S Po R T S & F I T N E S S
BECOME A SPOKESWOMAN Ride a Bike! By Christina Morgan
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ooking for a new way to get in shape this summer? Try riding a bike. Indoor or outdoor cycling is great for your health, and it is also one of the easiest forms of exercise. You can ride a bike almost anywhere and it is enjoyable during any time of year, especially the warm months. The benefits of biking will have you becoming a ‘spokes’ woman in no time. Cycling Torches Calories. Most women engage in physical exercise to burn calories. The elliptical or treadmill can get boring after a while so try an indoor bike or, even better, getting outside and burning your calories while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. You Can Do It On-the-Go. If you live within 5 miles of your workplace, stow your work apparel, if needed, in a backpack and engage in an environmentally friendly and healthy way to travel to and from work. This also saves you time from having to go to the gym later in the day. Tones All Over. Riding a bike is good for your whole body. If you are looking to tone, every part of your body will receive attention while bike riding. Cycling is also particularly good for your legs—it tones the quads, glutes and calves. Save Your Joints. Cycling is an effective and enjoyable form of exercise. It also puts less stress on your joints than running, so it may be a better alternative. Good Form of Cardio. Cardio is very important for every woman to keep the heart healthy. Getting 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three 42 t a l l a h a s s e e
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• J u n e /J u l y 2014