Cycling, a productive… and fun… workout alternative in Athens

As summer continues, many people ditch the gym to explore other forms of exercise. Instead of running on a treadmill inside, exercise enthusiasts venture outside to enjoy sports such as cycling. Cycling is a universal sport in that all ages can participate.

Also, there are multiple styles of cycling including road, mountain, track, cyclo-cross and BMX. Choosing the best style of cycling is important based on a person’s exercise expectations.

“Mountain bikers tend to go up and down on terrain that’s much steeper than anything you’ll encounter on a road,” said Pete Kotses, owner of Athens Bicycle on Stimson Avenue. “Those riders tend to have more power, whereas road cyclists… their endurance tends to be a little bit better. There’s little nuances to both styles.”

Cycling frequently can be a valuable form of exercise. The number of sessions spent cycling is more important than the amount of time spent cycling, Kotses said.

“If you do just an hour a day, for five days a week, that can fight off a lot of the aging process.”

Cycling is a low-impact sport, Kotses continued, since there isn’t much pressure placed on the body’s joints.

Performing cycling for exercise and fitness is part of a healthy lifestyle, according to the American Heart Association. To properly ride a bicycle, balance is imperative. As well as keeping a good balance, cyclists can expect a good workout in the upper body, core and, of course, legs.

“If you’re climbing (while on a bike), you’ll get out of your seat and use your arms a little bit,” said Kotses. “Depending on what gear you’re riding in and where you’re riding… (cycling) is a full-body workout,” he added.

Josh Hasting, 22, bikes daily, depending on the weather. As with many cyclists, Hasting incorporates riding into his daily routine.

“I ride my bike to class everyday, and I usually go for a bike ride after class instead of going to work out,” Hasting said. “It’s easier to get around on a bike than drive to work out.”

It’s easy to ride in Athens, and the area has a lot of opportunities. “Share the road” signs are located on many streets, as well as bike lanes designated for riders.

Wearing proper attire is just as important as knowing where to exercise on your bike. Fitted shorts with padding, gloves (“Helmets for hands,” Kotses said), unique shoes with a stiff sole and cleats that bolt into pedals, as well as form-fitting clothing, are typical for a cyclist. Form-fitting clothing prevents sweat from building up and dries faster, he said. The most important accessory a cyclist should wear, however, is a helmet.

“It’s a good idea to sport one. I wouldn’t care if they’re naked as long as they’re wearing a helmet,” Kotses said. “You can prevent 80 percent of head injuries using one.”

A few tips to consider while cycling, courtesy of livestrong.com, are to take breaks while riding (to eat and stretch), give the bicycle a regular tune-up ,and have the bicycle properly fitted to one’s frame and body dimensions.

Even though many cyclists don’t have to pay for a gym membership, cycling isn’t necessarily a cheap sport. Hasting owns a $2,000 bicycle that allows him to go on long trail rides. Typically, though, Kotses said an average beginner’s bike costs around $300.

“(The price) depends on what kind of features or style of bike you want. You can get nuts with it,” he said.

Some people choose to change their bike’s saddle, add shock absorption, and even want a bicycle made of more aluminum and carbon fiber, which makes the bike lighter. Lighter tires are also an upgrade.

No matter what kind of bicycle a rider chooses, cycling is a fundamental and personal form of exercise.

“There’s something about being on a bike… When you’re biking, it’s more of an adventure, and because you’re using this huge external object that you’ve put time and money into, you become one with the bike,” Hasting said.

For places to cycle around Athens and more information about cycling in general, visit athensbicycle.com