Stop riding alone or in the company of comrades, while she misses being alone at home! In case you've decided it's time to start traveling with your girlfriend, we've put together some practical tips to help make it happen:
1.Bicycle
Choose a bike of the appropriate size. If the purchase is just ahead, you can help in choosing. The bike needs a suitable height, comfortable and well-functioning. Pay special attention to setting. Brake levers are usually at a distance from the grip, designed for a man's hand, they should be brought closer. The derailleurs should work well - not throw off the chain past the sprockets, change gears when the shifter clicks and not get stuck in intermediate positions.
For the first time in many years, riding a bicycle is already a rather difficult test for a girl. When something does not work out, this is an argument for her in favor of refusing to practice. Your recommendations, such as “yes, everything works there, you just need to pull / tap / shake more” will not help the learning process much.
For an experienced rider, some inaccuracies in the operation of the technique are quite understandable, acceptable and easily compensated for by knowing the mechanism of operation and the principle of operation. For a beginner, things look very different. “I pressed, and he ...” - in order to hear this not too often, get all the mechanisms of the bike to work perfectly.
2.Pace and skills
Be prepared for the fact that you will not be able to ride at your usual pace. It will have to be reduced. Perhaps very strongly. It will take patience and understanding that you are not wasting time, but are investing in your joint future active and healthy lifestyle and recreation. It is worth starting with simple routes accessible to a beginner. And your understanding of the phrase “easy route” may also have to move. “Yes, here you just release the brakes and down, you don’t even need to hang out behind the saddle” - such words can terrify a fragile and gullible creature who agreed to an adventure, and destroy faith in you as an adequate mentor. What is “a trifling matter” for you can be an insurmountable obstacle for her. Start with something quite elementary - for example, park paths without obstacles in the form of roots, stones and without elevation changes. Give her time to settle in and get used to it.
3.Find the right company
It is better to ride alone or in a group in which there will be other beginners (it is desirable that there are girls as well). In the company of harsh men, you run the risk of being between two fires, when under the phrase “Well, guys, can we add? And then we weave like turtles, "your comrades will go beyond the horizon. And the girl will not like to feel like a “black sheep”, unable to cope with trifling tasks, and understand that she is bothering you. In an atmosphere of friendly pokatushki will be calmer.
4. Don't run away
With a cry of "Oh, I'll take this segment now" hide for the next half hour, wait at the top of the climb or at the bottom of the descent, leaving her alone to cope with the difficulties. This way you not only demonstrate your strength, but also give her a great reason to go into knitting - there is at least less competition. Be patient and try to be there - this will allow her to learn from watching you and feel supported. Even if it will be unbearably slow for you. And dress warmer than on your solo trips, this time you might be cooler.
5. Do without violence
No need to press. If she's not interested or doesn't like it, you can't make her love the bike. You can wait, talk about the pros and interesting things that happen when you are on a bike, periodically offer to ride together. Sooner or later the desire will appear. The same with training - give her time, do not demand quick results and progress, it is better to praise her for her success. Even if you think they are trivial.
6. Avoid unnecessary instructions
If you decide to try on the role of a coach (and this is not at all necessary), do not be too intrusive. She will need your recommendations and advice, but do not overload information from the first minutes. Start with one or two things (like shifting gears) that are worth focusing on. When they are mastered, move on.
You don't have to talk down. She can't reach you, you better get down. And keep in mind that mentorship can be a test for your relationship, as you will find yourself in a very unequal position. It will be better if you make an effort so that she has a pleasant experience from the trip. Stay close, create a positive mood and everything will work out!
It should be borne in mind that in a real situation, a lot depends on it and your characteristics. Each case is unique and requires an individual approach and solution. We hope that our recommendations will help you find yours, learn to enjoy biking together and spend many hours riding together.
Video about what not to do when riding together:
What girl doesn't want to look good? Sooner or later, a woman thinks about how to correct her figure. Most use diets, but the right way to do this is through sports and proper nutrition. Consider how a bicycle can affect the figure.
Women's logic is simple: "The sooner the better." But there are no quick results without hard work. There are so many different sports in the world that allow you to keep your figure in good shape. However, exhausting workouts in the gym, fitness aerobics exhaust the body and only at the beginning cause a feeling of euphoria.
Cycling is the choice for those who want to profitably waste time and have a beautiful figure. Long cycle rides affect the entire body as a whole. But the main load goes to the hips and buttocks. After driving 5-7 km, you will feel it. The bike allows you not only to get rid of excess weight, but also to prevent the appearance of "orange peel" in the thigh area. In addition, the lungs, which are saturated with oxygen, begin to work very productively.
Consider a more detailed process of the impact of cycling on a female figure.
- The general endurance of an organism is trained. Over time, any other physical activity the body tolerates much easier. Many fitness instructors claim that cycling is the best aerobic exercise choice for women.
- The bike is a fat killer. During the ride, the gluteal muscles are locally included in the work, which is the center of concentration of the fat depot in many women. The bike is more suitable for the weaker sex in terms of figure adjustment (wide hips, short legs).
- Cycling is a good aerobic workout. While cycling, you can use 350-500 kcal per hour. If you go uphill, you can get an excellent cardio workout, and calorie consumption will increase by 1.5-2 times, depending on the degree of inclination. The calculation is as follows: at maximum load and a workout duration of 2 hours, you can burn up to 1000 kcal, which is equal to 100 grams of subcutaneous fat.
- Cellulite reduction. Many women note that during cycling, the manifestation of cellulite at stages 1-2 disappears completely with regular training. The bicycle allows you to get rid of the capillary network on the surface of the skin.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Regular exercise improves metabolism, and this is the first step to losing weight and maintaining a slim figure. With age, metabolism slows down, so it needs to be stimulated by all means. A fast metabolism is an accelerated process of losing weight.
In order for the bike to bring maximum benefit to the figure, you need to choose a model in which the frame will be 10 cm below the waist. In this case, the load distribution on the body will be uniform.
The wheels should not be too big, otherwise the load will be minimal, and the effectiveness of the workout will decrease. Therefore, it is better to choose narrow wheels with a metal rim. Bicycles in the Aporta catalog can be easily selected according to the diameter of the wheels and other parameters.
The optimal speed for weight loss is 15-20 km / h. At this speed, your heart rate should be 120-150 beats per minute. In the middle of a workout, you can stop and check your heart rate. It is important that it does not go beyond 150 beats per minute. If this happens, then the current load is not for you yet.
It is advisable to ride a bike in the evening, when the heat subsides and you can safely do what you love. Riding a bike in high temperatures will make you tired faster and you won't be able to complete your intended workout. Being engaged in the morning, you can overwork and feel sluggish throughout the day. Therefore, the best time for cycling is in the evening (after 19:00).
Accelerations (cycling) will improve efficiency. The main part of the training can be driven at a speed that is comfortable for you. But in the end, you need to give the body a double load, increasing the speed to the maximum. At the limit of possibilities, you should go within 1-2 minutes. Such a load involves almost all muscles. The principle of loading is as follows: we pedal at maximum speed for 30 seconds, then we return to a comfortable speed and drive for 2 minutes. Repeat these 2 steps 3-5 times. Such interval training allows you to use the maximum energy, which is consumed mainly from fat reserves.
Rugged terrain allows you to increase the load. Driving on a flat track without obstacles is a standard workout, but bumps and obstacles require more effort. For advanced users, you can go to the next stage - mountain biking. In this case, the load will be even higher. It burns about 600-700 kcal per hour. Mountain biking is developing at a tremendous pace among men and women.
How much do you need to ride to keep your figure in good shape?
Cycling is a less energy-intensive sport than jogging or aerobics, so you can ride for a long time. The optimal time is 1-2 hours a day. Muscles are loaded evenly, becoming more enduring. Cycling is possible every day. It’s worth starting from 15-30 minutes, adding another 10-20 minutes every day. If the next day after skiing, muscles and joints are very sore, you need to stop training for a while and allow the muscles to recover.
By choosing a bike, your body will be toned, but subject to regular training.
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And we will touch on several questions at once on this topic:
- Where to look for cyclists?
So, let's begin.
How to convince your girlfriend to ride a bike together?
Surely, many of you, being in a relationship with a girl, thought about how wonderful it would be for the two of you and enjoy the rides even more. Unfortunately, not all girls share this hobby to the full extent, or they don’t take it seriously at all. It's good when she likes it as much as you do, and you have complete harmony and a common hobby or even sports interest.
For example, you want your girlfriend to ride with you and your friends. How to instill this hobby in her and is it worth bothering with it at all?
Let's look at the first case. You are madly in love with a bicycle, is it your hobby or just regular rides with friends. Your girlfriend is indifferent to this, for her it is something like gatherings in the garage or fishing, where only men gather and nothing more. Your rides for her to one place are most likely, as well as for you her gatherings with friends, where they discuss the heroes of the soap series or new lipstick colors from the Avon catalog.
Of course, you can tell her in the hope that your passion will share your passion with you, you can also tell her for a long time about the benefits of cycling for the health of the body, etc. and so on. But, most likely, nothing good will come of this with a high degree of probability. She, of course, in order not to offend you, can ride a couple of times and this will most likely end. Her bike will be in the corner, and you will still ride alone or with friends. In this situation, you can no longer do anything, because. the girl has no motivation, no interest in your hobby, and it is unlikely that she will ever get behind the wheel of a bicycle.
Try perhaps this trick: on cycling rides in your city, take more general photos, in which cyclist girls must be present. When your girlfriend sees them, jealousy may appear in her and this will be her motivation to ride with you in order to keep rivals away from you. If you don’t see any reaction to these photos, then most likely you should start looking specifically at the cyclists from your movement.
Now let's look at the second case, when your girlfriend likes your hobby, but she says she doesn't know how to ride a bike, but she would love to ride with you.
In this situation, everything looks much simpler. You just need to buy a new one or assemble some simple bicycle from old parts and take full responsibility for training your girlfriend. When she has fully mastered the bike and will sit confidently in the saddle, you can safely take her with you for rides and have a wonderful time together.
And now I will express my opinion. Of course, everyone's relationship is different and the situations may differ accordingly. But as for me, I prefer to ride alone and sometimes with friends. For me, this is a vacation, both from work and from personal life. When you live with a girl, you are constantly together: doing household chores, walking, sleeping, etc. And if you also ride together, then it's already strained, as for me.
And here the point is not that the girl is bad or good, but the point is personal space and emotional release. You need to be able to rest for yourself from everything and everyone. I really like to be alone sometimes, and if I also ride a bike, then this is generally a complete brain relaxation. And I would not want my girlfriend to strain me at such moments.
In the early stages of a relationship, when you've just met and started dating but aren't living together yet, riding a bike together can even be an adventure and may well add romance to your nascent relationship. But here you also need to be able not to overdo it, so that it doesn’t become boring and your girlfriend or you don’t lose interest in this. I mean joint rides. Well, I think we've dealt with that. Let's go further.
Where to look for cyclists?
Now consider the following question: where to look for girls cyclists for guys who would like to ride in pairs? The answer to this question lies on the surface and everything is much simpler than you think.
Well, firstly, you can find a cyclist on a social network, in a bike community in your city. This is the easiest way, but not the most efficient. Although you can try to write to the girl and offer her a bike ride together.
Secondly, the best way to meet a cyclist girl is to come to various events such as cycling days, to some competitions or quests, and also to take part in weekend cycling rides in your city. At these gatherings, you are bound to meet someone.
Well, the third way, for those who do not like the mover and noisy companies. The strategy is very simple and not intricate and lies in the fact that you will be in the role of a hunter looking for your prey. In simple terms, you just ride around the city alone, preferably somewhere in the park and look out for single girls on a bike. And thus get acquainted with the one that you like the most.
And the easiest way to come up with a reason for dating. For example, drive up and say: “Hi, I noticed your chain is poorly lubricated, I just have a tube of lubricant. Let's make your trip more enjoyable?", or something like that. I think you understand.
Well, that's sorted out. Let's talk now about whether it is worth starting a relationship with a cyclist girl?
Is it worth it to start relationships with cyclists?
If you are lucky enough to meet such a girl, then do not write off to rejoice ahead of time. At first, most likely everything will be fine for you and you will be glad that you have found each other and that you have a common hobby.
After the candy-bouquet period passes, and the level of endorphins in your body returns to normal, then with a high degree of probability it will strain you and you will want to ride alone or start looking towards other girls. Or vice versa, your girlfriend will start glancing at other guys in tight-fitting bike uniforms.
It’s good if your relationship is successful and develops into something more. Personally, I know several examples of strong cycling families in my city. I have very good friends Yulia and Anton, sometimes we ride together. Very positive and kind guys. So, a couple of years ago, they met on one of our rides, and somehow everything turned around very quickly for them. Constantly skated together, and then got married after a while. Yulia has an adult daughter who also rides a bike. All in all, the perfect family. In our time, this is a rare case when everything goes so well, but according to statistics, most often even couples with a common hobby do not always get along together for a long time due to various reasons and life circumstances.
So guys, here I specifically will not advise you anything. And as for whether it’s worth starting a relationship with a cyclist girl, I’ll tell you this - it’s definitely worth a try, and then how the card will fall and time will tell. If you want to know my opinion, then I would like to have such a girl, but only if she does not restrict my freedom and constantly imposes on rides.
As I said above, I prefer to ride alone. And no girl can give those emotions and sensations when you are alone with nature and taste every second of its harmony and bliss. This is a special feeling and the bike is exactly the tool that allows you to capture these moments and enjoy them alone with yourself.
Well friends, these were all my thoughts for today. I know that someone will agree, and someone, on the contrary, will oppose me, and I don’t see anything wrong with that. We all just have different outlooks on life.
I hope you were interested. Be sure to write your comments, I would be interested to know your opinion. I also add an audio version of this article, if anyone is too lazy to read a lot of books, thank you all for your attention and see you soon on the blog pages.
Until now, some of us treat pregnancy almost like a disability and advise expectant mothers to rest and rest.
But pregnancy is not a reason to completely abandon training and exercise.
Maintaining good physical shape during pregnancy is not only possible, but simply necessary for health. Modern mothers are well aware that the health of their unborn child depends on the state of their own health. Proper balanced nutrition, keeping yourself in shape - everything serves to achieve the main goal: a good natural birth.
Before starting physical exercises or continuing your usual rides, you need to consult a doctor, because there are still contraindications - obstetric and gynecological problems (wrong position of the fetus, the threat of miscarriage and premature birth) or various diseases (high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney failure and others).
At many childbirth preparation courses, you will definitely be offered a set of exercises specially developed by specialists for pregnant women. Various exercises prepare certain muscle groups for labor.
But many pregnant women want to be more active, mobile. They are not enough complex of exercises twice a week. The most optimal activities during pregnancy are walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, Pilates, moderate aerobics.
Bicycling does not put a lot of stress on the joints, so you can continue cycling during almost the entire period of pregnancy.
Starting from the second trimester, it is desirable to slow down the pace of driving a little and avoid overwork and dehydration.
When cycling, as well as in other sports, the main thing is to properly distribute the load. In this case, it is better to underestimate than to overdo it. If you feel discomfort and are not confident in your own abilities, it is better to stop sports activities. Trust your inner feelings more while riding. If you feel confident in the saddle, you can take a bike ride, but not alone, but with friends or family.
Be aware that your sense of balance is disturbed and it may be difficult for you to get on and off your bike. In addition, now you don’t need to fall at all - because you can harm the baby.
Of course, riding a well-oiled bike is a real pleasure. The main thing is to gradually increase the load. In the early days, you don't have to drive much for the test. Try to ride in low gears, the pedals in this mode rotate effortlessly. And the fact that the bike is moving at a low speed, do not worry about it. If there are no discomfort, you can increase the range of trips. If you come across a section of the road with a difficult climb, it is better to walk it.
The main argument of doctors against a pregnant woman riding a bicycle is the possibility of dangerous situations on the road, when sudden braking or a fall can lead to the death of a child. Shaking is also a negative factor that adversely affects a woman's health.
There is no objection to the first argument. If you drive in the center of a freeway, brake sharply, skidding around corners, or engage in mountain biking. Choose routes with less busy traffic, with smoother road surfaces, be careful. In general, follow all the rules, as before, when you were not pregnant. Shaking is an unpleasant sensation. But I think that in transport we feel more vibration than on a bicycle on a country road.
In any case, cycling is an acceptable, albeit with some reservations, sport for pregnant women. If you have experience, you can continue with the risk of falling in mind (only choose safe slopes!). It is definitely not worth it to ride a bicycle for the first time during pregnancy. But in this case, exercise bikes are a great alternative to regular riding!
It is especially handy in bad weather. In late pregnancy, in the last 2-3 months, you should also use only an exercise bike.
The advantages of which are: the ability to regulate the time of classes, the load, the absence of the risk of falling, all this allows you to start classes for pregnant women who have not previously been involved in cycling at all.
Health to you - future mothers, and good spirits!!!
Cycling is not only a healthy activity, but also a pleasant pastime, especially if they are done in a friendly company. Many ladies are convinced that by making cycling habitual, they will get rid of many problems. However, cycling is not a panacea for all ills for women. We offer you to figure out what are the benefits and harms of cycling and how to ride a bike correctly in order to achieve your intended goal, whether it's losing weight or just feeling good.
Why is it good to ride a bike
The fact that any sport is able to benefit the body, if done correctly, is an axiom. Let's not argue with this statement and talk about exactly how cycling is good for health.
- Muscle tone. While cycling, a number of muscles are trained, including the back, buttocks, legs. But for most of these muscles, cycling is only a supportive exercise. That is, it is almost impossible to “pump up” them by cycling, but you can keep them in good shape. By the way, the heart is one of these muscles, so cycling is good for the cardiovascular system.
- Intensification of blood circulation and saturation of cells with oxygen. While cycling, the lungs work better, inhaling more air. It is useful for the heart and blood vessels, including the vessels of the brain. As a result, intellectual activity improves, memory and attention are restored. Your skin also needs oxygen, so cycling can be helpful in keeping your skin looking youthful.
- Mood boost. It is noticed that cycling helps to relieve nervous tension, improve mood. While your feet are working, your soul is resting. If at this time you will be surrounded by beautiful landscapes, you will get even more pleasure from cycling.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Metabolism while cycling is accelerated. That is why after cycling you want to eat so much. Moreover, the acceleration of metabolism during fast cycling persists for several hours after a bike ride.
- Burning calories. Pedaling, you spend a lot of energy, as a result of which you have a chance to part with those extra pounds. In this sense, cycling is comparable to morning jogging. The difference is that while cycling for weight loss should be longer, but they are more fun and require less effort than running.
- Prevention of varicose veins. It has been observed that women who are fond of cycling almost never suffer from this disease.
It should also be said that cycling has a general strengthening effect on a woman's body, which makes her less prone to various diseases and more stress-resistant.
Possible harm of cycling
If you ask why cycling is dangerous, the first thing that comes to mind is the possibility of injury. In fact, sprains and sprains are even more common when running than when cycling. Cyclists are more likely to get injured in road accidents or when they overestimate their capabilities and want to surprise others with their tricks. If you remain sensible, follow the rules of the road and use the necessary equipment, then cycling will most likely not lead you to the emergency room. However, it can still do harm. Let's see what is really dangerous cycling.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases. Like any other sport, cycling has contraindications. If you do not follow the recommendations of experts, ailments in which cycling is contraindicated will almost certainly make themselves felt. In some cases, the problem lies in the inability to calculate their strength. Diseases then become aggravated due to congestion. It is especially dangerous to overload the heart. That is why experts recommend wearing a heart rate monitor during training, and not relying on your own feelings.
- body intoxication. If you ride a bike not in nature, but on busy roads or around the city, then you will not have to breathe fresh air, but exhaust gases and other nasty things. Instead of benefit, such cycling will bring obvious harm to the body.
- Numbness of extremities, development of carpal tunnel syndrome. This happens when a person rides incorrectly, with strongly bent arms, and a large load falls on the wrist joints. As a result, the median nerve is affected. Symptoms - numbness of the fingers, burning, pain in the fingers and wrists.
- Stagnation of blood in the pelvis, diseases of the genitourinary system. It is believed that these troubles threaten only men, but in fact, for a woman, stagnation of blood in the pelvis is fraught with diseases of the urinary system. The problem is solved by the correct selection of a bicycle (frame, saddle), adjustment. The right equipment will also help. If your bike fits and is adjusted correctly, the risk of the above problems will be minimal. The main thing is not to ignore the alarm bells, but to find out what is wrong in order to improve the situation.
- Pain in the knee joint. Often caused by riding with bare knees in cold weather. To protect the knees, there are special heaters, feel free to use them. If you have been diagnosed with arthritis or something similar, no doctor will advise you to take up cycling.
The conclusion is clear: bicycle damage is possible, but if you ride it correctly, these troubles are unlikely to occur.
Contraindications for cycling
Explaining how a bicycle can harm, we have already said that cyclists who have contraindications to cycling are at risk. So, here is a list of problems in which it is better to forget about cycling:
- scoliosis of the spine of moderate or high degree;
- pronounced or even moderate degenerative-dystrophic processes in the spinal column, joints. This group of ailments is extensive. It includes osteoporosis, herniated discs and similar common diseases that are best not to joke with;
- any diseases of the joints and spine during their exacerbation;
- prolapse of the kidneys;
- exacerbation of chronic ailments;
- bronchial asthma;
- high myopia;
- epilepsy;
- arterial hypertension;
- serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, including heart attack, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart disease;
- heat;
- violations of coordination;
- recent surgery (usually a taboo is imposed for 6-12 months).
Due to the inevitable shaking while cycling, it is categorically contraindicated for pregnant women.
How to ride a bike correctly
In order for cycling to bring only a good mood and not cause harm, you need to know a few rules.
- Do not neglect the selection of at least the minimum necessary equipment. You will need tight trousers (leggings, bike shorts), a T-shirt (preferably bright), sneakers with a deep tread, gloves, a helmet. Cycling shorts, goggles, special knee pads, a backpack that fits snugly to the back will not be superfluous.
- Adjust your bike. The saddle should be parallel to the ground or have a minimal slope. Its height should be such that the leg pressing on the lower pedal is slightly bent or, better, straightened, and the foot should lie completely on the pedal. If your hand, forearm and shoulder are in line, the handlebars are at the correct height.
- Learn or repeat the rules of the road regulating cycling.
- Choose the right cadence. If you are cycling for general tone, pedaling often is not necessary. If you want to lose weight, the frequency of rotation should be medium or frequent (the optimal figure is 80-90 rotations per minute). Typically, at this speed, a speed of 15-25 km / h is achieved.
- Choose the right track. It is better to drive on a flat road or on terrain with smooth terrain. Highways with busy traffic and uneven country roads "potholes" are not the best choice, especially for a beginner.
- Increase the load gradually. To begin with, it is enough to ride for 15-20 minutes a day, later the duration of cycling can be increased to 1.5 hours, then they will become as effective as possible.
- Don't torture yourself. You should not ride a bike in bad weather (slush, rain, frosty air, heat), and also in cases where you don’t feel the seed well.
- Monitor the state of your body. Be sure to purchase a heart rate monitor and monitor its readings while cycling. Ideally, its frequency should not exceed 120-130 beats per minute, in rare cases, a short increase in heart rate up to 140 beats per minute is allowed. If your heart does not fit into these boundaries, cycling is contraindicated for you, try to find a safer activity.
Without neglecting the rules of cycling, you will get real pleasure from cycling and improve your health. Moreover, you will become slimmer - regular cycling allows you to lose up to 5 kg within a month.
Cycling is not the worst choice of recreation for those who seek to lead an active lifestyle. With the right organization of training, cycling will also contribute to weight loss. However, this sport is not shown to everyone. Before you make cycling your hobby, be sure to consult your doctor.
