Go Ride Some Hills

"Go climb hills", says Craig Undem. And with that cycling is in the news again. This time as a great way to get in shape. In the article Craig points out that just going on moderate to long rides doesn't always give you all the health benefits possible from cycling. Sometimes you have to push it a bit and hills are the best way to do it.

Increasing your intensity levels in short bursts (enough to be out of breath but not gagging) elevates cycling to one of the best calorie-burners among all physical activities. In fact, statistics from the American Council on Exercise (the primary certification group for personal trainers) equates bicycle racing with a vigorous game of basketball and not far off running at a brisk clip that would leave most people gasping.

Many people who ride their bike for fitness forget or don't understand this idea. Most go out for a ride and like to stay on the Burke Gilman Trail doing a long, flat, mostly one speed ride. Don't get me wrong, any riding is better than no riding but like Craig says, "Hills give you more bang for the buck".

Great to see this in the news and a good reminder to all of us who don't love the hill rides but know we should do them.

Read the article here.