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Posts Tagged ‘cycling’

Let’s face it, losing weight is one of the most difficult challenges a person can face. Not only does it require a vast amount of understanding, but it also requires equally as much determination and willpower if one is to succeed. The fact is, if you’re really serious about losing weight, you need to eliminate as much of the guess work as you can and thanks to the Polar F11 heart rate monitor, this is now possible. Of course, while Polar has produced many fantastic monitors, the F11 is by far the best.

If you’re jogging to shed fat you essentially have to maintain your heart rate at its optimum and as such, I’m afraid you only have two choices. You can either stop jogging every ten minutes or so in order to measure your heart rate, bearing in mind that each time you stop, your heart rate drops as a result. Your second option would to make sure you have a Polar F11 heart rate monitor with you whenever you go out jogging.

Of course, the market nowadays is flooded with an abundance of heart rate monitors but you can be rest assured, the Polar F11 certainly stands out in a crowd, thanks to the many features which are incorporated. In fact, here are just a few of the features:

1) Size and resolution: The Polar F11 heart rate monitor has a great and clear resolution. The screen is large hence you don’t need to squint to see the figures. A mere glance at the monitor will tell you your heart rate.

2) Extreme Accuracy: That’s right, Polar understands that for people who are battling to loose weight, a heart rate monitor which is dependable and accurate in invaluable. The Polar F11 fits these criteria perfectly.

3) Durability: Of course, because people use heart rate monitors for such a wide range of sports and activities such as rock climbing, jogging and etc. these monitors need to be durable. As such, the Polar F11 is not only a practical solution for sportsmen, but it’s also a durable one.

4) Comfort: Let’s face it; when you’re out jogging or doing one of your other favorite sports, you certainly don’t want to be wearing a heart rate monitor on your wrist that does nothing more than annoy you. It essentially needs to be comfortable enough so as not to be a burden.

5) Polar Keep U Fit: This is a person guidance system which is unique to the polar F11 heart rate monitor, which helps you to monitor progress with regards to your fitness level.

6) Calories expenditure: You need a heart rate monitor which can track your calorie expenditure during the sessions so that you can decide whether you want to slow down or work harder during the session. The Own Cal feature of Polar F11 helps you to tract calorie sessions in single or multiple sessions.

7) Water Resistant: The Polar F11 heart rate monitor is water resistant up to 100 feet.
When you are in a crowded gym, the soft fabric transmitter called the Wear Link Coded feature will prevent any kind of interference from other heart rate monitors to give you a completely accurate reading.

9) Warranty: While many heart rate monitors only come with a 24 month warranty, the Polar F11 has a two year warranty instead.

Let’s face it, losing weight is one of the most difficult challenges a person can face. Not only does it require a vast amount of understanding, but it also requires equally as much determination and willpower if one is to succeed. The fact is, if you’re really serious about losing weight, you need to eliminate as much of the guess work as you can and thanks to the Polar F11 heart rate monitor, this is now possible. Of course, while Polar has produced many fantastic monitors, the F11 is by far the best.

If you want to burn fat then there are two options. You can either jog for every 10 minutes and then check your pulse rate to see if you are meeting your optimum heart rate. However, that will slow down your heart rate every time you stop. Hence, the next best method is to monitor your heart rate using Polar F11 heart rate monitor.

Of course, the market nowadays is flooded with an abundance of heart rate monitors but you can be rest assured, the Polar F11 certainly stands out in a crowd, thanks to the many features which are incorporated. In fact, here are just a few of the features:

1) Size and Resolution: Not only does the Polar F11 heart rate monitor boost a large screen for easy viewing, but the resolution also leaves nothing to be desired.

2) Accuracy: Polar F11 heart rate monitor is completely accurate and dependable. The accuracy and dependability of this heart rate monitor will ensure that you meet your weight loss and work out goals with optimum efficiency and accuracy.

3) Strength and Durability: As I’m sure you’ll agree, a heart rate monitor would be of little use to you if it weren’t durable enough to withstand the elements. After all, while some will only use it when the go walking, others want to use their even when scaling mountains.

4) Comfort: Let’s face it; when you’re out jogging or doing one of your other favorite sports, you certainly don’t want to be wearing a heart rate monitor on your wrist that does nothing more than annoy you. It essentially needs to be comfortable enough so as not to be a burden.

5) Guidance System: Unique to the Polar F11 is a personal guidance system known as, “Polar Keep U Fit”. Essentially, this system helps you track your progress as you start closing in on your fitness goals.

6) Calories expenditure: You need a heart rate monitor which can track your calorie expenditure during the sessions so that you can decide whether you want to slow down or work harder during the session. The Own Cal feature of Polar F11 helps you to tract calorie sessions in single or multiple sessions.

7) Water Resistant: Remarkably enough, sportsmen will be pleased to know that the Polar heart rate monitor is water resistant to 100 feet.
When you are in a crowded gym, the soft fabric transmitter called the Wear Link Coded feature will prevent any kind of interference from other heart rate monitors to give you a completely accurate reading.

9) Warranty: The Polar F11 comes with a full two year warranty.

Mountain biking is a fantastic mix of fun and outdoor exercise. It’s suitable for everyone, regardless of age, gender, size, ability, experience or previous exercising history. What you need is a bike, helmet, and a bit of willingness.

If you’re going to do mountain biking, you should know what sort, so you can choose the appropriate bike. There are 4 main categories and they include cross country, downhill/freeride, all-mountain, and trials.

So what do you wanna do? Do you want to ride smooth flowing trails, stunts, downhill courses, climb mountains, or just have a bucket of fun. It’s your choice, but you do need to decide how will you spend time on your bike.

Downhill/Freeride bikes are designed to take huge drops and hits while speeding down hills on rough terrain. They are very durable and heavy, they have full suspension and a limited selection of gears, sometimes only 7-9. They don’t perform very well uphill, but have no competition down.

If you’re looking for a bike to be fun in the largest number of situations, consider all-mountain bike. They come with front and rear suspension, full gear set and will take you almost anywhere.

Cross country bikes are not suited to riders who enjoy big drops and other extremes, but for the average mountain biker, they are a great choice. They are all-round good performers, lighter that other bikes. They come with full gear set (generally 27) and usually just front suspension.

Generally light and strong, trial mountain bikes require a great degree of skill. Usually they have no suspension and offer only one gear. Not suitable for weekend riders.

To wrap it up, before you go and buy a mountain bike, you must decide what type is best suitable for your riding style. OK, but which brand should I choose? I personally like Iron Horse bikes, been with them for over a decade, but that’s just me. You don’t have to worry about brand names, instead focus on the quality of the components.

So there you have it. Now jump on your bike and enjoy the ride. Don’t forget a helmet!

If you’d like to cycle to work and not have the worry of where to leave your bike securely, or if you want a means of exercise and transport that doesn’t take up lots of space at home, fold up bikes could just be perfect for you.

If you have to use public transport regularly as part of your journey fold up bikes make perfect sense. As train companies reduce the number of bikes allowed on trains a fold up bike gets around the problem. The weight of folding bikes is is being reduced and the folding action is getting simpler all the time. It is also possible to store a fold up bike discreetly under a desk at work.

Folding bikes are not ideal for long distance cycling or touring but if youre only pedalling for a relatively short amount of time they are ideal. Modern folding bikes are also now geared and have a proper cycling position so they are comfortable to ride. They can be quickly and conveniently folded down when you reach your destination or need to get on public transport. They also eliminate storage problems that normal bikes have as they can be easily stored in a small flat or house without a garage or a shed.

As the evenings get lighter later and the weather gets warmer we generally spend more time outdoors and start to think about our summer bodies! Many of us turn to exercise in preparation for baring all.

Cycling is a great way to get exercise outside and it is a good, environmentally friendly mode of transport. However often our thoughts of cycling somewhere are hampered by thoughts of where to leave our bikes on arrival at our destination. This is why fold up bikes are such a good idea as they have a huge advantage over ordinary bikes.

Storing a fold up bike is no problem at all, as you can just fold it up and take it with you. You never have to worry about finding a place to leave it safely, or think about how secure it will be if you leave it outside unwatched. You just have to fold it up into it’s compact form and take it in with you.

Fold up bike manufacturers have recently dealt with the image of fold up bikes being uncool and there are now lots of funky new designs from leading names available.

Since their initial design fold up bikes have come a very long way and now use innovative and funky designs, and trendy colours alongside their original practical usage and storage advantages. Fold up bikes are now a credible alternative to conventional bikes with the benefits of being able to take them anywhere and store them safely.

Biking in the Northeast can be very rewarding. The northeastern part of our country is blessed with lots of rocky mountains, rolling hills, and gorgeous foliage. No matter what time of year you ride, you’re in for a treat! Here are some of the more well-loved trails in the Northeast as voted on by bikers just like you. The following trails are some of the best in the Northeastern United States.

The Dryer Road bike trail near Victor, New York is widely loved by bikers. There are a variety of trails (about 10 miles in all) for all ranges of skill. You can choose from descents, s-turns, cut backs, and hill climbs. There’s enough here to keep you busy and entertained all day! They add new trails frequently, so keep coming back as often as you can.

Just outside Parsonsfield, Maine is the Cedar Mountain Loop. This trail is approximately 12 miles long and is suitable for amateur cyclists. Though there are a few spots that are pretty steep, the top of the trail is worth the extra panting and sweat. On your descent, be aware of the water bars below. A 6 foot water bar can catch you off guard, so be ready.

The trails in the Bear Brook State Forest near Allentown, New Hampshire are varied enough to suit any level of skill. Because there are over 100 miles of track, make sure you get a map of the area before starting out. There is also a small fee ($2.50) required to ride here as well. This park is well loved by local bikers, but because of the extensive network of trails, you could easily ride for hours without seeing anyone else. If your unfamiliar with the area, it might be best to ride with a buddy the first few times because of the remoteness.

The Cross Vermont Trail near Burlington, Vermont has been rated well by other bikers. There are 75 miles of trails which could best be described as rolling terrain. The track is mostly gravel and is open to horseback riders, hikers, snow-mobilers, and cross-country skiers as well. So, watch out for others during your ride. If you dont feel up to the full 75 miles, there are a number of places to get off in between.

Lynn Woods in Lynn, Massachusetts is probably the best place to freeride in the entire state. Its the perfect place for serious mountain bikers to hone their skills as there are all types of terrain here–steep hills, slick rock, thick clay, fire/gravel road. Anything that could be remotely dangerous offers a bailout point if you want to ensure your safety. Just be sure to bring lots of water because your going to need it!

With so many biking trails in this beautiful region of the US, it is hard to narrow down the top spots. Hopefully this list will help you get started on your Northeast cycling adventure. There are so many places to see and so many fun and experiences to have; so get on your bike and ride!

If you’d like to cycle to work and not have the worry of where to leave your bike securely, or if you want a means of exercise and transport that doesn’t take up lots of space at home, fold up bikes could just be perfect for you.

If part of your daily journey requires the use of a bus or a train you can take a folding bike on both of these easily. As trains continually reduce the number of bikes allowed a folding bike gets around this issue, and as the average weight of fold up bikes is being constantly reduced they are easier than ever to carry. The folding mechanisms are also getting easier and you can even store a fold up bike under your desk at work.

Fold up bikes aren’t a very good idea for long distances or touring but they are great if your journey is quite short. Many fold up bikes now have gears and they are comfortable and convenient to ride, as well as being easy and quick to fold down when you get to where you’re going. They also deal with the issue of storage in small houses and flats without garages or a shed.

As the summer approaches with warmer days and lighter evenings, our thoughts quickly turn to the outdoors and ways to spend as much time outside as possible. Most of us also start to worry about our physiques in preparation for our new summer wardrobes, so exercise becomes a priority.

Cycling is the perfect way to exercise outside, and it is also a very environmentally friendly mode of transport, but sometimes our plans to cycle everywhere are hindered by the worry of where to leave our bikes on arrival at our destination. This is where fold up bikes have many benefits over ordinary non-folding bikes.

Storing a fold up bike is no problem at all, as you can just fold it up and take it with you. You never have to worry about finding a place to leave it safely, or think about how secure it will be if you leave it outside unwatched. You just have to fold it up into it’s compact form and take it in with you.

Manufacturers of fold up bikes have started to make funky new designs to overcome the traditional image of uncool that was attached to fold up bikes.

Since their initial design fold up bikes have come a very long way and now use innovative and funky designs, and trendy colours alongside their original practical usage and storage advantages. Fold up bikes are now a credible alternative to conventional bikes with the benefits of being able to take them anywhere and store them safely.

If you are anything like me, you recognize the mystique of the California Coast. If you catch the right spot at the right time, it is the stuff of which dreams are made. While I have certainly spent some time driving on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), it is the privilege of all those able to take a longer look. One of the best ways to do this is on a biking path.

California’s central coast boasts some of the best scenery in the world. The old coast road, which runs from Big Sur to Carmel now acts more like a bike path than a highway. The beautiful Bixby Bridge is where the cars go now so the old coast road is perfect for cyclists, be sure to check it out.

Fort Ord was made legendary by the old Vietnam era photo of a young soldier, waiting for deployment, standing on its beaches. That area was a hub of military activity during the 60s and 70s and lots of ex-military personnel return to the area year after year because of the beauty they witnessed then. The Fort Oro/Toro Creek Trail will reveal this beauty to you in a way that might keep you coming back year after year.

California’s Gaviota State Park is a bike ride that will excite you. After you roll through the hills and inland valleys you will end up finishing the ride on the beach. It is well worth fighting the wind. It can be severe so be sure to bring some goggles or glasses along.

San Eiljo State Park is an awesome place to ride your bike and for a couple of reasons. Two of the best are Huntington Beach and Newport. Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of LA these beaches will help even a very beginning cyclist to chill out and relax. These are 2 of the best beaches in the world and you will know why when you see their beauty. You might actually think about moving to LA.

If you are thinking about San Diego then be sure to think about the Pacific Coast Bike Ride. The stretch from San Elijo to Torrey Pines is smooth but parts can be a challenge. You will need to be in decent shape for this trail. If you can handle it, the coastal scenery will not let you down. This is the ride that will keep you coming back to California year after year.

If you have the opportunity to bike the coastal regions of California, consider yourself blessed. The coastline seemed to be carved from biking divinity. Though there are too many areas to name in one short article, consider just stopping and picking a trailhead at random. I’m sure there are far more treasures to be discovered.

The California Coast offers the most beautiful scenery in the country. If you haven’t made it there yet, I highly recommend you take the time to get there. And if you get there I also highly recommend that you bring your bike. Seeing the coast in your car feels claustrophobic after you see it with your bike.

Off the Central California coastline there is some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. The main route from Big Sur into Carmel was the Old Coast Road. Since the Bixby Bridge was built, the Old Coast Road acts as more of a bike path or scenic route. This beautiful bridge is the main thoroughfare for cars and other motorized vehicles, leaving the Old Coast Road as a safe and beautiful alternative for cyclists.

Back in the 60′s there were pictures taken of a young man standing on the beaches near Fort Ord. That young man was in training to go to the Vietnam War, and also my father. As a Brooklyn native, he had never seen the Pacific Coast until basic training. To this day, he still talks about the beauty of that area California. The Fort Ord/Toro Creek Loop is no longer home to Military personnel. However, its history is still obvious. The area is a virtual playground to military enthusiasts. Pay particular attention to the signs as there are still unexploded land mines.

Gaviota State Park is a California bike ride that will not disappoint. You go through inland valleys and rolling hills, all around the lush farmland of California’s central valley. The trail does have two hills that will be a bit of a challenge but nothing even a casual rider couldn’t handle. The winds, however, can be severe, so make sure you have sunglasses or goggles and try to plan so you are riding with the wind on the way back. It’s a lot more fun that way.

The San Elijo State Park ride is an incredible place for a few reasons. Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are two excellent reasons that make this ride incredible. They are far enough away from the bustle of the city that you may just feel like your in heaven. These are 2 of the most wonderful beaches in the world and well worth the rides.

The Pacific Coast Bike Ride is highly recommended but you want to be a couple of notches better than beginner or at least in pretty good shape. The stretch from San Elijo to Torrey Pines is relatively smooth but the rest can be a challenge. The coastal scenery is too die for and the city of San Diego will have you coming back for more year after year.

If you have the opportunity to bike the coastal regions of California, consider yourself blessed. The coastline seemed to be carved from biking divinity. Though there are too many areas to name in one short article, consider just stopping and picking a trailhead at random. I’m sure there are far more treasures to be discovered.

A good bike ride can do wonders for your body physically and your mind. Bike riding is a great way to get fit and is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Spending time together as a family is always good, especially when everybody has gotten out of the living and doing activities together. These tips will help both you and your family get out more.

1. Vary the routine as often as your schedule allows. If you are riding everyday of the week try to vary the levels of activity. You can ride for speed 2 days a week, and endurance 2 more days a week. The other 3 days can be moderate riding when you include your kids or slower friends and at least 1 day for rest. Rest is very important to any fitness routine. The body needs to recover and resting also makes sure that you continue your regimen.

2. Grab a friend. It has been proven again and again that buddying up will help keep your fitness routine consistent. If you have children, look into bringing them along for your moderate days.

3. Good carbs are very helpful. Carbohydrates have gotten a very bad reputation over the past couple of years but not all carbs should be avoided. Nuts, fruits, and vegetables are good carbs that will give you bursts of energy in the short term. Bread and pasta can be used to store up energy to expend later. The carbs that should be avoided are processed breads and refined sugars. These lead to a spare tire and will counteract what you are trying to achieve by being fit.

4. Drink a lot of water. Adult male bodies can have up to 60 percent water. Adult women usually have a little less, about 55 percent. Either way it is essential to replenish our bodies water supply when we are exercising. Our bodies need to be hydrated and when our muscles know more water is coming they will choose not to retain it. This helps you to lose water weight and stay healthy.

5. Keep a log of what you are eating and where you are riding. Keeping records has always helped me to keep track of my fitness goals, especially when I just getting started. Writing down goals and acheivements triggers a mental response that makes us feel more accountable. A simple google search will bring you lots of different fitness calendars and goal sheets. I highly recommend finding one that works for you.

The tips in this article are designed to keep you riding after you have started. Too many times I have seen beginners get very excited in the beginning and lose interest quickly. That is a shame because bike riding for fitness can be lots of fun and certainly keep you in shape. It is also an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family, which is great for physical and emotional health. So keep on getting out there and enjoy your rides.