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If you are looking to get in shape there are really three methods. Weights at a local gym or fitness club and those associated cost, running and the pain associated with joint and ligament tears, swimming, walking/hiking or what is quickly becoming the best exercise of them all bicycling. .
Bicycling has become popular as an exercise primarily as a resurgence of the Beach Cruisers have hit the market place. People wanting to bicycle no longer have to purchase expensive mountain bikes along with special bicycle shorts, expensive accessories or join special focal groups that clog the streets each Saturday Morning. Indeed, Beach Cruisers have opened a new way into staying fit with their low investment comfortable attire and friendly atmosphere. .
So you've decided that you're going to get into biking as a way to improve your health. The first thing you need to do is get a Beach Cruiser. Single Speed Beach Cruisers are plentiful and come in all sorts of colors, sizes and accessorization. However, it is important to purchase a Beach Cruiser that has a sturdy frame, balanced frame and good quality components. For me Shimano makes some of the best component parts available. If you are curious about the difference between the ride of a well built cruiser and a cheap imitation take a spin on both. You will not only feel the difference in the ease of pedaling but on many of the low end cruisers they clank and grind when you first start to pedal or when you apply the brakes. Just imagine the difficulty in maintaining a work out schedule where your beach cruiser is rubbing or the tires are constantly loosing air or the wheels rotate “oblong” instead of the circular motion needed for comfortable bicycling. It is hard enough to work off weight when all things are running smoothly but just imagine how hard it will be to stay motivated when your Beach Cruiser is uncomfortable or fighting your weight reduction efforts also. Buy quality. There is no substitute. With 20 years of Beach Cruiser riding experience I have three Beach Cruisers. (PT Cruiser Beach Cruiser, Firmstrong Urban Beach Cruiser and a JustBicycles Beach Cruiser. All three were obtained after years of trial and error suffered at the expense of low end Beach Cruisers purchased at Wal-Mart and discount stores). .
As to your desire to work out you have to determine how serious you are and how committed you will be. Don’t purchase work out or exercise equipment around the first of the year. If you do there is a 86% chance it will be abandoned by March 1st. If you really intend to get in shape spend some time looking for quality equipment. Ask your friends, neighbors, colleagues and make an informed decision. If you are purchasing a Beach Cruiser on line the end of February and beginning of March are the best sale dates on that equipment. Surf around but don’t let price be your controlling factor. If you live by the beach or where your bike will be exposed to salt water look at an aluminum beach cruiser in that they are lighter weight and will be rust resistant. .
If you do insist on letting price dictate your purchase plan on a beach cruiser that will be heavier in weight and likely to have more repair problems. Such bikes should be fine for the short-term, but you'll probably have to replace it sooner than you'd like, especially if you use it a lot. .
Another question you need to ask yourself is where you'll be riding the bike. Are you going to be mostly riding on sidewalks and roads, or will you be taking it on trails and rugged terrain? As you may've guessed, there are bikes designed specifically for the road and ones made for taking off-road. .
After your bike, the next most important purchase you make will be safety gear. A good helmet is of the utmost importance. Many riders shun helmets but the smart rider knows how important they are. Nobody can predict an accident, and even the best riders have their bad moments so a good helmet is an extremely wise investment. .
Also a pair of shoes with a good sole is important. A safety item many riders forget about is a light. You should do everything you can to make yourself visible to drivers. Good front and rear lights are mandatory if you're going to be riding in low-light conditions or at night. You may also want to consider clothing with reflective strips to make yourself more visible to drivers. .
When it comes to the workout itself, remember the basics which apply to any kind of exercise warm up before you take off on your bike, bring water and plan your route. .
Finally, at the conclusion of your ride do some basic stretches to limber out those sore muscles. Beach Cruisers are a fun family sport that can be done alone or in a group. They are one exercise that will bring the family closer together. Use them for that purpose and you will find that an investment in Beach Cruisers is an investment in your families life.
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