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| Pedal Power |
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PEDAL POWER!!!
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Remember when your bike was your primary mode of transportation? When you wanted to go to a friend's house or to the store, or most places for that matter, you didn't dream of asking your parents to drive you, you rode your bike or walked. Is it any surprise that when using our feet and legs to get us places went out of style, our weight shot up and our fitness level went south?
There are many advantages to biking:-
It's recreational and good for you
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It's good for the environment
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It's a great way to enjoy an Active Michigan Summer outdoors
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It's an activity you can do with your family
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It saves on gas
Depending on whether you're biking for leisure (less than 10mph) or aerobic exercise (12-13.9 mph), biking can burn between 280-700 calories per hour (or more depending on your weight and speed). During the winter or inclement weather, biking can be done inside on a stationary bike, or for the adventurous, a dynamic cardiovascular workout can be had in a spinning class.
Safety should be a primary consideration in biking. Purchase a good bike helmet and wear it whenever you ride. If you are a beginning biker, choose a bike with a hybrid tire, smooth on the inside for road riding, with tread on the outside for gravel or loose sand.
Start with short rides and work your way up to longer ones. Planning a long bike trip before you are ready is the surest way to lose your enthusiasm for the open road.
Wear comfortable clothing in bright colors for increased visibility.
If you are sedentary, overweight, or have a chronic disease, always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
There are many biking clubs in Michigan as well as the League of Michigan Bicyclists advocacy group, who actively work to make Michigan a more 'bicycle friendly' state. Visit their website to find out what you can do to promote bicycling in your area.
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