits.
Like running, cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness. It benefits the legs, buttocks and abdomen among other parts of the body while getting heart rates up to burn calories and to lose fat. Easier on the joints than impact sports, cycling is a great cardio alternative for those with arthritis or past sports injuries. Because it is generally practiced sitting down, it is an activity within reach of all.
Those looking to try out cycling for the first time will be happy to know that they have both indoor and outdoor options available to them. Spin classes are available in almost all gyms, and sporting goods stores sell bikes year-round.
If you don't know much about cycling yet, it may be time to start doing some research. Check your TV Guide to find out when an event will be featured on ESPN or another sports channel, and head to your local bike shop to see what equipment it has to offer. You may be surprised to find out how much you enjoy this lesser-known sport.
This lack of attention, however, is not due to lack of importance or lack of benefit. In fact, cycling is an extremely interesting sport to follow and a very healthy sport to practice.
The bike itself was invented as a means of transport. Beyond the function of getting riders from one place to another, it also serves as a primary piece of equipment in sport and athletics.
Cycling races date back to the 19th century. From the 1890s up through the mid 1900s, cycling was an extremely popular sport around the world. This time period is referred to as the "Golden Age of Cycling." Over the years, the sport's popularity diminished. The Tour de France, which began in 1903, remains a premier world athletic event, giving some clout to the sport. The Olympic Games also feature cycling. That said, the sport remains quite ignored.
Racing and competition in cycling can take place in various formats. Road races, indoor competitions and mountain bike races are all aspects of this multi-faceted activity. Cyclers compete as both teams and individuals, and competitions can last minutes, hours and even days.
Nowadays, cycling is moving beyond the world of professional racers and becoming popular among a wide array of amateur athletes and sports enthusiasts. It is an excellent way to spice up a cardio work-out.
Cycling is an extremely healthy activity and is linked to increased physical and mental well-being. In fact, Sustrans estimates that investment in cycling provision can give back a 20:1 return from health and other benefits.
Like running, cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness. It benefits the legs, buttocks and abdomen among other parts of the body while getting heart rates up to burn calories and to lose fat. Easier on the joints than impact sports, cycling is a great cardio alternative for those with arthritis or past sports injuries. Because it is generally practiced sitting down, it is an activity within reach of all.
Those looking to try out cycling for the first time will be happy to know that they have both indoor and outdoor options available to them. Spin classes are available in almost all gyms, and sporting goods stores sell bikes year-round.
If you don't know much about cycling yet, it may be time to start doing some research. Check your TV Guide to find out when an event will be featured on ESPN or another sports channel, and head to your local bike shop to see what equipment it has to offer. You may be surprised to find out how much you enjoy this lesser-known sport.
About the Author:
Damian Papworth loves cycling, both as a leisure past-time and in amateur competition. He knows how crucial hydration in cycling is so he published the Cycling Water Bottle website. You can visit it at http://cyclingwaterbottleshop.com