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Posts Tagged ‘cycling’

Exercise Routines for Men and Women: At Home Exercises for When the Weather Is Bad

April 2nd, 2010

We all want to stay fit, but sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate with our workout plans. Whether its ice and slush in winter or scorching heat in the summer, there are times when you just don’t want to go outside. But you’ll find that having the right equipment in your home can help you get around discouraging weather, and you may even find yourself looking forward to at home exercise routines.

If walking, jogging or running is your regular form or exercise, a treadmill is one obvious choice for an at home exercise routine. Elliptical machines are another choice that’s become very popular for use in the home, partly because it’s gentler on the knees. Treadmills and ellipticals are both available in models ranging from basic to deluxe, and are priced accordingly.

However, if an exercise machine isn’t in your budget, or if you simply don’t have space for one, you also have the option of using exercise programs on DVD or video. Whether you go with an aerobics program or a program that simulates actual walking, you’ll find that you can get a complete workout with videos, including stretching and cool down sessions. Look for complete sets that include stretch bands or hand weights to help you get a full body workout.

If simply walking at home isn’t enough for you, you can really power up your at home exercise routine by using steps. You can buy sturdy plastic steps or build your own simple steps from wood. They add extra burn to your exercise, and are easy to store under the bed or in a closet. Of course, if you have a stair way in your home, simply use the bottom step as a stepper. And to really get your heart rate up, go up and down stairs briskly for 10-15 minutes.

If you ride a bicycle to stay fit, it can be difficult to get a good workout when the weather is bad, but it isn’t always sensible to get a stationary bike for your home. An indoor bicycle trainer may be an excellent investment for you in that case. Within seconds, you can convert your regular bicycle into a sturdy stationary bike that feels more comfortable and realistic than a regular stationary bike would.

If you’re bicyclist who’s serious about staying fit, an indoor bicycle trainer can really make a difference. To learn more about using a bicycle trainer in your fitness routine, visit Cycleops Fluid 2 Indoor Bicycle Trainer to see just how easy it is to get started. You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.

Health bicycle training, Cycleops Fluid 2, cycling, fitness, fitness equipment, Health, indoor bicycle trainers, sports, sports equipment

Mid-Atlantic States and the Great Biking Paths

February 13th, 2010

The mid-Atlantic states are known for being fairly hilly and rocky. This makes for some really fun and challenging bike trails. Here are some of the finest in the area.

Hartwood Acres, just outside of Pittsburg has a little something for everyone. Experienced bikers will enjoy the quick switchbacks, downhill slopes, tough climbs and lots of root and log jumps. Hartwood Acres has over fifteen miles of trails including beautiful rock gardens and an unbelievable Tudor mansion to explore. The trails are free but there is a nominal fee for checking out the estate.

A stone’s throw from Waverly City, OH is the Scioto Trail State Forest. With over 26 miles of gravel and dirt trails, there are plenty to choose from. The skill levels range from beginners to experienced, but the trails are shared with pedestrians and horseback riders. Be sure to come prepared with water!

The Freedom Park near Williamsburg, Virginia has three loops that total about 5 miles. There are a number of short, steep hills and a fairly long straight downhill section. There are a few log obstacles and even some bridges to cross, but not too many roots. Beginners might find it a little daunting, but it can be done by a novice if you’re up for it!

If you are looking for a place to sharpen your technical skills, the Kennison Mountain Trail in Richwood, West Virginia is the spot for you. This loop is filled with mud, a rocky singletrack and steep downhill slopes. With 8 miles of training, beginners had better bring their “A” game.

Bryson City, North Carolina has quite a few biking trails, Thompson Loop and Mouse Branch are among the mid-atlantic’s best. There is a small fee to ride either of these trails but a yearly pass is available for only fifteen dollars. Be careful when you arrive however, because bikes are only allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Thompson Loop is almost 8 miles with lots of logginf roads and some steep climbs. You’ll be rewarded for the effort with a mile long descent that has some cool banked curves. You haven’t had this much fun since you were ten years old.

Mouse Branch is almost 7 miles long and has fewer climbs but some pretty fast downhills. There is a scenic overlook that makes a great resting spot. The southside trail used to be called Tour de Dump but is now redone and winning biker over everyday. It is lightly used so it’s a great place to practice and is nice and simple for beginners.

Don’t miss an opportunity! The mid-atlantic states are a great place to bike, especially with the family. It is a fun, healthy and inexpensive way to take in some beautiful sites and bond with the kids.

PJ believes that shopping for cruiser bikes online doesn’t have to be a painful experience. Most site cater to mountain biking specialist or carry porrly made bikes. PJ started thecomfortbikeshop.com to fill the needs of beginning cyclists looking to ride casually for fitness. Find a quality cruiser bike that comes with a low price promise and full warranty in thecomfortbikeshop.com.

Health bikes, cycling, fitness, Health, recreation